Fashion and identity: the influence of style on personal identity

Abstract

This article explores the influence of fashion on the construction of personal identity, especially among young women. Using a qualitative approach and descriptive research, it analyzes how personal style functions as a tool of nonverbal expression that reflects emotions, values, moods, and social belongings. The study is based on theories such as Pierre Bourdieu's distinction and Zygmunt Bauman's liquid identity, in addition to interviews with young women between the ages of 14 and 35 living in Cúcuta, Colombia.

The results demonstrate that fashion is more than aesthetic: it is a form of communication that influences self-esteem, psychological well-being, and authenticity. Although there are social and cultural pressures such as social media or beauty standards, many people make a conscious choice about their style, preferring emotional comfort and maintaining their essence. Furthermore, the study recognizes the role of fashion in the preservation and expression of cultural identity, especially in different contexts such as Colombia.