ENGLISH IDIOMS AND THE WORLD OF FASHION

ENGLISH IDIOMS AND THE WORLD OF FASHION0 2/10/12

The language of fashion is often as creative and diverse as the garments it describes. However, there are a number of English idioms that pop up again and again when talking about clothing and trends. The following list entails 32 of them: 

1. au courant
The term au courant refers to ❛something that is up-to-date and/or reflects the latest styles and trends❜. 
Example: Fashion magazines are full of glamorous pictures of au courant clothing and accessories.

2. avant-garde
When something is avant-garde, it is ❛very modern and revolutionary❜.
Example: What one person might describe as avant-garde, another might find over-the-top and silly.

3. blast from the past
The English idiom a blast from the past refers to ❛something that makes you think of the past❜.
Example: These polyester jumpsuits are a real blast from the past. My mother wore similar ones in the 1970s.

4. can’t hold a candle to someone/something
When something can’t hold a candle to someone or something, he, she or it is ❛not as good❜ in comparison.
Example: This season’s fashion show can’t hold a candle to those from last year. It was phenomenal.

5. to blaze a trail /to be a trailblazer
Someone who blazes a trail, i.e. a trailblazer, is ❛a leader or revolutionary in a certain field❜ .
Example: Is Lady Gaga a fashion trailblazer?

6. cheap and cheerful
Clothing that ❛does not cost much but is attractive❜ can be described as cheap and cheerful.
Example: If you like cheap and cheerful fashion, this clothing line is the right one for you.

7. Clothes make the man.
This English idiom implies that ❛people will judge you by your clothes❜, i.e. good clothes will make people respect you more.
Example: Why did Sam go to the job interview looking like that? Doesn’t he know that clothes make the man?

8. fashion victim
A fashion victim is ❛someone who wears fashionable clothes even when they do not look good on him❜.
Example: Those capri pants might be in style, but they don’t look good on you, Louise. Don’t be a fashion victim!

9. free and easy
The term free and easy refers to something that is ❛unconstrained and informal❜, i.e. the opposite of stiff and formal.
Example: This summer’s designs are free and easy.

10. fashion faux pas
A fashion faux pas is ❛a fashion mistake❜.
Example: Wearing green and yellow tennis shoes to the wedding was a fashion faux pas that Bernice will never forget.

11. to be a cut above
Something that is a cut above is ❛superior❜ or ❛better❜ than something else.
Example: The workmanship of this dress is a cut above.

12. to be a slave to fashion
Someone who is a slave to fashion is ❛someone who wears clothes and accessories solely because they are in style❜.
Example: Too many people are slaves to fashion. Forget about trends - wear what looks good on you!

13. to be all the rage
Something that is all the rage is something that is ❛in❜ or ❛currently fashionable❜.
Example: Floor-length dresses are the latest rage.

14. to be dressed to the nines
When you are dressed to the nines, you are ❛wearing fashionable, fancy or attractive clothes that make you look very good❜.
Example: Did you see Beverly at last night’s reception? She was dressed to the nines.

15. to be in (style)
When something is in or is in style, it is ❛fashionable at the moment❜.
Example: I didn’t know that harem pants were in last year.

16. to be striking / stunning
When something is striking or is stunning, it ❛attracts attention because it is exceptionally beautiful, different or unusual❜.
Example: The blouse’s asymmetrical neckline is stunning.

17. to be out (of style)
When something is out or is out of style, it is ❛no longer fashionable❜.
Example: I didn’t know that harem pants are out this year.

18. to catch on
The English idiom to catch on means ❛to become popular or fashionable❜.
Example: A-line skirts have really caught on, although I, personally, prefer pencil skirts.

19. to catch someone’s eye / to be eye-catching
If something catches your eye or is eye-catching, it is ❛exceptionally attractive or noticeable❜.
Example: This year’s bright colors are very eye-catching.

20. to come into fashion
If something comes into fashion, ❛it becomes fashionable❜.
Example: He wondered whether leather hats will come into fashion again.




21. to cut a fine figure
If you cut a fine figure,you ❛look good and cause others to admire your appearance❜.
Example: Bruce cut a fine figure in his new black suit.

22. to dance to someone else’s tune
Someone who dance’s to someone else’s tune ❛does what he is told or in the same way that others have done before him❜.
Example: A revolutionary designer does not dance to anyone else’s tune. He dances to his own tune.

23. to each his / her own
The idiom to each his own means that ❛people have different tastes❜.
Example: In my opinion, the colors were not complementary. To each his own, I guess.

24. to fit like a glove
When something ❛fits very well❜ or ❛ fits perfectly❜, it fits like a glove.
Example: Her wedding dress fit like a glove 3 months before the wedding, but it needed to be let out just before the ceremony.

25. to go out of fashion
When a style our item of clothing goes out of fashion, it is ❛no longer fashionable❜.
Example: Shoulder pads went out of fashion in the late 1980s.

26. to go overboard (on something)
The expression to go overboard (on something) means ❛to use or do too much of something❜.
Example: I love, glamor and shine, but it is not a good idea to go overboard on the glitter.

27. to have had its day
When something has had its day, it is ❛old, no longer useful, no longer successful or outdated❜. In the world of fashion, this expression could apply to a piece of clothing, a trend or a person working in the industry.
Example: I think that Dad’s checkered suit has had its day. It’s time to buy a new one.

28. to have had one’s fill of something
If you have had your fill of something, you ❛have had too much of it and don’t like it anymore❜.
Example: I have had my fill of pastel colors. From now on, I only want to wear black.

29. to make a fashion statement
If you make a fashion statement, you ❛wear something that expresses your personal taste and/or is attention-grabbing❜.
Example: Michael’s pink plaid pants made a fashion statement at work last week.

30. to turn heads / to be head-turning
When something or someone turns heads or is head-turning, it ❛gets people’s attention❜.
Example: The designer’s polka-dot patterns and bright colors were head-turning.

31. to work wonders
The English idiom to work wonders means ❛to improve something a lot❜.
Example: That style works wonders for your figure. You look fabulous!

32. yesterday’s news
The expression yesterday’s news refers to ❛something that everyone already knows❜ or ❛something that no one is interested in anymore❜.
Example: These bold patterns are yesterday’s news. Today, people are wearing solids in subtle colors.

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