IELTS Vocabulary List: Fashion

1. Haute Couture

Explanation: High-end fashion that is custom-fitted and made by hand.

Example: Many celebrities wear haute couture dresses to red carpet events.

2. Sustainable Fashion

Explanation: Clothing and accessories produced with an emphasis on environmental and social responsibility.

Example: Brands promoting sustainable fashion often use organic materials and ethical labor practices.

3. Capsule Wardrobe

Explanation: A collection of essential clothing items that don't go out of fashion and can be mixed and matched.

Example: A capsule wardrobe helps in reducing excess clothing and encourages mindful shopping.

4. Fast Fashion

Explanation: Inexpensive clothing produced rapidly by mass-market retailers in response to the latest trends.

Example: Fast fashion contributes significantly to environmental degradation due to its disposable nature.

5. Ethical Fashion

Explanation: Fashion that prioritizes ethics over profits, including fair labor practices and cruelty-free materials.

Example: Ethical fashion brands are gaining popularity as consumers become more conscious of their shopping choices.

6. Prêt-à-Porter

Explanation: Ready-to-wear clothing produced in standard sizes and available for purchase by the general public.

Example: Prêt-à-porter collections are usually showcased during Fashion Week.

7. Trendsetter

Explanation: A person or thing that establishes a new trend or fashion.

Example: Influencers on social media platforms are often seen as trendsetters in the fashion industry.

8. Off-the-Rack

Explanation: Clothing available in standard sizes and ready for immediate wear.

Example: Most retail stores sell off-the-rack clothing to cater to a wide range of customers.

9. Ensemble

Explanation: A complete outfit, including clothes, accessories, and sometimes shoes, that are worn together.

Example: She wore a stylish ensemble to the gala, complete with matching shoes and jewelry.

10. Bespoke

Explanation: Custom-made clothing tailored to the individual's specifications.

Example: Bespoke suits are often preferred by businessmen for their perfect fit and quality.

11. Minimalism

Explanation: A style that involves only essential elements, characterized by simplicity and functionality.

Example: Minimalism in fashion focuses on clean lines and neutral colors, avoiding unnecessary details.

12. Vintage

Explanation: Clothing or accessories that are at least 20 years old, often characterized by high quality and unique styles.

Example: Vintage shops are popular among fashion enthusiasts looking for rare and distinctive pieces.

13. Chic

Explanation: Stylish and fashionable in an elegant way.

Example: Parisian women are often admired for their effortlessly chic fashion sense.

14. Bohemian

Explanation: A style that incorporates unconventional, artistic, and relaxed elements.

Example: Bohemian fashion often includes flowing fabrics, earthy tones, and eclectic accessories.

15. Avant-Garde

Explanation: Innovative and unconventional fashion that challenges traditional norms.

Example: Avant-garde designers often showcase bold and experimental pieces that provoke thought.

16. Upcycling

Explanation: The process of transforming old or discarded materials into something of higher quality or value.

Example: Upcycling is a sustainable approach to fashion that reduces waste and promotes creativity.

17. Athleisure

Explanation: Casual clothing designed to be worn both for exercising and for general use.

Example: Athleisure has become a major trend, blurring the line between gym wear and everyday fashion.

18. Drape

Explanation: The way fabric hangs or falls on a garment.

Example: The dress was beautifully designed, with a drape that accentuated her figure.

19. Silhouette

Explanation: The outline or general shape of a garment.

Example: The silhouette of the dress was both flattering and modern, making it a hit on the runway.

20. Runway

Explanation: A platform where models walk to showcase a designer’s collection during a fashion show.

Example: The runway was lined with photographers eager to capture the latest fashion trends.

21. Tailoring

Explanation: The craft of designing, cutting, fitting, and finishing clothes.

Example: Good tailoring can transform an ordinary suit into a masterpiece that complements the wearer’s physique.

22. Eco-Friendly Fabrics

Explanation: Textiles that are produced in ways that minimize environmental impact.

Example: Many designers are now opting for eco-friendly fabrics such as organic cotton and bamboo.

23. Editorial Fashion

Explanation: High-fashion photography that appears in magazines, often showcasing avant-garde styles and trends.

Example: Editorial fashion spreads are known for their artistic quality and often set upcoming trends.

24. Street Style

Explanation: Fashion that is inspired by urban culture and everyday wear, often seen in metropolitan areas.

Example: Street style photographers capture the spontaneous and diverse fashion choices of people in cities like New York and Tokyo.

25. Monochrome

Explanation: An outfit composed of one color or shades of one color.

Example: Her monochrome look in shades of blue was both sophisticated and eye-catching.

26. Accessories

Explanation: Items such as jewelry, belts, scarves, and handbags that complement an outfit.

Example: The right accessories can elevate a simple outfit to a stylish ensemble.

27. Fashion Forecasting

Explanation: The practice of predicting upcoming fashion trends based on various influencing factors.

Example: Fashion forecasting involves analyzing data from runways, street fashion, and cultural events.

28. Couture House

Explanation: A fashion house that designs and manufactures haute couture collections.

Example: Chanel is one of the most iconic couture houses in the world, known for its luxurious designs.

29. Ready-to-Wear

Explanation: Clothing that is made in standard sizes and sold through retail outlets.

Example: Ready-to-wear collections are more accessible and affordable compared to haute couture.

30. Color Palette

Explanation: The range of colors used in a particular design or collection.

Example: This season's color palette includes vibrant hues of red, orange, and pink, reflecting a cheerful mood.