From the beginning of time, fashion has been comprised of symbols. From corsets and frilly umbrellas to white wedding dresses, each style is symbolic. Throughout history, these different symbols have explained everything from social class to sexuality. In today's culture, people can wear almost anything regardless of social norms that portray symbols.

When we don't live in the clouds, we notice how others choose to express themselves through clothing. We may find it shrewd or not care at all. Whether we realize it, we are inundated with many symbols everyday, clothing being the most apparent. Clothing symbols may seem unimportant and even materialistic, but they are ingrained in our culture. Like many collective symbols, they can frightfully fall victim to stereotypes.

Several factors within our society influence fashion. The most obvious influences are media, status, environment, ethnicity and anti-conformist conformism. Our current media culture is rich in symbols, from Grateful Dead t-shirts to aviator sunglasses. Because media are everywhere, it is feasible for the trends dictated by popular media to influence fashion. This does not mean that there cannot be individuality within this influence, but it does mean that symbols from particular media can be overplayed. Status symbols also tie into media influence, with celebrities such as Jessica Simpson strictly wearing brand name items. Brand names can especially stereotype or label individuals. It can be obvious or subtle, but the look of the brand name symbolizes an individual's personal style.

Wearing certain brand names that contribute to a typecast is a prevalent clothing trend on our campus. Not everyone does this, yet it is so widespread that I felt it was worth exploring.

I conducted a social experiment, choosing the role of a "brand name whore." True Religion, Moschino, Juicy Couture, Lacoste, Tiffany's, North Face and Coach took to the streets of Madison. I asked random people on the street what stereotype my clothes would fall under and heard some interesting responses. One girl told me that I looked like a "coastie." Another told me that I looked like I was "trying too hard." Ironically enough, the next person I asked told me I looked "cute."

There were obvious status stereotypes that I fit with my use of "brand overload," but I couldn't help but be intrigued by the girl who told me I looked "cute." This response represents stereotypes influenced by environment. The environment we are raised in doesn't necessarily mean that we exhibit that style. Many people I know have kept their style of origin, but many others do not. Some people attend college and develop a different personal style. I know girls whom were raised in rural Wisconsin, not exposed to high fashion, whom now fit a different uniform. Those who truly respect the style of their heritage, whether in America or elsewhere, fall into stereotypes as well. The most prominent examples are from the multi-cultural students on campus. This pertains especially to people from high-density style powerhouses such as Tokyo, who dress in clothes that most Americans do not know or even appreciate. This is because most Americans do not venture outside the mother ship and can't understand truly diverse fashion. Those who are from areas in America such as New York City wear clothes that are also influenced by a more urban environment. Some people would call it "street clothing" but I would rather refer to it as urban flavor. This "urban flavor" is usually the result of many different ethnicities interacting with one another in a populated area. Symbols are generated from this type of dress and can be also boxed into a stereotype.

The final influence that can stereotype personal style is the anti-conformist conformist attitude. These people want to be so different from cultural influences that they end up embodying the same style. They refuse to wear nouveau brand names and stick to vintage style, usually from thrift stores. I respect the idea of being original but, again, not to complete excess. It makes this style of the same caliber as the brand overload — in excess. This extensive use of symbols in one specific influence makes stereotypes too prevalent. To be unique means drawing from many different symbols to find where you fit. Again, some people may be comfortable representing themselves through a typecast or a "stereotypical" influence. There is nothing wrong with being comfortable in what you choose to wear. It is just interesting to note that everyone is different yet might not symbolize his or her originality through clothing.

I preach originality off the rooftops, but I realized that the college niche can't ever be truly original. We are all the same relative age, going through the daily grind together. It is easy to wear clothes that identify you to a group, style or look. It is a predetermined thing for some people. Whether it is imitation, it starts at the purchase of clothes that fit the mold. The issue is not the mold but the lack in diversity of self. It isn't easy to be different or fashionably stand out alone. No one has to be unique, but everyone definitely should try. Without the diversity of symbols, we would live in a flat world. I am not calling for utopia but maybe a culture of more assorted flavors.

Melissa Eisenberg is a sophomore planning to major in journalism. She can be reached for question or comment at [email protected].