Update from Teryn

China is the most economically stable country in the world and everyone knows that. However, what most people don't know is that their fashion sense is one of the best in the world as well. In the two weeks that I have been in China, I have seen more fashion trends than I ever did in America. Some of the outfits range from calm, cool, and casual to straight out Lady Gaga. The people in China have a similar taste to our own: ombré hair, ripped jeans, bomber jackets, and popular sneakers like Adidas and Nikes. They also have unique trends like purple hair, long trench coats, platform sneakers, and shorts with leggings. Some people dress traditionally and still sell silk shirts and dresses and some people dress more modern with skinny jeans and wear Louis Vuitton or MCM. For the most part, their trends are rather interesting.

One unique thing you'll see is people wear a variety of different clothes, that don't seem to fit the setting. For example, while we were climbing Mountain Taishan and riding bikes on the City Wall, there were women with tight jeans, high heels, designer bags, and full faces of makeup. While it was raining and felt like less than 50 degrees, there were people with shorts and sandals. Lastly, while we were in school some kids actually wore regular clothes instead of their uniforms. I figure that this represents how they try to show their personality whenever and wherever possible.

The citizens of China are not afraid to express themselves through their clothing. In America, a lot of our fashion choices are similar to one another and we all tend to look alike. After visiting China, I noticed that no matter where you are the fashion choices are always different! I was rather shocked when I saw how modern their sense of style was despite their long history of strictly traditional practices. There was a time in Chinese history where women weren't allowed to wear anything but their traditional long robes. Therefore, it is satisfying to see how the fashion industry has taken over and inspires people to show who they are and what they like through articles of clothing. They also inspire people like myself to be different and give my wardrobe an update as well!