Foreign Fashion: A Reflection of Culture and Inner Work

When I arrived in Croatia to buy our sailboat, I didn’t expect my wardrobe to be one of the things to spark self-reflection.

Growing up in Los Angeles, what I wore was performative, a way to navigate the unspoken rules of image and status that defined the city. 

In rural Canada, function became the priority. My wardrobe shifted to practicality, shaped by the environment rather than perception. $20 rain boots from Mark’s were a common accessory.

By the time I moved to Austin, TX, I thought I had evolved past those extremes. I believed my wardrobe reflected me, a form of self-expression that felt authentic. 

But walking the streets of Split, Croatia surrounded by women in sleek, fitted clothing, I felt an unexpected pang of insecurity.

It was the realization that my relaxed style, which I thought reflected inner confidence, might instead be another response to cultural trends from back home. 

This moment reminded me that what we wear carries layers of meaning: cultural, psychological, and even the inner work we think we have or haven’t done. Our clothing acts as a mirror, reflecting both who we are and the societies we belong to or aspire to belong to.

‍

Fashion as a Cultural Code

Fashion is a silent language, speaking volumes about the values, beliefs, and histories of the cultures that create it. 

In Split, tailored and form-fitting styles might align with traditional ideas of femininity. Meanwhile, in parts of the U.S., there has been a growing embrace of more relaxed, oversized styles. This shift may reflect a broader cultural trend toward comfort and fluidity.

Neither approach is better or worse. They are different ways of navigating identity and societal expectations that’s worth exploring. 

In Split, the emphasis on polished attire may stem from a cultural tradition of presenting oneself with care and pride. It was refreshing to see people of all ages dressed impeccably, with fresh haircuts, even on a casual grocery run.

By contrast, relaxed clothing trends in the U.S. may symbolize a desire for freedom, both literal and metaphorical, or the influence of movements questioning traditional gender roles. 

What is fascinating is how these cultural codes shape us, often without us realizing it. 

Wearing something that feels out of sync with the local culture can create a curious sense of “otherness,” a reminder that you are, in fact, a visitor. 

But it can also serve as a chance to reflect. Do your clothing choices truly reflect your identity, or are they a reaction to what’s familiar back home?

It’s important to also acknowledge that individual style exists within the larger framework of the global fashion industry. It’s a powerful machine that dictates trends and, by extension, cultural values that manifests differently across regions.

‍

The Psychology of Dressing

The relationship between fashion and identity is deeply personal, yet universally relatable. 

What we wear not only influences how others perceive us but also how we see ourselves.

Psychologists call this enclothed cognition, the idea that clothing impacts our psychological processes. Wearing formal clothing can enhance feelings of competence, while casual attire might foster relaxation or approachability.

But clothing also exposes our vulnerabilities. 

My insecurities in Croatia weren’t really about the clothes themselves but about what they represented. I assumed my preference for relaxed styles meant I had transcended societal expectations, yet here I was, feeling unexpectedly exposed.

This made me wonder how much of my style is truly my own, and how much is shaped by the fashion industry or cultural narratives I have absorbed without question.

Even when we think we are expressing our truest selves, we might still be responding to invisible pressures. The desire to fit in, stand out, or align with a specific identity often has less to do with just a favorite pair of pants and more to do with navigating societal norms.

‍

Becoming a Yachty: What Will I Wear Now?

Now that I am stepping into the world of liveaboard life, I find myself asking new questions about style and belonging. When I become a full time yachty, will I unconsciously adopt the real sailor aesthetic? Or will I resist entirely and stick to my current style, however dysfunctional?

Fashion might seem irrelevant in this context. Mostly on a boat you’re wearing the same thing every day. But I don’t think these are trivial questions. 

Fashion, even in niche communities like sailing, often acts as a signifier, helping people navigate group identity and belonging. 

Choosing whether to conform, blend, or stand out within this new world feels like another exciting layer of reflection on who I am and how I wish to show up.

‍

Are We Dressing for Others or Ourselves?

I’d submit that to do BOTH is the right answer. As much as the pirate in me doesn’t want to admit it.

Clothing exists at the intersection of art and utility, self-expression and societal expectation.

What struck me in Europe was how quickly I had conflated one culture’s approach to fashion with progress and another’s with tradition. In reality, both are evolving systems shaped by unique histories and values.

There will be times when being too “out there” can actually be disrespectful, even dangerous, in certain cultures. Just as the prestige of a boat’s country flag can impact how you’re received in a port, what you wear can help you navigate a new place with greater ease. 

Fashion can act as a bridge, allowing you to connect with your surroundings and demonstrate a subtle respect for the cultural norms around you.

As I continue to explore these questions, I am learning to see fashion as yet another tool in my back pocket to explore myself and learn more about the world around me. 

‍