CLOTHES AND FASHION
A) Clothes selection (fashion, age, taste, mood, possibilities), clothes maintenance
B) Clothes and accessories for different occasions
C) Influence of weather and climate on clothing
D) Fashion trends, branded clothes
E) Judging people according to clothes
1. What clothes are you wearing now?
2. Who do dress up for?
3. Explain the old saying “Clothes make the man”.
Fashion is the way people dress in a certain period of time. Sometimes, it is quite difficult to say what is trendy or what is out of fashion[1]. Styles, cuts[2], designs and length of clothes change very quickly nowadays.
People have different attitudes to[3] fashion. Some of them do not care what they wear, others are very choosy[4]. They like to spend a fortune on new clothes in clothes shops and boutiques called after fashion designers or famous people. On the other hand, there are people who are not interested in[5] fashion. They wear clothes according to[6] their own style. Finally, there are people who cannot afford[7] to buy expensive brand name clothes[8] but want to be “in” therefore they buy imitations in markets or second – hand shops.
Fashion can be a way of self – expression[9], especially for the young people. They show their mood[10], interests and attitudes[11] through styles, colours, patterns[12] and accessories[13]. Many young people try to follow the latest trends[14] in fashion, watching fashion shows and reading fashion magazines. Some teenagers buy clothes in expensive shops and boutiques to be “in”. The most popular clothes among the young are jeans. Different styles and cuts of jeans have been worn by generation after generation.
The way we dress depends on[15] our taste, on the season and the proper occasion[16]. In summer we prefer light and airy materials. We wear short – sleeved[17] shirts, sleeveless shirts, loose[18] blouse, T-shirts, skirts, shorts, sandals and slippers[19]. When we go swimming we put on a swimming costume. In winter warmer materials are preferred. Sweaters, jumpers, pullovers, jackets, polo necks, cardigans, coats, gloves, hats, scarves and boots are worn.
When we go to the theatre, public parties, balls and banquets we prefer to be dressed up[20]. Ladies wear ball dresses, shoes, accessories and jewellery such as necklace, bracelet, earrings and rings. Gentlemen usually wear a dark suit, a white shirt with cuff links, a bow tie and dark shoes.
Not only special occasions require[21] special clothes. Professionals such as police, the armed forces, health workers, workers of a certain firm wear uniforms. It is a tradition in some private British schools children have to wear uniforms. The main reason[22] why they have to wear them is to hide[23] social and financial differences among children.
The perfect outfit is not only achieved[24] through clothes. Hair is another important part of our image. Nowadays, we have a great freedom in hairstyles and colours. Many people grow their hair long, have highlights done, while others have very short, spiky[25] and often dyed[26] hair.
If we want to wear clothes for a long time, they all require special care. We should follow the washing and ironing instructions, which are on the clothes labels[27] because some of them require dry cleaning or must be washed only by hand. If we are not sure how to care about our clothes, the best thing to do is to go to a laundrette and have them washed and ironed there.
Answer these questions:
1. Why is it important to look good?
2. How is clothing connected to weather?
3. What do men and women wear for special occasions?
4. Why do people go to tailors?
5. Do colours play an important role in choice of your clothes?
6. How often do you buy clothes?
7. Which piece of clothing is your most favourite? Why and when do you wear it?
8. What do people usually wear in summer and in winter?
9. ROLEPLAY:
STUDENT: You decided to buy a new pair of jeans. You spent a lot of time looking for them and finally you bought a pair you just love. On your way home, however, you discovered a problem with them. You decided to take your jeans back and ask for a refund.
INTERLOCUTOR: You work in a second-hand shop. You think that all your customers know that the products are not perfect or of high quality. You do not want to take any items back or give a refund. The prices in your shop are low and your profit is low too.
Describe these pictures:
[1] to be out of fashion – byť staromódne
[2] cut – strih oblečenia, vlasov
[3] to have attitude to sth – mať postoj k niečomu
[4] choosy - vyberavý
[5] to be inetersted in – zaujímať sa o
[6] according to - podľa
[7] to afford – dovoliť si finančne
[8] brand name clothes – značkové oblečenie
[9] way of self expression – spôsob vyjadrenia sa
[10] mood - nálada
[11] attitude - postoj
[12] pattern - vzor
[13] accessories – módne doplnky
[14] to folow the latest trends – nasledovať posledné trendy
[15] to depend on – závisieť na
[16] proper occassion – vhodná príležitosť
[17] short-sleeved – skrátkym rukávom
[18] loose – voľný
[19] slippers - papuče
[20] to be dressed up – byť nahodený, vyobliekaný
[21] require - vyžadovať
[22] the main reason – hlavný dôvod
[23] to hide the differences – zakryť rozdiely
[24] to achieve - dosiahnuť
[25] spiky - ježatý
[26] dyed - zafarbené
[27] label - vysačka