Field Observation Essay

The Power of Fashion Communities: Exploring The Fashion Enthusiasts Club on Discord
Genesis Perez
City college
Writing for social science
April 01, 2025
When I joined The Fashion Enthusiasts Club on Discord, I wasn’t expecting much beyond
some style tips or posts about new trends. Instead, I found a community full of knowledge,
passion, creativity, and kindness. Over time, I learned that this server wasn’t just about
fashion—it was about connection, identity, and expression. I saw how fashion brought people
together and gave them a space where they could be themselves. This experience not only taught
me more about fashion but also changed the way I see myself and how I interact with the world
through clothing.
The Discord group is organized into multiple channels, each dedicated to a different area of
fashion. There are spaces for streetwear, high fashion, sustainable clothing, outfit of the day
(OOTD) posts, mood boards, and even feedback on personal designs. At first, I was
overwhelmed by how active and diverse the content was, but it didn’t take long before I began to
appreciate just how much thought and effort people put into every post. To keep up with the
discussions, I did some of my own research—watching videos, looking up designers, and reading
articles that helped me better understand the deeper conversations happening in the server.
What struck me the most was how personal fashion was for each member. Some people
used it to express creativity, while others saw it as a way to process emotions or represent their
culture. In one channel, someone posted a traditional outfit from their heritage and shared the
story behind it. Others reacted with curiosity, support, and questions. This kind of interaction was
common throughout the server—no one ever made anyone feel less for dressing differently or
having a unique style. Instead, there was a sense of unity and mutual respect. Everyone seemed
to understand that fashion was about individuality, and no one’s expression was more or less
valid than someone else’s.
One rabbit hole I went down was the topic of streetwear. I used to think of streetwear as
just hoodies, sneakers, and logos, but the group opened my eyes to its cultural roots. Members
discussed how streetwear was influenced by skateboarding, hip-hop, punk, and Japanese fashion.
Some debated whether brands like Supreme or Off-White had lost their originality by becoming
mainstream, while others argued that the evolution of fashion was natural and necessary. I was
surprised by how thoughtful and in-depth these conversations were. There were even historical
references to how streetwear started as a form of rebellion and identity for marginalized groups. I
realized that what we wear isn’t just about looks—it’s about stories, values, and communities.
Another popular topic in the server was sustainability. Many members were passionate
about reducing waste and making ethical fashion choices. They often posted tips about thrifting,
repairing clothes, supporting small designers, or avoiding fast fashion brands with poor labor
practices. These conversations really made me reflect on my own habits. I had never thought
deeply about how or where my clothes were made, but after reading people’s experiences and
advice, I started rethinking my purchases. One post that stuck with me was from a member who
shared how they only bought five new clothing items a year and focused on reusing what they
had. It was inspiring to see how mindful people could be about something as simple as clothing.
The group also created space for creative expression. Some members were aspiring
designers who posted their sketches, fabric choices, or digital mockups for feedback. Others
shared fashion photography or inspiration boards. Every time someone posted something
personal, the community responded with kindness and constructive suggestions. It wasn’t just
about praise—it was about helping each other improve. That encouragement made the server feel
like more than just a discussion forum; it felt like a space for growth. Being around that kind of
energy made me want to experiment more with my own style and even try sketching outfits,
something I had never considered before.
Over time, I realized that I was becoming more engaged—not just in the conversations, but
in fashion itself. I started thinking more intentionally about what I wore and what I wanted my
clothing to say about me. I used to throw on whatever was comfortable without much thought,
but now I see fashion as an extension of my personality. I don’t follow trends just to fit in;
instead, I try to find pieces that feel true to who I am. The members of The Fashion Enthusiasts
Club inspired me to view fashion as a tool for confidence, creativity, and connection. It helped
me understand that you don’t need expensive brands or the latest trends to express yourself—you
just need the courage to be authentic.
One of the biggest takeaways from this experience was how kind and respectful the online
community was. The internet can often feel like a harsh place, especially when it comes to
appearance, but this server was the opposite. People lifted each other up, gave helpful advice,
and celebrated personal growth. Whether someone posted an outfit they were proud of or asked a
simple question about fabric, the responses were always welcoming. That kind of positive
environment made the learning experience even better. It showed me how powerful a community
can be when it’s built on encouragement rather than judgment.
In conclusion, The Fashion Enthusiasts Club on Discord helped me see fashion in a whole
new way. I used to think fashion was just about picking out clothes or following trends, but now
I understand that it’s much deeper than that. Fashion is a way people express who they are,
where they come from, and what they care about. It can bring people together, spark creativity,
and start conversations that matter.
Being part of this community taught me how powerful fashion really is. I saw how
members used it to share their stories, support each other, and explore different styles and
cultures. It also helped me learn more about myself—like what I enjoy wearing, how I want to
present myself, and how clothing can boost my confidence. I’ve started to think more about the
choices I make with my style and how those choices reflect who I am.
I’m really thankful I found this group. It showed me that fashion doesn’t have to be about
being perfect or expensive—it’s about being real and expressing yourself. I’m excited to keep
learning, trying new things, and growing through fashion. This journey has only just started, and
I can’t wait to see where it takes me.
References
Fashion History Timeline. https://vintagefashionguild.org/resources/fashion-timeline/
Fashion (vogue) https://www.vogue.com/fashion
Also various Pinterest boards

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