IELTS Fashion vocabulary

Enhancing your IELTS score involves more than just understanding the basics; it's about showcasing a diverse vocabulary. If you have an interest in fashion, integrating fashion-related vocabulary into your study routine can be a game-changer. This specialised lexicon will not only make your speaking and writing responses stand out but also demonstrate your ability to use a wide range of topics effectively. Read this blog to learn key fashion vocabulary for IELTS which can help you improve your performance and set you apart from other test-takers.

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Importance of using fashion vocabulary in IELTS test

In the IELTS test, a strong command of vocabulary is crucial for achieving a high score. One way to enhance your performance, particularly in the Speaking and Writing sections, is by using rich vocabulary related to specific topics, such as fashion. Including rich fashion vocabulary in your IELTS test responses can significantly enhance the clarity and sophistication of your responses in the IELTS test. Below are examples of how using a wide range of fashion vocabulary can make a difference in your responses.

Speaking tasks:

1. Expressing opinions:

Instead of saying, "I like simple clothes," you could say, "I prefer casual outfits for their comfort and ease."
Instead of saying, "Fashion is important," you could say, "Fashion plays a significant role in self-expression and personal identity."

2. Describing clothing and style:

Instead of saying, "She was wearing a nice dress," you could say, "She was wearing a stylish dress with floral patterns."
Instead of saying, "He likes new styles," you could say, "He enjoys experimenting with trendy and contemporary styles."

Writing tasks

Task 1 (Academic):

Instead of saying, "The graph shows more people buy old clothes," you could say, "The graph indicates an increase in the popularity of vintage clothing."
Instead of saying, "More people buy expensive clothes," you could say, "There is a growing trend of consumers purchasing high-end, designer apparel."

Task 2 (Academic and General Training):

Instead of saying, "People buy clothes to show their status," you could say, "Many individuals purchase designer brands to showcase their social status and wealth."
Instead of saying, "Fast fashion is bad for the environment," you could say, "The fast fashion industry significantly contributes to environmental pollution due to its unsustainable production practices."

List of IELTS fashion vocabulary

Here is the list of fashion vocabulary words with meaning and examples for your IELTS test to score higher:

Fashion vocabulary word	Meaning	Example
Haute couture	High-end fashion design that is constructed by hand from start to finish.	She wore a stunning haute couture dress to the gala.
Chic	Elegantly and stylishly fashionable.	Her chic outfit turned heads at the party.
Trendy	Very fashionable or up to date.	Those trendy sneakers are popular among teens.
Couture	The design and manufacture of fashionable clothes to a client's specific requirements.	The couture collection was a hit at Paris Fashion Week.
Accessory	An item that adds to the overall outfit, such as a handbag or scarf.	Her accessories perfectly complemented her dress.
Avant-garde	New and unusual or experimental ideas in fashion.	The avant-garde designs at the show were eye-catching.
Vintage	Clothing from a previous era, is often considered classic and high quality.	She loves shopping for vintage clothes at thrift stores.
Fabric	Material used to make clothes, such as cotton, silk, or wool.	The dress was made from a luxurious silk fabric.
Silhouette	The shape or outline of a garment.	The dress had a flattering silhouette.
Ensemble	A complete outfit of clothing and accessories.	Her ensemble was perfectly coordinated.
Embellishment	Decorative details or features added to a garment.	The dress was adorned with intricate embellishments.
Bohemian	A style that is unconventional and artistic, often incorporating natural fabrics.	She has a bohemian style with lots of flowy dresses.
Bespoke	Made to order for a specific customer.	He ordered a bespoke suit for the wedding.
Capsule wardrobe	A small collection of essential, timeless clothing items.	She created a capsule wardrobe to simplify her fashion choices.
Drape	The way a piece of fabric hangs or falls.	The fabric draped beautifully over her figure.
Fashion-forward	Ahead of the current trends in fashion.	His fashion-forward sense of style always gets noticed.
Garment	An item of clothing.	She folded the garment neatly and placed it in her drawer.
Haute	High fashion, is often associated with haute couture.	She enjoys keeping up with the latest haute trends.
Minimalist	A style that uses simplicity and minimalism in fashion.	Her minimalist wardrobe is full of clean lines and neutral colours.
Prêt-à-porter	Ready-to-wear clothing produced in standard sizes.	The prêt-à-porter collection was affordable and stylish.
Seamstress	A woman who sews, especially one who earns a living by sewing.	She hired a seamstress to alter her dress.
Tailored	Clothes that are fitted and shaped to the body's contours.	He prefers tailored suits for a more polished look.
Textile	A type of cloth or woven fabric.	The textile industry is a major part of the economy.
Vogue	The prevailing fashion or style at a particular time.	Her designs are always in vogue.
Wardrobe	A person's entire collection of clothes.	She has a wardrobe full of stylish outfits.
Aesthetic	A set of principles underlying and guiding the work of a particular artist or designer.	Her aesthetic is influenced by vintage styles.
Trendsetter	A person who leads the way in fashion or ideas.	She is a trendsetter in the fashion industry.
Garment district	A neighbourhood where fashion design and manufacturing are concentrated.	The garment district is bustling with activity.
Style icon	A person who is well-known for their fashion sense.	Audrey Hepburn is a timeless style icon.
Fashionista	A person who is very interested in and knowledgeable about fashion.	She is known as a fashionista among her friends.

Fashion-related questions asked in the IELTS Speaking test

Here are some example questions related to fashion that might be asked in the IELTS Speaking test as a topic:

Part 1: Introduction and interview

Do you enjoy shopping for clothes?
What types of clothes do you like to wear?
How often do you buy new clothes?
Do you follow fashion trends?
Have your clothing preferences changed over the years?

Part 2: Long turn (Cue card)

Describe a piece of clothing you like to wear.

You should say:

What it is
When you wear it
Where you bought it
And explain why you like wearing it

Part 3: Discussion

How has fashion changed in your country over the last few decades?
Do you think fashion is important in our society?
How does fashion impact people's lives?
What role do designers and fashion shows play in the fashion industry?
Do you think people in different age groups dress differently?

Hope these fashion vocabulary words improve your language skills and help you effectively discuss fashion-related questions asked in your IELTS exam. We recommend you include these words in your learning to score a high band in the IELTS test.

If you want to know more about the IELTS test, you can get in touch with your nearest IDP IELTS test centre. Our team of IELTS experts will guide you with all your doubts.

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