American musician and actor Darren Criss frequently discusses his opinions on fashion from a distinct angle. Fashion, in his opinion, is more about feeling good about what you're wearing than it is about showing off pricey brands or following trends.
According to Criss, the real test of fashion is how well a person owns their attire, regardless of whether they are wearing expensive designer clothing or something much more basic from a nearby retailer. He refers to "owning" an outfit as embracing and expressing oneself through clothing without worrying about approval from others or adhering to rigid industry standards.
Think of fashion as a river, with each person navigating its currents like a boat. While some boats may be decked out in glistening decorations, others may transport straightforward but significant goods. Criss believes that how well you navigate the river of fashion is what really matters, regardless of how ostentatious and costly your boat is or how modest and understated it is.
Regardless of material costs or social expectations, this philosophy encourages people to embrace their individual style and feel good about themselves. It advocates for a more inclusive and individual approach to dressing up by elevating self-expression above flimsy norms.