Discover the Best Fashion Classes Near Me
Are you the type of person who is always on top of the latest trends? Do you often find yourself buying new clothing as the seasons change, looking for that perfect piece that will stand out on social media? If the answer to these questions is yes, then you already have an idea of what fashion is. Whether you are experienced in the world of trendy clothes or you are just starting to learn, fashion is generally defined as a type of self-expression and autonomy that allows a person to try on many roles in life. There is a global industry that centers around anticipating what consumers will wear and how they want to present themselves to others. Anyone can change their style at any time, and anyone can learn the art of fashion.
Why You Should Learn Fashion
Learning fashion skills can serve as a form of stress relief, especially if you have a busy life that is occupied with work or school. It can also allow you to be productive during your free time, which you might spend studying trends, visiting stores, or coming up with content ideas to post to social media. By learning fashion, you can even help others who perhaps do not have the eye for outfits and trends that you do create outfits that they will love.
Once you learn the basics of fashion, you will discover that there is a global community that loves fashion, both as a hobby and in a professional sense. It might be a good idea to research local clubs, groups, events, and organizations where you can meet others that are interested in fashion. Just bear in mind that these groups are generally for social purposes, and not so people who are more experienced with fashion can teach a beginner.
Lastly, you may be able to put your love of fashion on your resume. Think about it: if you learn how to make outfits that are visually appealing, you could easily take that one step further and start a side hustle where you dress customers for a fee. And if your love of fashion rolls over into getting crafty, a little time with a needle and thread could lead to you making your own customized clothing pieces that you could sell online or in-person.
5 Ways to Learn Fashion
The idea of learning fashion may seem overwhelming at first, but it does not have to be difficult and you do not have to do it on your own. When you first start on your fashion journey, it may be intimidating to try and figure out what sorts of garments go together, and how you can make a statement with clothing. Many people who are new to fashion may get discouraged if they cannot make outfits that others find appealing on their first few tries, or when they realize that it is much harder to predict or follow trends than they thought. This is why in-person fashion classes are the ideal way to learn the art of fashion: they give you an up close and personal demonstration of what fashion is and how to take advantage of it, and your instructor can give you real-time feedback while answering your questions.
Live online fashion classes are also a great way to learn fashion without having to commute to a class. They are accessible to almost anyone, which is good because not everyone has an in-person fashion class that is close to them. And even though they take place online, a live online fashion class still features a live instructor who can answer your questions and give you assistance in real-time. This type of feedback is incredibly valuable and makes live online fashion classes the next best option to learn fashion.
Self-paced or on-demand fashion classes, such as those found on YouTube, can also be a good option especially if you do not want to invest money in learning fashion right away. Learning fashion may still require you to purchase some materials. These self-paced or on-demand fashion classes allow you to learn as quickly or as slowly as you want, and you can utilize them around your schedule rather than having to attend a class on a certain day, at a certain time. Fashion classes like these are great for people with busy schedules, or those who have demanding jobs or children
Learning about fashion from someone you know, like a relative or friend, may be another option. This is largely dependent on your schedule as well as the schedule of the other person, and whether their personal taste in fashion is similar to or different from your own. There are many different types of fashion, and the kind that your friend or loved one is familiar with may not be the one you would like to learn. That being said, this can be an excellent way to learn foraging while also allowing you to spend time in the company of someone you are close to.
There are fashion groups that you could attend as a beginner, but be aware that many people in fashion groups are looking for socialization, not to teach someone else the skill of fashion. With that in mind, fashion groups can be a good place to learn new information about fashion trends, or discover ideas for your own outfits; they are not necessarily the best place to learn fashion if you are just starting out. The exception to that rule is if the group specifically states that they welcome beginners, or that someone in the group is looking to teach beginners.
In-Person Fashion Classes
If you would like to learn about fashion in-person, CourseHorse can connect you with classes that will help you discover more about the industry. For example, if you live in New York City, you can attend Kids: Barbie Fashion Design at Creatively Wild Art Studio Dumbo in Brooklyn. This class is perfect for children who cannot get enough of fashion, and you will learn how to design outfits and draw with confidence. Another option is Creating a Fashion Tech Pack, which is offered by 383 Design Studio. This class teaches you the three essential elements of a good fashion tech pack and why they are important to the creation of well-fitting garments. Lastly, Teens: Portfolio Preparation for Applications is put on by Creatively Wild Art Studio Dumbo in Brooklyn. This class is perfect if you are working on a portfolio to apply for an arts program, because it will allow you to create a unique body of work while enjoying the support and guidance of a qualified instructor.
In Los Angeles, Fashion Pattern Making I is offered at Los Angeles City College. This hands-on class introduces you to the world of fashion pattern making, and teaches you how to make your own garments and patterns by using step-by-step techniques. InDesign Bootcamp is offered at Training Connection, and may be useful if you are planning on making your fashion designs using Adobe InDesign. This all levels class will take you from an InDesign beginner to an expert over a series of five sessions that teach you everything you need to know about the software. Atomic Tailor Studios puts on Patternmaking for Fashion Design, a class for those who are new to making patterns or who have used commercial patterns in the past. You will start from the beginning with how to take proper measurements, and then move on to learning how to draft your first pattern.
If you are in the Chicago area, Fashion Illustration (Ages 12-14) is offered at the Evanston Art Center in Evanston. In this five session course, you will learn how to draw fashion figures and illustrate your own fashion designs using a variety of materials. Sewing Fashion Design Summer Camp takes place at Sew Anastasia, and over the course of five sessions you will develop all of the skills you need to start your fashion design sewing journey. All supplies are included, and this class is perfect for both brand new and developing sewers. Sewing Skills: Beginner (Westmont) is put on by TLD Design Center & Gallery in Westmont over a series of four sessions. You will learn basic sewing skills needed for fashion, fiber art, and textile design projects, including how to sew corners and curves.
In Boston, Wearable Art Fashion Camp takes place at the Milton Art Center in Milton. This class brings together art and fashion in unexpected ways, taking inspiration from worldly artists and a variety of materials to create wearable artwork. Saturday Open Studio: Fashioning The Self is offered by the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum. This class uses hands-on creative experimentation to explore how we use arts to fashion our personal identities. Over two sessions, Fashion Illustration at the Arsenal Center For The Arts in Watertown will help you develop your own style and unique designs, along with various techniques for illustrating your fashion.
In Charlotte, you can take Couture Fashion at Lore Emelio LLC. This course is an interactive investigation into the spectacular world of Haute Couture. It explores the history of the subject as well as designer profiles and materials used. Summer Jr Designers: Clothes 101 is also put on by Lore Emelio LLC, and explores different categories and styles of clothing. You will learn about design ideas while enhancing creative drawing skills. Teen Designers: Fashion Template is also put on by Lore Emelio LLC, and will show you how to get your fashion ideas down on paper. You will learn basic techniques about creating a figure and clothes, and engage in hands-on exercises.
In Denver, you can attend Fashion Sewing for Teens & Tweens at Creative Lab in Boulder. This class teaches you the ins and outs of working with a pattern and how to put it together from start to finish.
Virtual Fashion Classes
Taking an online fashion class might seem daunting at first, but much like in-person fashion classes, they have their pros and cons. One good thing about taking a virtual fashion class is that you can attend it from anywhere. That means you can work on your fashion project in the comfort of your own home, at the beach, or even in a coffee shop–wherever you are comfortable. You also do not have to commute to a classroom, which saves both money and time. The biggest con about taking an online fashion class is that you generally have to supply your own materials and equipment.
If you are interested in online fashion classes, CourseHorse has options that will work for you. For example, How to Start Your Fashion Company: Design Your Line is a live online course offered by M SHOP. This all levels class offers you firsthand expertise on how to set up your fashion business, and will show you how to go from an idea in your mind to physical designs in your hands.
Another M SHOP offering is How to Manufacture Your Clothing + Accessories Lines, which will tell you everything you need to know about creating a physical product on a larger scale. Your instructor teaches at premier fashion institutions, so you know you are in good hands.
How to Start Your Fashion Company: E-Comm + Boutique by M SHOP is a live online offering that will take you from concept to owning your own fashion shop. There are tips and tricks taught for both online and physical stores, depending on your interests and who the audience is for your designs.
How to Become a Fashion Stylist is a live online class from M SHOP that delves into how to break into the business of fashion as a stylist. You will learn more about how the industry works and what you need to do in order to make yourself stand out.
How to Produce a Fashion Show/Pop Up is yet another M SHOP class that is taught by an instructor who has helped produce Fashion Week shows as well as events for designers. You will learn everything you need to know about creating and executing your own fashion show or pop up.
How To Do PR + Marketing + Gain Exposure is a live online M SHOP class that shares firsthand knowledge of how to make your business coveted by influencers and consumers alike. You will learn how to properly market your fashion business as well as how to leverage your presence online.
Brainstorm Your Fashion Business for Teens is a think tank for up and coming teenage fashion enthusiasts to brainstorm whatever ideas they may have for a fashion business. This is a relaxed class where you will flesh out ideas and fine tune them with the guidance of a professional in the field.
And Jomsy Fashion offers 2 Hour Skype: Create Your Clothing Line, which is meant for people who want to make a fashion collection but are not sure where to begin. This class will show you how to unlock the doors to the fashion world and build on your initial design ideas.
Private Group Fashion Classes
Do you want to schedule a fashion class as a fun team-building event for your business or organization? CourseHorse offers live fashion classes for private groups that you and your colleagues can enjoy together. If you do not see a fashion class listed publicly right now, it is something that CourseHorse can provide for a group. Reach out through the contact form on their website to learn about the options that are available to you. Remember that there are a variety of benefits when you book your next group knitting activity with CourseHorse. For example, your group size can be changed after booking if necessary, a confirmation is sent within 24 hours, and there are no additional booking fees. They also support multiple platforms, so you can join in on the fun of a group knitting class from just about anywhere.
What Will I Need to Learn Fashion?
The materials that you will need to learn fashion vary depending on the type of class you are taking and how much experience you have with fashion to begin with. Remember that if you take a class, materials will generally be provided, and if they are not then your instructor will give you a list of the items you need to purchase. A good rule of thumb is to have a tape measure, drawing paper and pencils, and inspiration for your work, such as magazines or catalogs. You will also need good communication skills and some artistic ability, or a willingness to learn how to be artistic. Existing sewing or drawing skills could be helpful as well, but these skills can also be acquired during the process of learning fashion.
Is it Difficult to Learn Fashion?
Becoming great at the art of fashion may be difficult, but it is ultimately accessible to anyone who is willing to devote enough of their time to learning it. You will need to have or acquire several skills to be successful at learning fashion, including artistic ability, communication, and sewing skills. That being said, as long as you dedicate yourself to learning fashion, you will be able to create your own collection of designs.