Welcome to IELTS TIME! In today’s episode, we’re diving into Speaking Part 3, focusing on the topic of fashion and clothing. To help you get familiar with typical questions and how to answer them thoughtfully, we’ll be listening to a dialogue featuring Joseph, our regular contributor, as he shares his insights and experiences. Let’s jump right in!
Why do people pay so much attention to the clothes they wear?
Yeah, I think people care a lot about what they wear for a few reasons. First, clothes are kind of like a way to express yourself without having to say anything. Like, what someone wears can tell you a lot about their personality, mood, or even what kind of music they’re into. Especially for young people, it’s a way to stand out or fit in, depending on the situation.
Also, there’s this social pressure—whether we like it or not. With social media and everything, people are constantly being seen, so there’s this unspoken expectation to look good or be “on trend.” And in some cases, like job interviews or formal events, people dress a certain way to make a good impression. It’s not just about fashion, it’s also about being taken seriously.
So yeah, I’d say it’s a mix of personal expression and social expectations. Some people genuinely love fashion, while others just don’t want to feel out of place. Either way, clothes end up playing a bigger role in our lives than we might think.
How has fashion changed in your country over the years?
Yeah, fashion has definitely changed a lot in my country over the years. I think in the past, people were more focused on traditional or formal styles—like, there was kind of a “safe” way to dress, and most people stuck to that. But now, it’s way more diverse. You see people experimenting with different looks, mixing Western styles with local fashion, or even bringing back vintage trends in a modern way.
Social media has had a huge influence too. People are more aware of global trends now, so what’s popular in one part of the world can catch on really quickly here. And I think young people, especially, are more confident expressing themselves through fashion. It’s less about following rules and more about showing who you are.
Also, there’s been a shift towards comfort and sustainability. Like, people aren’t just wearing things that look good—they’re also thinking about whether it feels good, or if it’s ethically made. So overall, fashion has become more personal and more conscious, which I think is a positive change.
Do you think people dress differently for work and for leisure? Why?
Absolutely, people usually dress quite differently for work compared to leisure, and it makes a lot of sense when you think about it. Work environments often have certain expectations or dress codes that call for more formal or professional attire—like suits, blouses, or smart casual wear—because it reflects a sense of responsibility and respect for the job. Dressing appropriately can even affect how seriously others take you at work.
On the other hand, when people are relaxing or hanging out with friends, they tend to prioritize comfort and personal style over formality. Leisure clothes are usually more casual, like jeans, t-shirts, or sneakers, which help people feel at ease and enjoy their free time without worrying about appearances too much.
So, the difference in dressing comes down to context and purpose. At work, it’s about professionalism and fitting into a certain culture, while in leisure time, it’s about expressing yourself and feeling comfortable. That balance between the two really highlights how clothing isn’t just about looks—it’s also about the role we’re playing in different parts of our lives.
Is it important to follow fashion trends? Why or why not?
I don’t think it’s super important to follow fashion trends, honestly. Fashion is really personal, and what works for one person might not suit someone else at all. Trends come and go so quickly that chasing every new style can feel exhausting and even a bit shallow. Plus, it can get expensive trying to keep up all the time.
That said, some people enjoy following trends because it’s a way to express themselves and feel connected to what’s popular. It can be fun to experiment with new looks and see how fashion evolves. But ultimately, I believe it’s more important to wear what makes you feel comfortable and confident rather than just what’s “in.” When you stick to your own style, you tend to look and feel more authentic.
So, in my opinion, trends aren’t something you have to follow. They’re more like inspiration or a source of ideas, but the best style is always the one that fits you personally.
How does clothing affect someone’s confidence or personality?
Great question! I’d say clothing can have a pretty big impact on someone’s confidence and even how their personality comes across. When you wear something that fits well and suits your style, it can make you feel more comfortable and self-assured. That boost in confidence often shows in the way you carry yourself—your posture, your smile, even how you speak.
On the flip side, if you’re wearing something that feels awkward or doesn’t feel like “you,” it can make you a bit self-conscious or less confident. Clothes are kind of like a way to communicate without words. They give people a glimpse of who you are or how you want to be seen—whether that’s professional, creative, laid-back, or bold.
So, I think clothing isn’t just about covering your body; it plays a role in shaping your mindset and how others perceive you. When what you wear lines up with your personality, it helps you express yourself more genuinely, which naturally makes you feel better about yourself.
Do older people and younger people have different attitudes towards fashion?
Absolutely, older and younger people often have pretty different attitudes towards fashion, and it mostly comes down to life experience and priorities. Younger folks usually see fashion as a way to express their personality, keep up with trends, and sometimes even fit in with their peers. They’re more experimental, willing to try bold colors or styles just for fun or to make a statement.
On the other hand, older people tend to approach fashion more practically. Comfort, quality, and timelessness often take precedence over the latest trends. They might stick to classic pieces that have worked for them over the years rather than chasing every new style. Plus, older generations often value clothes that suit their lifestyle—whether that’s professional attire or casual wear that’s easy to maintain.
That said, it’s not a strict rule. You’ll find plenty of older individuals who love fashion and follow trends closely, just like younger people who prefer a simple, classic look. But overall, the attitude shifts because fashion serves different purposes depending on where you are in life.
Welcome back! Let’s break down Joseph’s responses, question by question, and highlight some useful language you can use in your own IELTS Speaking answers.
First, why do people pay so much attention to the clothes they wear?
Joseph explained that clothing is much more than just fabric—it’s a powerful way to show your personality and mood without even saying a word. Think about how people use clothes to either stand out or fit in, especially younger folks. This idea of personal expression is super useful to mention if you want to show awareness of social dynamics. Also, Joseph talked about the pressure people feel to be “on trend,” especially with social media constantly showcasing styles. This pressure isn’t just about fashion—it’s also about making a good impression, like at job interviews, where dressing professionally helps others take you seriously. So when you answer this kind of question, try to explain that clothes balance self-expression with social expectations—that’s a great way to sound insightful.
Next, how has fashion changed in your country over the years?
Joseph’s answer highlighted how fashion has moved away from traditional, “safe” styles towards something much more diverse and experimental. He gave great examples like mixing Western styles with local fashion and bringing back vintage trends with a modern twist. If you want to sound natural, try using phrases like diverse styles or experimenting with fashion to describe this evolution. Another interesting point Joseph made was about how people are now more conscious of comfort and sustainability—meaning they care about how clothes feel and whether they’re ethically made. You can use this idea of being conscious in your answers to show you understand current issues in fashion.
On to dressing differently for work and leisure—Joseph was clear that these two situations call for very different wardrobes.
At work, people tend to follow dress codes that require more formal or smart casual clothing, which signals responsibility and professionalism. This is a perfect chance to use phrases like professional attire or smart casual to describe work clothes. Meanwhile, leisurewear is all about comfort and personal style—jeans, t-shirts, sneakers—that let people relax and be themselves. When you answer this type of question, emphasize the context and purpose of dressing differently, showing you understand why clothing choices change depending on the setting.
What about following fashion trends? Joseph didn’t think it’s essential to chase every trend.
He mentioned that fashion is very personal, and trends change so fast it can feel exhausting or expensive to keep up all the time. This idea of chasing trends being tiring is a great expression to use. But he also recognized that trends can be a fun source of inspiration. So, when you talk about trends, it’s useful to say something like: “I think trends should inspire us rather than dictate what we wear.” This shows a balanced, thoughtful opinion.
Joseph also explained how clothing impacts confidence and personality.
Wearing clothes that fit well and suit your style can boost your self-assurance and even affect your body language—how you stand, smile, and carry yourself. On the flip side, if your clothes don’t feel right, you might feel self-conscious. Here, you can use expressions like self-assurance, body language, and self-conscious to describe how clothes influence more than just appearance—they affect how you feel inside and how others perceive you.
Finally, Joseph talked about the difference in attitudes towards fashion between older and younger people.
He observed that younger people are often more experimental and trend-focused, using fashion as a way to express identity or fit in with peers. In contrast, older people tend to prioritize comfort, quality, and timeless styles—clothes that suit their lifestyle without chasing every new trend. You can describe this by saying younger generations are more experimental or adventurous, while older generations prefer timeless or classic fashion. Mentioning lifestyle here helps you sound mature and nuanced.
So there you have it—Joseph’s answers not only give great content but also introduce useful phrases like personal expression, on trend, smart casual, chasing trends, self-assurance, and timeless. When you use these naturally in your answers, you’ll sound confident and well-prepared.
Thanks for listening, and I’ll catch you in the next episode.
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