Clothes & Fashion — B2–C1

1

Lesson overview

Advanced language for fashion, style and the fashion industry.

Level

B2–C1

This part of the source focuses on fashion as an industry and cultural phenomenon: sustainability, ethical production, streetwear, trends, accessories, personal style and social pressure.

Skills

Upper-intermediate to advanced vocabulary, reading, optional teacher-read listening, discussion, role-play and extended writing.

The source labels this section “advanced grammar”, but it does not provide a separate grammar block or grammar exercise. No new grammar content has been added.

2

Active Vocabulary

Twenty advanced terms from the source.

fashion

design

designer

couturier

model

fashion show

fashion magazine

fashion trend

fashion icon

street style

eco-friendly

sustainable

ethical

production

personality

industry

pattern

fabric

accessories

clothing

3

Fashion: Trends, Streetwear & Sustainability

Advanced reading from the source.

Fashion

B2–C1

Fashion is an important aspect of our lives. It not only helps us look good, but it also reflects our personality and style. Fashion trends change every season, and people often try to keep up with the latest styles and designs.

In recent years, sustainable fashion has become increasingly popular. This means that people are more aware of the environmental impact of the fashion industry and are looking for ways to reduce waste and promote ethical practices. Many fashion brands are now using eco-friendly materials and production methods, such as recycled fabrics and organic cotton.

Another trend in fashion is the rise of streetwear. Streetwear is a style that originated from urban culture and is characterized by comfortable and casual clothing, such as hoodies, sneakers and graphic tees. Many high-end fashion brands have embraced streetwear, creating their own versions of this style and collaborating with streetwear designers.

In terms of accessories, the text highlights statement earrings and necklaces as popular choices. These bold pieces can add a pop of colour and personality to any outfit. The source also mentions the return of the fanny pack in updated designs and materials.

When it comes to colours, the source presents pastels and earthy tones as notable fashion choices. Soft pinks, blues and greens are presented as creating a feminine and romantic look, while browns and beiges are described as creating a natural and understated vibe.

Overall, fashion is a constantly evolving industry, and there is always something new to discover and explore. Whether you prefer classic styles or trendy pieces, there is something for everyone in the world of fashion.

Fashion — 33-word Gap-fill

Complete the text with the original words.

aspectlookreflectspersonality ×2trendsdesignssustainableawareenvironmentalindustrywasteethicalfashioneco-friendlyproductionfabricscottonstreetwearstyleoriginatedcharacterizedcasualembracedversionscollaboratingaccessoriesoutfitmaterialspastelsromanticvibeevolving

Fashion is an important _____(1) of our lives. It helps us _____(2) good and _____(3) our _____(4) and style. Fashion _____(5) change every season, and people try to keep up with the latest styles and _____(6).

In recent years, _____(7) fashion has become increasingly popular. People are more _____(8) of the _____(9) impact of the fashion _____(10) and are looking for ways to reduce _____(11) and promote _____(12) practices. Many _____(13) brands are using _____(14) materials and _____(15) methods, such as recycled _____(16) and organic _____(17).

_____ (18) is a _____(19) that _____(20) from urban culture and is _____(21) by comfortable and _____(22) clothing. Many high-end brands have _____(23) streetwear, creating their own _____(24) of the style and _____(25) with designers.

In terms of _____(26), bold pieces can add _____(27) to an _____(28). The fanny pack has returned with modern designs and _____(29). _____(30) and earthy tones are described as popular; soft colours can create a feminine and _____(31) look, while browns and beiges create an understated _____(32). Fashion is a constantly _____(33) industry.

4

The Fashion Show

Dialogue and optional teacher-read listening script.

Emily and Olivia Discuss the Fashion Show

B2–C1

Optional listening / dialogue: read the dialogue aloud before students see the text. The source provides no separate comprehension task for this dialogue, so none has been added.

Emily: Did you see the fashion show last night?

Olivia: No, I missed it. What was it like?

Emily: It was amazing! Sustainable fashion is definitely the new thing.

Olivia: Really? How do they make sustainable clothes?

Emily: They use eco-friendly materials like recycled fabrics and organic cotton. And they promote ethical practices to reduce waste in the industry.

Olivia: That's really cool. What about streetwear?

Emily: Streetwear is presented as a major trend, and even high-end brands are shown adopting it.

Olivia: I love streetwear; it's so comfortable and stylish at the same time.

Emily: Exactly! Casual, yet chic. Have you noticed any popular accessories recently?

Olivia: Statement earrings and necklaces are presented as fashionable accessories that can add colour and personality to an outfit.

Emily: And fanny packs have returned with modern designs and materials.

Olivia: Are there any colour trends mentioned?

Emily: The source presents pastels and earthy tones as fashionable choices: soft pinks, blues and greens for a feminine vibe, and browns and beiges for a natural, understated look.

Olivia: Thanks for the update. I'll keep my eyes open for these styles next time I go shopping.

5

Perspectives on Fashion

Four opinions, advantages, disadvantages, source facts and quotes.

Tom

“I don't care much about fashion. I just wear whatever is comfortable and affordable for me.”

Maria

“Fashion is everything to me! I love to keep up with the latest trends and dress up in glamorous outfits.”

John

He sees both sides: fashion can help people make a statement, but trends can also encourage unnecessary spending.

Anna

She rejects social pressure around appearance and believes people should be accepted and respected for who they are.

Advantages

Fashion expresses individuality and creativity.
Fashion can boost confidence and mood.
Fashion creates jobs.
Shared interests in fashion can build relationships.
Changing trends may inspire new ideas.

Possible Disadvantages

Fashion can be expensive.
Fast fashion can contribute to waste and pollution.
Fashion may reinforce unrealistic beauty standards.
Cultural appropriation can cause harm or offence.
Some garment production involves unfair labour practices.

Fashion History & Fact Prompts from the Source

The source repeats this same Facts block twice; the duplicate has been removed. The remaining statements are kept as source discussion material rather than presented here as independently verified reference facts.

The name “jeans” is historically connected with Genoa.
High heels have a long history that includes male wearers.
Early t-shirts were marketed as practical garments.
Very expensive dresses have been valued in the millions of dollars.
The Little Black Dress became strongly associated with Coco Chanel in the 1920s.
The modern bra is associated with early-20th-century designs.
Wartime fabric shortages encouraged unusual reuse of materials.
European necktie history is linked to Croatian soldiers in the 17th century.
“Keeping up with the Joneses” is associated with a 20th-century comic strip.
The fashion industry is a major global business.

Quotes from the Source

“Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only...” — Coco Chanel
“Fashion is about dressing according to what's fashionable. Style is more about being yourself.” — Oscar de la Renta
“Fashion is the armor to survive the reality of everyday life.” — Bill Cunningham
“Fashion is the most powerful art there is...” — Blair Waldorf, Gossip Girl
“Fashion is about something that comes from within you.” — Ralph Lauren

6

Fashion Boutique Role Play

Advanced customer and salesperson interaction.

Work in pairs or small groups.
One student is the customer; the other is the salesperson.
Use fashion-related situations and a 5–7 minute time limit.
The customer explains a specific need or request.
The salesperson asks about preferences, style, fabrics, sizes and price range.
Suggest suitable items, alternatives and accessories.
Use vocabulary related to colours, styles, fabrics, prices and fashion trends.
Rotate roles and give feedback.

Scenario Cards

Job Interview

Find a professional outfit that will make a good impression.

Wedding

Choose a stylish outfit that fits a formal dress code.

Beach Vacation

Choose a trendy swimsuit and coordinating cover-up.

Accessories Gift

Recommend fashionable accessories for a fashion-savvy friend.

7

Discussion

Ten advanced questions from the source.

What do you think is the most important aspect of fashion?
How has fashion changed over the years?
Do you prefer to follow current fashion trends or create your own style?
Can you describe a fashion trend that you dislike?
In your opinion, what makes a person fashionable?
Have you ever attended a fashion show? If so, describe your experience.
How does fashion differ between cultures and countries?
Do you think fashion plays a role in society beyond clothing choices?
Who are some of your favourite fashion designers or brands?
How do you stay up-to-date with the latest fashion trends?

8

Creative Writing

Personal and general B2–C1 prompts from the source.

Personal Topics

My favourite outfit and why I love it.
How I like to accessorize my outfits.
The funniest thing that has happened to me while getting dressed.
My fashion icon and why I look up to them.
How I express myself through my clothes.

General Topics

Fashion is important because it helps people express themselves. What do you think?
Some people believe fashion trends are not worth following. Do you agree?
People have different styles of dressing. Which style do you prefer and why?
Some people think fashion is a waste of money. What do you think?
Fashion trends keep changing every season. Is it necessary to follow them?

9

Answer key

Closed by default.

Fashion — 33-word Gap-fill Answers

1. aspect · 2. look · 3. reflects · 4. personality · 5. trends · 6. designs · 7. sustainable · 8. aware · 9. environmental · 10. industry · 11. waste · 12. ethical · 13. fashion · 14. eco-friendly · 15. production · 16. fabrics · 17. cotton · 18. streetwear · 19. style · 20. originated · 21. characterized · 22. casual · 23. embraced · 24. versions · 25. collaborating · 26. accessories · 27. personality · 28. outfit · 29. materials · 30. pastels · 31. romantic · 32. vibe · 33. evolving

Fashion — Reading Answers

Fashion helps us look good and reflects our personality and style.
Sustainable fashion focuses on environmental impact, reducing waste and promoting ethical practices.
Brands use eco-friendly materials and production methods, including recycled fabrics and organic cotton.
Streetwear is casual clothing rooted in urban culture; high-end brands have adopted and collaborated around it.
Statement earrings, necklaces and fanny packs are mentioned; accessories can add colour and personality.
The source describes pastels and earthy tones, linking them with romantic or natural looks.
The fashion world is described as constantly evolving, with new styles and trends appearing regularly.