Are Tattoos Considered Fashion?
Written By Emma Bottensek
When it comes to life on campus, there is something so luxurious about having clear skin with no bumps or bruises, a nice tan, a cute outfit, and fun little accessories. However, nothing is more freeing than representing yourself on your skin. Scrolling through Pinterest, I get excited to have a new, wholesome tattoo that means something to me, yet doesn’t take away from anything I am wearing. Tattoos are the new ribbons tied in my hair, the latest trend that makes everyone want to get one.
Growing up, I was taught that tattoos were taboo and that they just looked disrespectful and dirty. But the older I get and gain more experience, I realize that tattoos are a form of expression. From nature to meaningful phrases, tattoos have repaved the way to self-discovery. Tattoos can represent interests, hobbies, loved ones, and creativity. Like a centerpiece of an outfit, not only do they express imagination, but they also have a multitude of new layers to peel back that give you hints into a person’s values or interests.
While I was taught to feel some sort of hostility towards them, tattoos are a way of displaying that you once lived an adventurous life. I once met an older woman with tattoos covering her arms like patchwork who gave off a powerful and alluring presence. In many ways, her confidence was evident in the way she held herself and displayed her tattoos with pride. Even knowing her skin was wrinkled and her aging would continue, those moments of vulnerability in her youth allowed her to embody the inspiring life she had lived.
Tattoos have been a worldwide tradition for over 5,000 years. To speak historically, the Egyptian mummies were often found painted in ink to ward away evil spirits in the afterlife. Native American tribes use them for identification, signifying what tribe they belong to and what struggles they went through in life, like disease, or loss of a loved one. Today those traditions have continued to grow, making their way into the fashion world.
Tattoos are risky; you might not know if you will like them, as they are permanent on your body, but one thing is for sure, you want that tattoo to feel connected to something. While not everyone has a reason behind their tattoo, in some shape or form, they represent something bigger than themselves.
I want the younger generation to feel comfortable enough to dress the way they want to and still feel a sense of self-respect and pride anytime they step out their door. To have tattoos is to have a voice without speaking. They invigorate your passions and make you feel safe in your skin, just like a new pair of jeans, or a new top. Tattoos are an art form with the capacity to tell a story and enhance fantasies. They can make a simple outfit more creative. Tattoos are similar to accessories, such as wearing rings or thick gold earrings, yet they can offer a feeling of self-empowerment. You stand out from the rest because you dared to follow your passions and take risks. Get ready for the new trends in fashion because tattoos are never going out of style.
Edited By Hana Razvi, Katherine Rubinstein, Olivia Daly, Sophia Buckholtz, Brett Byers, Safa Razvi & Jordann Landretti
