Fashionistas

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. People highly interested in style and trends in clothing, those who follow or set dress trends, and individuals seen as authorities in what is fashionable in apparel
2. Individuals passionate about and knowledgeable in clothing trends, trendsetters in personal style, and those esteemed for their influence over current apparel fashions
3. Experts or devotees of clothing fashions, people who both adopt and shape the latest dress styles, and recognized leaders in the world of apparel trends

Etymology: "Fashionistas" is the plural of "fashionista," a noun for people who follow style trends closely. The plural form simply adds an "s" to the singular, so its history lies in the singular word. "Fashionista" is built from "fashion" plus the suffix "-ista," which comes from Spanish and Italian and was used to form words naming a follower or supporter of a movement or leader. Earlier words built the same way include "Sandinista," a follower of Augusto Sandino, and "Peronista," a supporter of Juan Perón. The suffix thus turns a name or idea into a word for its adherents, and "fashionista" applies that pattern to the world of clothing and style. Its ancestor "fashionist" is an earlier form of the same term, and "fashionista" is a separate word that developed alongside it rather than simply replacing it.

Synonyms: stylists, trendsetters