30 Part 1 Apparel and Fashion watch a football game if both teams dressed alike. Think about the type of clothing ref- erees wear. You can always identify them. Some groups wear clothing and jew- elry to indicate a certain religious mem- bership. These people may wear jewelry such as crosses, stars, and other religious symbols. In certain religious events, special clothing—such as prayer shawls or special robes—is worn. During certain ceremonies, people sometimes wear special clothes. At gradu- ation, the graduates wear caps and gowns. At a wedding, a bride often wears white. At funerals, the mourners often wear black. Self-Actualization The highest level of need according to Abraham Maslow is self-actualization. Self-actualization needs relate to success in personal achievements, expressions of personal creativity, and self-fulfi llment. To reach this level, you must at least partially fulfi ll the other levels of needs. Individuality At this level of need fulfi llment, people may choose to express their individual- ity. Individuality is what sets one person apart from others. In contrast to conformity, individuality is the expression of a person’s uniqueness. If everyone in a group dresses the same way, a person expressing individuality will choose something entirely different. He or she rejects peer pressure to conform, choosing instead to make a personal state- ment. People often use clothes as a form of self-expression. Clothing Communicates Just as no two people look exactly alike, neither do they think and feel the same. The thoughts and feelings that make you different from others are a part of your personality. Your clothes say a lot about you—your personality, your values, and your self-concept. Personality Your personality is everything about you that makes you unique, includ- ing your behavioral and emotional tendencies. Your habits and actions as well as your interests and skills are part of your personality. The way you dress is one way you express your personality. If you are a carefree person, you may have less concern about what you wear than someone 1-5 Military uniforms are designed to identify the branch of the armed services, as well as the rank of the offi cer. Shutterstock