One thing I’ve learned about myself over the years is that I am interested in just about everything. Sometimes these interests come in waves (what some people might call “phases”-though I don’t like that term; it implies a lack of true interest). But there are some things I’ve been consistently and passionately interested in forever:  Fashion and architecture, for example. And you know what? They’re really not all that different!

Both fashion and architecture are a constant battle between form and function. Consider your favorite pair of stilettos: They’re amazing and you get compliments on them wherever you go, but maybe wearing them feels a bit like torture. In the same way, architecture often sacrifices functionality for visual appeal. A building may look beautiful, but perhaps it isn’t very approachable and inviting, or maybe it was poorly placed. Think about it: A beautiful building in a bad neighborhood really isn’t too different from pairing Jimmy Choos with sweatpants.

While there are plenty of examples of “plain” fashion and architecture, the whole concept of both of these fields are about rejecting the ordinary by pushing boundaries and exploring new ideas. Honestly, we could all walk around wearing burlap sacks. We could all live and work in uniform square, concrete buildings. We would be just fine. But fashion design and architecture are about expression. The plainest of clothes and the most unimpressive of buildings still take into account whether the focus should be on minimalism or ornamentation, and there’s always a reason why they favor one over the other.

Even throughout history, fashion and architecture have mirrored one another. Think of the 1920s: Skyscrapers were just beginning to become popularized in America for the first time. And like those tall, ornamented buildings, “flapper” fashions were slim, draped, and embellished. Google “art deco buildings” and “art deco dresses” if you want to see more similarities!

Now here’s a fun little activity I do when I have some free time (I recommend you try it too!). When I’m walking down the street and I see a cool building, I envision what it would look like as an outfit and I try to sketch the outfit version of the building. And vice versa, if I see a dress I like, I’ll try to imagine what it would look like in its building form and I’ll draw the dress-inspired building. This activity sprouted from people-watching and building-watching in cities like Chicago and San Francisco, and has really taught me to appreciate the links between fashion and architecture! You could even go in your closet, pick out your favorite dress, and sketch a building version. Or imagine a building where you work, live, or just pass by often, and try to make it into an outfit. This activity can really get the creative juices flowing, especially for you fashion designers out there!