Every Superhero Needs a Uniform

Every Superhero Needs a Uniform Ashley Kieffer

“Not only does dress form the key link between individual identity and the body, providing the means, or ‘raw material’ for performing identity, dress is fundamentally an inter-subjective and social phenomenon, an important link between individual identity and social belonging.”

–Joanne Entwistle

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Every Superhero Needs a Uniform Ashley Kieffer

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What It Means Semiotics is the study of meaning-making. This includes the study of signs and sign processes (semiosis), indication, designation, likeness, analogy, metaphor, symbolism, signification, and communication. Semiotics is closely related to the field of linguistics, which, for its part, studies the structure and meaning of language more specifically. However, as different from linguistics, semiotics also studies non-linguistic sign systems. Semiotics is often divided into three branches.

Semantics:

Relation between signs and the things to which they refer and their meaning

Syntactics:

Relations among signs in formal structures

Pragmatics:

Relation between signs and sign-using agents

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Semiotics can improve ergonomic design in situations where it is important to ensure that human beings can interact more effectively with their environments.

Semiotics is frequently seen as having important anthropological dimensions; for example, Umberto Eco proposes that every cultural phenomenon can be studied as communication. However, some semioticians focus on the logical dimensions of the science. They examine areas belonging also to the life sciences – such as how organisms make predictions about, and adapt to, their semiotic niche in the world. In general, semiotic theories take signs or sign systems as their object of study: the communication of information in living organisms is covered in biosemiotics (including zoosemiotics).

Syntactics is the branch of semiotics that deals with the formal properties of signs and symbols.

More precisely, syntactics deals with the “rules that govern how words are combined to form phrases and sentences�. Charles Morris adds that semantics deals with the relation of signs to their designata and the objects which they may or do denote; and, pragmatics deals with the biotic aspects of semiosis, that is, with all the psychological, biological, and sociological phenomena which occur in the functioning of signs.

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Self Analysis

In order to complete this project, I had to assess my current daily “uniform� and evaluate what I liked about my wardrobe and why. I also had to consider those items that I very intentionally avoid putting in my closet. Naturally, the list of items not in my current clothing reserves would far out number a list of items that are, so I limited my negatives to the realistic styles that I avoid. I also view my closet as something that is evolving somewhat consistently.

So my list of items I do seek to include in my style is also not entirely complete.

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What I Dislike: I don’t often wear hats, I don’t like that they cover my hair and I think hats with brims hide my face. I don’t want to shy behind the shadow of my accessories.

I do not style my hair everyday religiously. I let the waves lie naturally—however it dries after a shower is how I wear it for that day. I am not a hair stylist.

I don’t use large purses. If I have the space, I will fill it and I do not want to allow myself to create a heavy item to carry around. I also don’t need that much space, so I don’t want to crowd the items that I do need (like my keys, wallet, and phone) with unnecessary crap. I am not a diva.

Excessive jewelry is visually (and physically) heavy. I own a lot of necklaces, bracelets, and earrings but rarely do I ever put any of them to use. If I do wear jewelry, I wear it sparingly.

Plaid. I am not a farm girl, nor do I ever want to pretend that I am. Plaid has an agricultural stereotype, and while I am from Kansas and love gardening, I was not raised nearby rolling fields of waving wheat stocks.

Clothing that would indicate that I am edgy or punk in nature. This being leather with metal studs or black with excessive amounts of bright colors to contrast it. I am not a delinquent.

I don’t like wearing high waisted shorts or pants. I have a slim waist and wide hips so these items tend to fit awkwardly anyway. I can handle high waisted skirts because I don’t have to worry about them riding up between the legs and causing discomfort.

I aspire to be able to wear a jean jacket or top, but I am not sure I will ever actually like the way it looks on my personally. I prefer to admire that style from a distance.

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My Style Guide

Fall clothing and layers. I have more flexibility and potential with individual clothes items when I can combine them with a multitude of other items. I also change temperature a lot, so layers is a practical fashion choice as well.

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Oversized sweaters are trendy and very comfortable. I shop for sweaters that are machine washable and soft to touch. I avoid wool because it gets too hot and itchy. I avoid delicate materials because they tend to be less comfortable and impractical to launder.

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Chic

I love the look of dressing down a classy blazer with casual pants. I aspire to have the fashion sense enough to wear a casual blazer outfit on any day of the week.

I also love heels. Absolutely adore the way they show off my legs. But on that same note, I usually lack the confidence because I don’t want to tower over all the other females since I am already tall.

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“Everything in the universe has a purpose.

Indeed, the invisible intelligence that flows through everything in a purposeful fashion is also flowing through you.”

–Wayne Dyer

Decorative scarves are basically worthless when braving the winds and weather, but they are an extremely easy way to dress up a plain shirt.

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“Be sure ABOU want and be sure yourself. Fashion just beauty, good attitude to believe in y and be stron

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UT what you sure about ashion is not it’s about attitude. You have yourself strong.”

– Adriana Lima 13

Whimsical

Dresses. I own way too many summer dresses. They are a guaranteed cute outfit and simple. One item to wear that covers both top and bottom all at once! Pick a base dress and throw on a belt and a light cardigan for instant cuteness.

Shear tops may seem completely inefficient, but they work wonderfully on those hot days when you’d rather be in your underwear anyway. Pairing a shear top with a light tank top is an attractive and sensible way to address warm weather.

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Tall brown boots are a staple to any woman’s closet and are currently trending. I like keeping up with the current staple trends. I am not on the bleeding edge of fashion, but I will join the bandwagon on economical purchases. Brown riding boots can be worn with virtually anything including leggings, jeans, skirts, colored pants, and short dresses.

“Fashion fades, only style remains the same.”

–Coco Chanel

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Athletic

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I love athletic clothes! The fitted spandex pants and spandex capris paired with a colorful sports bra and loose tank top is my go to work out outfit. They are not only practical because they allow a full range of motion and also wick sweat, but they are also remarkably comfortable and flattering to my curves. So I have all the benefits of functions, as well as the confidence of knowing I look good when I wear them.

“Physical fitness is not only one of the most important keys to a healthy body, it is the basis of dynamic and creative intellectual activity.”

– John F. Kennedy

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“A hero can be a man doing somethin as simple and as putting a coat a little boy’s shou to let him kno world hasn’t ended

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be anyone, even something reassuring coat around shoulder know that the ended.�

– Batman 19

What I Am The activities and organizations I choose to participate in help define who I am as a person. Through this definition I also determine the social category I am associated with as a member. Social categories tend to dress in similar ways. All member can typically be called out based on a synonymous style or visual characteristic.

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Designer:

More than one who choses to know the ins and outs of typography, I am also a creative. My thoughts and perceptions revolve around the idea of “what could be,” rather than “what is.”

Cook:

Creativity beyond the traditional paper or computer screen, I also apply my imagination to food.

Cooking is a science and an art, a delicate balance of appealing to all five senses.

Athlete:

While I am not currently a member of any specific team, I am an athlete by nature. I have a physical drive to win and rise to the challenge. Fitness is a passion and lifestyle.

Achiever:

I will not stop until I am personally satisfied with what I have done. I have high expectations and keep pushing forward until I meet my goals.

Leader:

I rise up to meet the crowd with a individual, confident voice. I strive to direct others to their highest potential and fit them in their niche within a working community structure.

Crafter:

I constantly focus on the details and craftsmanship in every project. I work well with my hands and excel in the art of handmade.

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Animal Lover:

From domestic animals to wildlife, I am fascinated by our interactions with animals. I love animals and want to have several pets when I live on my own.

Explorer:

I am always up for an adventure and looking to discover a new magical place. I love being outside— soaking in the sunshine and breathing in the fresh air!

Student:

While I am currently a literal student at the University of Kansas, I am also a student in life. I am always learning new things.

Helper:

I am also someone who loves to lend a hand to those in need. I enjoy activities such as volunteering and teaching.

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Where I belong There are so many pieces that make up who I am and so many symbols that could represent each different part of me. Based on society, I would probably be classified foremost by the fact that I am a white, college-aged female attending the University of Kansas. From there I can be described as a Graphic Design major and the Food Board Manager of Sellards Scholarship Hall. Through those classifications, my character traits of being creative, detail-oriented, responsible, helpful, organized, and so forth come forward.

So I am not restricted to conform to one category or stereotype, nor am I static. My style, my super hero uniform, is evolving and changing constantly to adapt to the new challenges I face in my life.

Also, the new experiences and relationships I gain as I work my way through this path towards my goals and dreams.

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VISC 404 Tim Hossler Spring 2014