fashionable
B1Neutral to formal. Common in everyday conversation, advertising, and media.
Definition
Meaning
Following or conforming to the current popular style or trend; in vogue.
Used to describe people, places, activities, or things that are currently considered stylish, desirable, or characteristic of a modern, sophisticated lifestyle. Can also imply popularity and social approval.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The term often carries connotations of transience and social aspiration. It can be used positively (stylish) or with mild disapproval (ephemeral, overly concerned with trends).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. The adverb 'fashionably' is used similarly. The concept is central to both cultures.
Connotations
In British English, may carry a slightly stronger historical class association (e.g., 'fashionable parts of London'). In American English, may be more strongly linked to commercial trends and celebrity culture.
Frequency
Equally common in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
It is fashionable to + INF (It is fashionable to cycle to work.)to be fashionable among/with + GROUP (It's fashionable among teenagers.)Adj + and + fashionable (chic and fashionable)VERB + fashionable (become/remain/stay fashionable)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “All the rage (very fashionable for a short time)”
- “The in thing (currently fashionable)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used in marketing, retail, and branding (e.g., 'a fashionable brand', 'targeting the fashionable consumer').
Academic
Used in cultural studies, sociology, and history to discuss trends and social phenomena (e.g., 'fashionable theories in post-modernism').
Everyday
Commonly used to discuss clothing, neighbourhoods, hobbies, and appearances.
Technical
Not typically a technical term; used in its standard sense in fields like fashion design or trend forecasting.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- 'To fashion' exists, but 'to fashionable' is not a verb.
American English
- 'To fashion' exists, but 'to fashionable' is not a verb.
adverb
British English
- She was fashionably late to the party.
- They live in a fashionably renovated warehouse.
American English
- He arrived fashionably late, as expected.
- The apartment was decorated fashionably but simply.
adjective
British English
- Shoreditch is a very fashionable part of London.
- It's not fashionable to wear fur these days.
American English
- That new rooftop bar in Williamsburg is so fashionable.
- Minimalist design is still quite fashionable.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- She buys fashionable clothes.
- This cafe is very fashionable.
- It became fashionable to grow your own vegetables during the pandemic.
- They moved to a more fashionable neighbourhood last year.
- The theory, while fashionable in academic circles, lacks empirical evidence.
- The magazine highlights the most fashionable destinations for the upcoming season.
- His criticism of the government's policy was a fashionable stance among the metropolitan elite, but offered little practical alternative.
- The architect's work is characterised by a deliberate move away from fashionable minimalism towards more ornate, personalised designs.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of FASHION-ABLE – literally 'able to be in fashion' or 'having the qualities of current fashion'.
Conceptual Metaphor
FASHION IS A FORCE (trends sweep through society), FASHIONABLE IS UP/ON TOP (being 'in' fashion), FASHIONABLE IS A CONTAINER (being 'in' fashion).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct calque 'модный' for all contexts; 'fashionable' is more specific to style/trends, not general 'popularity'. Russian 'модный' can refer to a trendy person, while English 'fashionable' more often describes things or places.
- Do not confuse with 'fancy' (decorative/expensive) or 'popular' (liked by many).
Common Mistakes
- Using 'fashionable' to mean 'well-dressed' for a person on a specific occasion (better: 'smart', 'elegant'). *Incorrect: 'He looked very fashionable at the wedding.' (unless commenting on his adherence to current trends).
- Overusing as a synonym for 'good'. *Incorrect: 'That's a fashionable idea.' (unless meaning it's a trendy idea).
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence is 'fashionable' used correctly?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Fashionable' means currently following trends. 'Stylish' implies a more inherent, lasting sense of good style and elegance, which may or may not follow the latest trends.
Yes, it can imply something is only temporarily popular, superficial, or followed slavishly without critical thought (e.g., 'a fashionable but shallow opinion').
They are very close synonyms, but 'trendy' is more informal and can sometimes carry a slightly more dismissive or playful connotation than the neutral 'fashionable'.
You typically describe a person as fashionable when their overall appearance and choices consistently reflect current trends (e.g., 'She's a very fashionable influencer'). For a single outfit, 'stylish' or 'well-dressed' is often more natural.