IDEAS AND VOCABS FOR SPEAKING

Topic: People and Fashion

Usable vocabs + Structures:

Type of Clothes
• Casual clothes/attire = clothes that are not formal
• Smart clothes = formal/classy clothes = clothes that are used on formal occasion
• Vintage clothes = clothes from a previous of time
• Off-the-peg clothes = ready-made clothes
• Custom-made clothes = clothes that are made for a particular person
• Tailor-made clothes = clothes that are made for a particular purpose
• Hand-me-down clothes = clothes that are passed down to a younger person from siblings
• Light fabric clothes = clothes that are relatively low in density
• Eccentric clothes = strange and unconventional clothes
• High-end clothes = good quality and expensive clothes
• Fast fashion = clothes that are made and sold cheaply, so that people can buy new clothes often
• see eye to eye - luôn đồng tình với nhau
• are on good terms - luôn hòa thuận với nhau
• to have so much in common = có nhiều điểm tương đồng
• to be into the same things = cùng thích một thứ
• to enjoy his/her/their company - thích ở cạnh anh/cô/các bạn ấy
• to enjoy one’s own company - thích ở một mình
• Have a rocky relationships - có một mối quan hệ không hoà thuận
• Fall out with each other - xung đột với nhau
• Have an argument with - cãi nhau
• through ups and downs - trong lúc thuận lợi và khó khăn = through thick and thin
• turn to someone for a shoulder to cry on = tìm đến ai để tâm sự và than thở
• be in a relationship with = trong một mối quan hệ với
• come out of one's shell = thoát khỏi vỏ ốc của mình = get out of one’s comfort zone
• pursue a successful career = theo đuổi sự nghiệp thành công
• work out = thành công => A relationship did not work out
• take after someone = giống ai đó
• bear a striking resemblance to = giống hệt ai đó
• once in a while = thỉnh thoảng = every now and then = from time to time = occasionally = once in a blue moon
• on a regular basis = on a daily basis = thường xuyên
• play board and card games = chơi các trò board games và bài
• generation gap = khoảng cách thế hệ
• confide in someone = tâm sự với ai đó
• sense of belonging = cảm giác thuộc về
• share joy and grief = chia sẻ niềm vui và nỗi buồn
• single for (a period) = độc thân trong (một khoảng thời gian)
• way too young = quá trẻ
• strike up a relationship = bắt đầu một mối quan hệ

Collocations + Phrases

Dress:

− Dress up >< dress down: ăn mặc trang trọng >< ăn mặc không trang trọng
− Get dressed up = be well-dressed
− Get sb dressed = make sb put on their clothes
− Clothing: A(n) piece / item / article of clothing

Adjectives:

− Dashing = handsome (men)

 − Exquisite = beautiful (women)
− Presentable / sharp = suitable and smart
− Scruffy = messy, untidy
− Willy-nilly (adj, adv - informal) = without care, a bit untidy
− Stylish yet comfy (informal)
− Chic = stylish and fashionable
− Must-have items = something that many people want to own
− Be on trend (informal) = be fashionable
− Go out of fashion = become old-fashioned
− Be back in fashion = become popular again
− Keep up with the latest fashions = be on trend = continue to wear the latest fashions
− Designer labels = famous brands that make clothing
− Mix and match = select and combine different but complementary items of clothes
− Look good in sth = be well-dressed in sth
− Have a sense of style
− Come in handy = be useful
− Take pride in your appearance = chú ý đến vẻ bề ngoài
− Follow a dress code = wear clothes that are listed in a set of rules

Idioms

− A slave to/of fashion = Someone who always want to have the latest clothes and styles

Ex: Jeremy is a total slave to fashion. He can't leave the house without making sure every part of his outfit matches perfectly.

− A fashion icon = Someone who is well-known as a fashionable person

Ex: Harry Styles became 2020’s biggest fashion icon with many cult followings.

− Be/Get dressed to kill (informal) = dress to catch the attention of an admirer (for women)
− Be/Get dressed (up) to the nines (informal) = wear fashionable/formal clothes

Ex: I have to be dressed to the nines at this gala tonight—a lot of important people will be there.

− Have an eye for fashion = be a good judge of clothing

Ex: Being a fashionista, she has an eye for fashion and has presented many telling critiques.

PART 1: Fashion and Relationship

1. What type of clothes do you like to wear?

You know, I'm all about keeping it casual and comfy, you feel me? (Opinion) Give me some nice joggers or ripped jeans with an oversized
tee or hoodie and I'm living my best life. But I can also get down with a clean, minimalist streetwear vibe too - a crisp pair of chinos, some
fresh kicks, and a dope graphic tee, ya dig? (Explain) At the end of the day, it's all about feeling confident and expressing your personal
style.

2. What kind of clothes do you dislike?

Ugh, I seriously cannot get down with anything too formal or stuffy, you know what I'm saying? (Opinion) Like, suits and ties just ain't my
vibe at all. They make me feel so restricted and uptight. Same goes for anything too preppy or girly - I'm talking polos, khakis, dresses, that
kind of thing. Just not my cup of tea. (Explain)

3. Have you ever bought clothes online?

Oh for sure, all the time! (Frequency) Online shopping is just too convenient to pass up these days. You can get literally anything you want
with just a few clicks. Plus, you don't have to deal with annoying crowds at the mall. I can always get the latest fit from Zara, H&M or
Aritzia in the comfort of my own home. It doesn’t hurt that the parcels show up almost in the blink of an eye. Shoutout to two-day shipping,
am I right? (Explain)

4. Do you believe our clothes reveal something about our personalities?

100% they do, no doubt about it. (Opinion) The way someone dresses is like an outward expression of who they are on the inside. You can
usually get a read on someone's vibe, interests, and even their mood just from their outfit choices. Fashion is the epitome of self-expression.

5. Do you think sunglasses make a good gift?

Sunglasses as a gift? Yeah, I can definitely get down with that! (Opinion) A fresh pair of shades is both stylish and practical. They can
elevate any outfit while also protecting your eyes from the sun's rays. Plus, they come in so many dope styles nowadays, you can definitely
find a pair that fits someone's vibe. Just something to take notice though, you gotta make sure you get the right size and shape for their face
or else it'll look goofy! (Explain)

6. Do you get on well with your siblings/friends?

You know, I have a really great relationship with my siblings. (Opinion) Sure, we bickered and got on each other's nerves growing up like
most siblings do. But at the end of the day, we've always been there to support one another through thick and thin. There's a strong bond
and mutual respect there. (Explain) Same goes for my close friends too - while we may tease each other relentlessly, it all comes from a
place of love. Those are the people I know will have my back no matter what. Solid friendships like that are so important.

7. Do you prefer spending time with your family or your friends?

That's a really tough question to be honest. (Opinion) On one hand, family is the most important thing to me - that unconditional love and
meaningful time with my parents, siblings, etc. is so valuable and grounding. But on the other hand, my friends are like a second family.
(Explain) We have years of history, endless inside jokes, and a deep level of trust and understanding. Ultimately, I don't think I could pick
one over the other. Finding that balance of cherished family moments and lively friend hangouts is ideal for maintaining a fulfilling social
life.

PART 2: Describe…
Describe a person who likes to dress fashionably/well. You should say:
− Who he/she is
− What kind of work or study he/she does
− What kind of clothes he/she wears
− Why you think he/she dresses well

Details: => But the one thing that always struck me the most about (your character) is his/her exceptional fashion sense. There’s
even a story that I’m dying to share.

• Your character used to be …..

• Joined a styling game show => Wowed everyone with the finale outfit:
− Describe the piece of clothing: Color? Fabric texture? Pattern? Unique feature?
+ A handmade gown that hugs every curves exactly how it should
+ + A stunning blazer with caramel color over layering, giving him/her an exquisite look.
+ A knee-length black coat
+ A bottle green suit with magenta and golden embroidery
+ A slim fit leather jacket with the most stunning shine => look smoldering hot
+ Painted as Picasso’s paintings on her face and dressed in an oil-painting-like garment.
All in all: He/she:
− Be always put together
− Has an eye for fashion.
− Express fashion in a very bold way.
− make a strong statement with how he/she dresses
 − is the trendsetter
− His/her style can be depicted as a perfect balance between nonchalance (hờ hững) and innocence (ngây thơ) / avant-garde and
ready-to-wear.
− Be known as the fashion chameleon who could carry looks of different styles.

=> Feelings + Future:

− Adore some of his/her looks.
− Admire him/her for his/her bold experiments in style.
− Inspire me to be who I am, dare to try out new things and be not afraid of failures.

Part 3 - Clothes and Online Shopping

1. Do you think clothes reflect a country’s identity?

I'd say, you know, in this modern age of globalization, I don't think it really does reflect a country's identity. I think so many people now
wear similar clothes, be it jeans or T-shirts, everybody's wearing the same items that are in fashion right now. I mean, if you take a look on
social media, young people across the world are wearing the same clothes.
That said, there is one element that is important and that's traditional clothes, and many countries still use traditional clothes, especially for
special events. For example, at a wedding or at a funeral or some kind of family celebration in Vietnam, Ao Dai are everywhere to be found.
I guess that instead of trying to pursue the same basic fashion trends, we should try really embracing our roots and try making our national
costumes more wearable, more suitable in everyday life, maybe with a different cut, or maybe if we style them differently, the possibilities
are endless.
2. What’s the difference between fashion nowadays and in the past?
I mean if you ask me, I think fashion trends have changed enormously in the past 30, 40, 50 years, not just from the 90's, bu t even before
that. You know, I read that in the 70s (example), flared jeans were very popular, and shirts with these huge, flying collars were all the
rage, as was long hair as well, especially for men. But I think whilst jeans are still popular, flared jeans went in and out of fashion. These
days, it's more about the ripped, distressed denim look rather than the flared cuts. And instead of those gigantic collars, slim-fit shirts with
little collars are what's hot now.
3. Do you think online shopping will replace in-store shopping in the future? Why?
This is a difficult question to answer. Online shopping has come a long way since the introduction in the mid-90s …

Yeah: I believe that it will gradually supplant physical shopping (physical stores are getting obsolete due to the ascension of e-commerce)
as shopping online…
− More convenient → Explain: People are lazier/ Modern life is getting more hectic and people are up to their ears with the huge amount
of workload/ Have less time for entertaining activities such as shopping/ Be a quicker and cheaper way to shop/ Don’t have to commute to
the physical stores to make the purchase nor wait in queue at the cashier desk (quầy thu ngân)/ Can make a purchase at a comfort of their
homes/ Access to a product at a click of a button → Result: Shave off commuting time which can be spent on other purposes/ Increase the
overall shopping experience.
− More diverse → Explain: A wide range (an ocean) of choice can be found online from food and clothing items to electronic devices
while each physical stores are specialized for certain types of products/ The stock is more plentiful/ Can shop from retailers in other parts
of the world instead of being limited to their own topography (geography)/ More various designs are at the buyers’ disposal → Result: Can
compare the same product from different brands to make the most judicious (prudent) decision → Example: Compare the prices and quality
of shoes from Adidas and Nike while it is difficult to do at physical stores.
− Offer better deals → Explain: Cheaper prices are always available online as products come to the customers directly from the
manufacturer or seller without involving middlemen/ Easier to compare prices and find a better deal/ Occasionally offer discount coupons
and rebates (hạ giá = discounting programs) → Result: Save more money which can be spent on other purposes.

• Nah: however, I don’t think that physical shopping can be entirely eradicated (Well, chances that in-store shopping will entirely
disappear are slim) as shopping at stores…:
− Risk of fraud (lừa đảo) → Explain: Buying online requires a leap of faith/ Cannot directly inspect or touch the products/ Sizes are
often imprecise/ Cannot determine the texture, fabric, fit, cut, quality or durability just by looking at a photo → Result: Products looking
great might feel awkward or cheap when holding them in bare hands/ Have a higher chance of receiving counterfeiting or low-quality items/
Arouse the buyers’ frustration and irritation/ Waste a ton of money on undervalued goods.
− Shipping problems and delays → Explain: No way to ensure that customers will receive their deliveries in time except for directly
picking them up from the stores/ Can be lost, detoured, damaged or delivered to the wrong address due to customs (hải quan) procedures/
Can get the product immediately when buying in-store → Result: Avoid frustration to customers when problems occur/ Save tons of time
from waiting for the deliveries.
 − Be detrimental for the environment → Explain: Packages are wrapped in multiple layers of plastic (polyester) or thick carton boxes
before being sent to the buyers/ The rising trend of cybershopping can lead to the rise in gas consumption in the delivery process → Result:
Increase the amount of plastic trash which takes centuries to be naturally degraded/ Lead to air pollution caused by the fume exhaust/ Create
unnecessary waste by shopping online.
→ Conclusion: While physical shopping will survive despite retail sales/retails (there will always be a small demand for going into
stores), it is clear that shopping online is becoming the more prominent and ubiquitous option in the near future.

4. Why is fashion very important to some people?

What an intriguing question! I personally reckon that there are numerous reasons underlying this issue…
− A form of self-expression through art → Explain: Art is the quintessence of life and helps in the inventive articulation of self/ Fashion
represents the way someone dresses and expresses their eye for fashion → Example: Through the choice of color or accessories, wearer can
make a statement about their personality or how they feel/ In House of The Dragon, Alicent Hightower used to wear dark red garments to
depict her devotion for House Targaryen, however, she switched to green dresses when declaring war.
− Boost (Increment) self-empowerment and confidence → Explain: When someone starts caring about fashion, they receive huge
respect in every social circle/ Makes the wearer stand out in the crowd and look different from other people/ Dressing flattering can allow
one get compliments from the surrounding people → Result: Feel better when looking at themselves.
− Create a good first impression → Explain: People tend to make a quick, snap judgement by perceptions that they get from how
opponent looks → Result: Can heavily influence how others view them by using fashion to their advantage/ How people wear outfits,
adornments, gems, and hold themselves is vital in making an enduring effect.
− Firmer the relationships → Explain: Connect with others by inviting friends or colleagues to shop together → Result: Provide
numerous precious opportunities to have fun and communicate which allows a deep understanding towards each other.

5. Are older people as fashionable as young people?

This question is out of the blue as fashion is subjective. I believe it depends on…
• Yeah: The elderlies have an eye for fashion: Con đường này chông gai lắm… Hãy chuyển xuống No.
− With age comes wisdom (Gừng càng già càng cay) → Explain: Have been through numerous trends throughout the history → Result:
Have enriched themselves with fashion knowledge and recognized their personal styling which suits their body the most/ Have the ability
to wear the clothes, not to be worn by the it, which means they can express their self loudly and coherently through the way they dress.
− Fashion repeats itself → Explain: Trends come and go but many fashion pieces and trends end up repeating themselves → Example:
Fashion industry continues to track backwards to previous trends from former decades/ Younger generation begins to wear loose jeans which
was ubiquitous in the 2000s/ Vietnamese teenagers have a tendency to follow the vintage fashion trend in the 90s (style Trịnh Công Sơn á
mấy má)/ Headscarves of Gucci was popular in the 50s and 60s → Result: What old people usually wear can be seen as fashionable, trendy
and odd from the public.

• Nah: Youngsters tend to be more fashion-conscious than the old generations. On one hand… On the other hand…
− Teenagers: develop the habit of the following vogue by following their role models/ tend to wear fashionable and on-brand clothes to
look chic and stand-out from the crowd/ in the adventurous (rebel) period as they dare to try almost everything ignoring the fact that they
might be uncomfortable → Example: Jeans, T-shirts, hoodies, shorts, skirts and dresses in every possible length, and sneakers from famous
brands such as Adidas, Nike, etc.
− Elderly: Once hitting 50s, comfort becomes more important than fashion/ Older people are often uninterested in fashion and more
interested in what looks good on them or what is comfortable → Example: wearing loose clothes with dull color contrast, or sometimes
filled with busy textures/ stick to sober colors, which is opposite to the flashier color preferred by younger generations.

6. Are women more fashionable than men? Why?

Another interesting question, I must say…
Yah, women are more fashionable than their counterparts:
− The social expectation → Example: Have been seen as objects of beauty rather than people with their own thought and feelings for
centuries/ Are constantly being told what they need to dress to be attractive while men do not face the same level of pressure to look perfect
→ Example: Numerous advertisements target females with phrases like “You’re worth it” or “Indulge yourself” → Result: Create an
obsession with fashion and appearance/ Males wear the same outfits for months without giving a second thought.
− Female clothes dominate the fashion world → Explain: Women are into fashion/ Love shopping and coordinating new outfits which make
them look attractive and flattering/ Men do not care about fashion as much as women do while mostly focusing on being strong and the
breadwinner of the family → Result: The choice for women’s fashion are unlimited while their counterparts lack diversity (Not much
variation possible in men’s clothing).

Nah, men are getting more fashionable than the ladies: Con đường này vẫn thật chông gai…
− Have pushed the boundaries of fashion → Explain: Modern society is beginning to being more open/ More men have the guts to go out
and care about their looks in the public space/ Learn more about how to taking care of their appearance → Example: Was believed to be
homosexual if men concerned about their look/ David Beckham became one of the first footballers who was a fashion icon and recognized
not only in sport’s world but also in the fashion industry → Result: Paved the way for the variation of men’s choice/ Promote gender equality/
More individuals dare to say they care about fashion and dare to think out of the box and be a trendsetter.

It has nothing to do with genders:

− Be a matter of personal choice and preferences → Explain: Has a different take on fashion/ Both genders are equally fond of or not fond
of the latest fashion trend → Explain 2: Depends on one’s economic status what they can afford → Result: Contain numerous factors that
decide who is fashionable and who is not/ Be irrelevant to sexes.

7. What kind of customer service do you think is good?

I think that creating an overall good customer experience depends on multiple factors. One of which…
− Provide customer satisfaction → Explain: A happy customer is a paying customer → Result: Both sales services should be carried out
carefully to satisfy the shopper → Example: Ensure that their quality of service should be prompt/ Interact with customers with a happy
face/ Deal with (Resolve) any kinds of problems faced by buyers immediately/ Staff are attentive, patient and polite with the clients/ The
claim handling process (quá trình xử lý yêu cầu bồi thường) must be quick to avoid unprecedented delays.
− Offer a smooth shopping experience → Example: Do not encounter any troubles when shopping not wait in a long queue at the cashier
desk/ Ask for advice from sales staff easily/ Provide a spacious parking space which shaves off customer’s time finding for the parking
spot → Result: Feel more comfortable and welcomed while shopping/ Show their appreciation by becoming frequent visitors
− Receive exactly what is advertised → Explain: Numerous products with low quality have been overvalued by exaggerated and overblown
advertisements → Result: Goods with no lies, no deceptions nor exaggerations can raise the company’s profile/ Build a strong group of
loyal customers/ Avoid irritation and frustration when receiving counterfeiting products/ Feel like they get the true value for their money/
Ensure customer retention.

8. What are the differences between shopping online and in-store?

To my way of thinking, there are a myriad of distinctions between online and offline shopping. One of which is…
* Advantages of online shopping:
− Convenience → Explanation: Provide an opportunity to shop 24/7/ Can make a purchase within minutes/ No lines to wait in the queue
nor cashiers to track down to help customers with their purchases/ Don’t have to travel to the physical stores >< Physical stores are open for
10-12 hours per day → Result: Save a wealth of (a pool of) time and energy/ Can get their things in the comfort of their own home.
− Offer better deals → Explain: Cheaper prices are always available online as products come to the customers directly from the manufacturer
or seller without involving middlemen/ Easier to compare prices and find a better deal/ Occasionally offer discount coupons and rebates (hạ
giá = discounting programs) >< Shopping at physical stores does not provide such opportunities frequently → Result: Save more money
which can be spent on other purposes.
− Provide a wide range of options → Explain: Can find almost any brands or items that they’re looking for/ The stock is much more plentiful/
Can shop from retailers in other parts of the world instead of being limited to their own topography (geography)/ More various designs are
at the buyers’ disposal >< Impossible while shopping offline → Result: Always be able to find the size and color according to their
preferences.

* Advantages of shopping offline (in a brick-and-mortar store):

− Avoid the risk of fraud (lừa đảo) → Explain: Can directly inspect or touch the products/ Sizes are often precise/ Can determine the texture,
fabric, fit, cut, quality or durability while shopping in physical stores >< Buying online requires a leap of faith → Result: Receive the most
authentic products/ Reduce the chance of receiving counterfeiting or low-quality items from online shopping/ Avoid arousing the buyers’
frustration and irritation/ Prevent wasting a ton of money on undervalued goods/ Make the most judicious (prudent) regarding the look and
size of the items.
− Receive the goods instantly → Explain: After paying money at the cashier desk, buyer immediately own such items >< No way to ensure
that customers will receive their deliveries in time while ordering online/ Can be lost, detoured, damaged or delivered to the wrong address
due to customs → Result: Be a cheaper option as buyers can save money spent on shipping procedures.
− Be eco-friendly → Explain: Buyers can bring their personal cloth bags or request the cashier to not place the bought items in plastic bags
>< Packages are wrapped in multiple layers of plastic (polyester) or thick carton boxes before being sent to the buyers in online purchasing/
The rising trend of cybershopping can lead to the rise in gas consumption in the delivery process → Result: Reduce the consumption of
plastic which takes centuries to be naturally degraded/ Alleviate air pollution caused by the fume exhaust.