Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com

fashionista

American  
[fash-uh-nee-stuh] / ˌfæʃ əˈni stə /

noun

  • fashionistas
    plural
  1. a very fashionable person, especially one who works in the fashion industry.


fashionista British  
/ ˌfæʃəˈniːstə /

noun

  1. informal a person who follows trends in the fashion industry obsessively and strives continually to adopt the latest fashions

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms


Etymology

Origin of fashionista

1990–95; fashion + Italian or Spanish -ista -ist


Explanation

A fashionista is a stylish person. A fashionista might be a model or celebrity who sets trends, or just someone who loves reading about, following, and dressing up in the latest styles — fully and perfectly accessorized, of course! Fashionista combines the English word fashion and the Spanish -ista, meaning "someone who is associated with something" (also used in Italian and Portuguese, and basically the same thing as -ist in English). Some fashionistas write articles or blogs about the latest styles; others might make and share videos and social media posts about what's chic in the world of couture. The term fashionista sometimes has a slightly negative vibe, referring to a person or group who dictates what's "in" or "out."

Keep Reading on Vocabulary.com

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

Sirikit held a dual reputation as a fashionista and the nation's caring matriarch, with some Western media featuring her on magazine covers and comparing her to former US first lady Jackie Kennedy.

From Barron's ● Oct. 25, 2025

She is single and rich, a prominent fashionista, the daughter of Diana Ross, and the founder and CEO of a haircare company.

From Salon ● Aug. 3, 2025

As any fashionista could tell you, pulling off an effortless look takes a lot of, well, effort.

From Science Magazine ● Nov. 17, 2024

A grandmother in rural Zambia has become an accidental style icon and internet sensation - after agreeing to play dress-up and swapping outfits with her fashionista granddaughter.

From BBC ● Nov. 15, 2024

When I think of the Hairy Man, I don’t think of a fashionista.

From "The Manifestor Prophecy" by Angie Thomas

Many fashionistas will be casting an eye on the Christian Louboutin show on day two where Jaden Smith -- son of US rapper-actor Will Smith -- will present his debut collection.

From Barron's ● Jan. 19, 2026

"I have seen enough fashionistas come in and out of this division," says new Nottingham Forest manager Sean Dyche.

From BBC ● Oct. 22, 2025

Not in the factual sense, because that would be crazy, but closer to how fashionistas know to add one discordant accessory.

From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 27, 2024

For sustainability-minded fashionistas, materials made by fast-growing, eco-friendly bacteria offer an appealing alternative to leather or faux plastic replacements such as “pleather.”

From Science Magazine ● Apr. 9, 2024

Clad in tulle and sequins, fluffy fashionistas took part in a contest to choose the day’s top costumes.

From Seattle Times ● Feb. 10, 2024

Random Word

Spin the wheel and learn a new word!

Get a word

Vocabulary.com logo
by dictionary.com

Just like flashcards, but way more fun

Don't take our word for it. Leave the boring studying behind and join VocabTrainer today. You'll learn even faster and never look back.

Take me to Vocabulary.com