The fashion- forward Southampton public were out in force today, showcasing their unique styles and discussing what the ‘f’ word really means to them.

An army of different trends, looks and personalities stormed the streets as if the pavement was their own catwalk. And boy, did they own it. College student Melissa Rose, 17, who was strutting through shop after shop handing out her CV in a pair of three-inch stilettos and a lovely retro dress said: “I’d say I’m quite smart, I never wear jeans. I own one pair and I only wear them when it snows. I don’t dress like any of my friends, and I’m always wearing a pair of heels. Even if I’m just going to the shops and running a few errands like today. I want to look fashionable.

“My favourite go-to item is definitely one of my dresses. If I’m having one of those days where I hate everything in my wardrobe, I’ll always go for a dress, and if it’s cold outside I add a pair of woolly tights. I quite like Fearne Cotton, and the way she always looks made up yet comfortable.”

Southampton Solent student Katherine Pearson, 20, wearing a luxurious looking camel cape and an eccentric floral beach shirt said: “I definitely dress for myself and not for how people think I should. She [friend] doesn’t want me to be my friend anymore because I’m wearing a Hawaiian shirt. I think I’d describe my style as maybe an old man and an old lady. I just throw on a bit of everything really, because I love charity shops and markets, but I also shop in H&M and Topshop.”

Friend and fellow student Sam Pullen, 20, couldn’t be more different. “I love Topshop, River Island, Warehouse and New Look, everything high street really. And I love to mix designer accessories with high street to mix it up.” Although Sam avidly follows the latest trends, she tends to find inspiration from other sources away from the catwalk. “I prefer to look at what curvier celebrities are wearing, and people who are dressing for their shape and what suits them personally.”

On the other end of the spectrum is golfer and waiter Elliot Corley, 22, dressed in jeans and a pair of gleaming white converse. “I think I have quite a cool, casual, smart and quirky style. I tend to play golf through most of the week, and my clothes for this become quite uniformed, so in my spare time I try to take care of my appearance. I care about keeping on trend and looking stylish.

While fashion plays a huge role in a lot of people’s lives, it’s refreshing to hear a different opinion on what the ‘f’ word means to them. 31 year old wife and mother of two Julie Land said: “I do take care of myself and try to look presentable, but my life doesn’t revolve around what I look like. I dress for myself, and if I’m having a fat day I’ll wear a hoodie and trackies. It doesn’t matter what people think of me.”