• The Research Journal of the Costume Culture
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• v.20 no.5
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• pp.753-765
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• 2012

This study tested the validity of the six-factor model of fashion savvy which was modified from the consumer savvy scale developed by Macdonald and Uncles(2007) and explored the relationship between fashion savvy and consumer propensity to observe. Regarding the relationship, it was hypothesized that consumer propensity to observe antecedes fashion savvy. Data were gathered by surveying university students in Seoul metropolitan area, using convenience sampling, and 311 questionnaires were used in the statistical analysis. In analyzing data, factor analysis and regression were conducted. The findings show the validity of the six factors of fashion savvy, which are fashion sophistication, interpersonal network competency, online network competency, marketing literacy, consumer self-efficacy, and consumer expectations. Tests of the hypothesized relationship show that two factors of consumer propensity to observe influence fashion savvy. More specifically, the 'observing shoppers' factor positively influences all six factors of fashion savvy, whereas the 'following what others buy' factor negatively influences four factors of fashion savvy, fashion sophistication, interpersonal network competency, marketing literacy, and consumer self-efficacy. The implications of these findings and suggestions for future study are also discussed.

• The Research Journal of the Costume Culture
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• v.21 no.4
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• pp.562-575
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• 2013

The purpose of this study was to test the determinants of fashion savvy. As determinants, this study examined fear of negative evaluation by others and self esteem as subject-related variables and consumer confidence in fashion decisions as the product-related variable. It was hypothesized that fear of negative evaluation and self esteem influence fashion savvy both directly and indirectly through consumer confidence in fashion decisions. Data were gathered by surveying university students in Seoul metropolitan area, using convenience sampling, and 311 questionnaires were used in the statistical analysis. In analyzing data, factor analysis and path analysis were conducted. Tests of the hypothesized path show that one factor of fear of negative evaluation and self esteem influence fashion savvy directly and indirectly through consumer confidence in fashion decisions. More specifically, 'fear of negative impression and judgment' factor negatively influences 'marketing literacy' and 'consumer selfefficacy' of fashion savvy, whereas self-esteem positively influences 'consumer self-efficacy' of fashion savvy. In addition, consumer confidence in fashion decisions influences all six factors of fashion savvy. The implications of these findings and suggestions for future study are also discussed.