Addison Rae – High Fashion. Lyrics & Meaning

Addison Rae – High Fashion : A Declaration of Self-Worth Over Cheap Love

Ever get that nagging feeling that you’re chasing something… but you’re not quite sure what? Like you’re supposed to want a certain kind of attention or a specific type of relationship, but deep down, it just feels hollow? You scroll through feeds of perfect couples and think, “Is this what happiness is supposed to look like?” But something inside you is craving more—something tangible, something you’ve built, something that’s unapologetically yours.

If that little voice sounds familiar, then you’ve stumbled upon the perfect anthem for that exact feeling. It’s a track that, despite not having an official release for the longest time, has lived in our heads rent-free. Let’s peel back the layers of a song that’s so much more than a catchy pop tune and uncover the powerful message hidden within its glamorous exterior.

Decoding the Glamour: What’s Really Behind Addison Rae’s “High Fashion”?

On the surface, “High Fashion” sounds like a simple bop about loving expensive clothes. But listen a little closer, and you’ll realize it’s a powerful rejection of superficial validation. Addison isn’t just singing about brands; she’s drawing a line in the sand between what society tells her she should want and what she truly desires for herself. The song is a brilliant story of choosing ambition and self-fulfillment over fleeting, empty connections.

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Swapping Cheap Highs for Real Goals

The song kicks off by immediately establishing this core conflict. She isn’t interested in the temporary, often destructive “highs” that people use to fill a void. Whether “drugs” and “cheap love” are literal or metaphorical, the point is the same: she’s over it. She’s looking for a different kind of buzz.

I don’t need your drugs
I’d rather get, rather get high fashion
I don’t want cheap love
I’d rather get high fashion

This chorus is her thesis statement. “High fashion” here isn’t just a Gucci bag or a pair of Louboutins. It represents a state of being—a feeling of accomplishment, success, and self-worth that she has earned. It’s a “high” that comes from chasing her dreams and seeing them materialize. It’s the thrill of seeing your name in lights, or in this case, a dream of being seen on a much grander scale:

Have you ever dreamt of being seen?
Not by someone, more like in a magazine

Boom. Right there. She’s not looking for one person’s approval. She’s aiming for a legacy, for a level of recognition that comes from her own hard work. It’s a completely different kind of fulfillment that “cheap love” could never offer.

More Than Fabric: The Power in Choosing Yourself

This anthem is layered with moments of raw honesty and a defiant sense of self-awareness. Addison paints a vivid picture of a woman who knows exactly who she is and what she wants, and she’s not afraid to be a little messy or controversial to get her point across. It’s about taking control of your own narrative and your own pleasure.

An Unapologetic Embrace of Desire

Let’s talk about some of the more provocative lines, because they are crucial to the song’s message. They aren’t just there for shock value; they’re declarations of autonomy.

I’d rather feel the sun kiss on my skin
With a cigarette pressed between my tits

This imagery is so specific and bold. It’s a moment of pure, unadulterated self-indulgence. It’s a scene where she is the main character, finding pleasure on her own terms, without needing anyone else. Then she drops this iconic line:

This is where she cleverly separates her emotional value from her material desires. She’s saying her heart and body aren’t easily won with empty promises (“cheap love”), but she will shamelessly and enthusiastically pursue the things that bring her genuine joy and a sense of accomplishment—like a killer pair of shoes. It’s humorous, confident, and flips the script on what women are “supposed” to prioritize.

The Internal Struggle is Real

Even in this bold declaration of independence, the song acknowledges that it’s not always an easy choice. The bridge reveals a moment of vulnerability, showing the pull of that old, toxic dynamic she’s trying to escape.

Spiraling into you, I’m into you
Denial, you make it hard, so hard to choose
Desire (Desire), I know how to make the hard things look really easy

This part is so relatable. It’s the acknowledgment that moving on and choosing yourself is a battle. The temptation to fall back into old patterns is strong, but her desire for something more—for that “high fashion” life—ultimately wins out. She knows how to power through, even when it’s difficult.

The core message of “High Fashion” is a beautiful reminder to define your own happiness. It’s about understanding that your worth isn’t tied to someone else’s affection or approval. True, lasting fulfillment comes from pursuing your passions, celebrating your achievements, and investing in yourself. The song encourages us to find our own version of “high fashion”—whatever that may be—and chase it with everything we’ve got.

Ultimately, “High Fashion” is an anthem for anyone who has ever chosen their ambition over a relationship that was holding them back. It’s for the dreamers, the hustlers, and everyone who’d rather invest in their own future than settle for a love that doesn’t measure up. But that’s just my take on it. What do you hear when you listen to this song? Does “high fashion” mean something different to you? Let’s discuss in the comments below!