An idea expressed not by appearance but by practicality. My friends and I used this phrase in high school and has since stuck with me. For example: A really cold day, and you left your favorite beanie at a friend's last night. Do you wear the Gummi Bears hat you have stashed to meet your date? If so, then you have chosen function over fashion. An example of fashion over function(no lie): Three summers ago, we saw someone walking through downtown Austin in a black, leather trench coat. Austin, TX generally averages around 98 degrees with humidity on a summer day. We agreed the person wasn't from around Austin, it was Quentin Tarantino. Quentin, although I love his flicks, looked like a jackass walking around like that. Some people don't damage rep, regardless of a situation. Me.....function, not fashion.