Why So Serious?
Take some inspiration from M.I.A. And she’s with child in this dress…..
I used to want to go into the fashion business, but peeks of the “cut your throat with my 5 inch Louboutin stiletto” industry told me it wasn’t for me. After living in Manhattan for a year and working retail on 5th Ave, I became exposed to the serious side of fashion. The word I soon came to associate most quickly and unfortunately to fashion was judgment, and following closely behind, hypocrisy. Dirty looks on the streets from self-proclaimed fashionistas, and every average Jane assuming the title of fashion guru and ergo New York City’s sidewalk fashion critic. I decided fairly quickly that I wanted fashion to be a part of my life that I enjoyed; not something I criticized others for.
The people I admire most are those who follow their own trends. This goes beyond fashion. The clothes we put on our bodies are just a small piece of the image of ourselves we give to the world. And just as we grow on the inside, we grow on the outside as well. We are constantly developing the way we want others to view us. Not only does this help others to see who we are as individuals, but it also helps us to see ourselves for who we are. If you ask me, there are 3 important things to remember when it comes to personal style:
- 1. Trends are not meant for everyone – You don’t have to follow them. There are plenty of crazes that A) I would not be caught dead wearing for reasons of my own taste and B) I just simply don’t have the body to pull off, regardless of how cute I think it is. And I’m ok with that. Trends come and go, but style is timeless. With that being said…
- 2. Develop your own sense of style – Brand yourself. Don’t dress for others – dress for yourself. You will never be able to please everyone else, and why would you want to?? Think about what your lifestyle is like and when you feel your best.
- 3. Keep an open mind – Maybe that top won’t look as heinous on you as you think. So next time that tiresome saleswoman and self titled “stylist” sneaks article of clothing x into your dressing room, just try the damn thing on. (Not saying she knows what she’s doing, maybe she does, but either way, you might be pleasantly surprised.)
It’s true that clothes do not make a person. And I believe that there is much more to life than appearances. But how many times a day do we give and receive first impressions? I realize that time is not something that everyone wants to waste in the mirror. However, the littlest changes can make a difference and greatly effect both how we carry ourselves and how others view us. If you are confident from the inside out, others will see that. Not to mention that life is already serious enough, so lighten up!
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Tags: mens fashion, personal style, trends, We are Du Jour, womens fashion
December 4th, 2009 at 11:27 am
“…Dressing well is a kind of good manners, if you ask me. When you’re standing in a room, your effect is the same as a chair’s effect, or sculpture’s. You’re part of someone’s view, you’re part of that world, and so you should dress well. I find it’s as show of respect to try to put your best face and look as good as you can.”
In regards to your “Brand yourself. Don’t dress for others – dress for yourself…”, what are your thoughts on this posted quote? Whether you are dressing for yourself or dressing for others it’s always important to look aesthetically pleasing. Any thoughts, Ms WeRindigo?
December 14th, 2009 at 11:19 am
Very well said, I need to do this more!!! But where does one find the time to plan these looks???
December 14th, 2009 at 10:42 pm
Aaron, that’s a great point. I think having respect for others is a part of it too, but more indirectly than dressing for yourself. If you think about it, are you going to lead your life more as a show for others or a show for yourself? To me, being a pleasant part of someone’s landscape is just part of the fun. However I wouldn’t say it’s the aim. If you aim to please yourself, which I think is more fulfilling, then usually you will end up pleasing others as well.
December 14th, 2009 at 10:49 pm
As far as time is concerned, in my opinion, keeping it simple is always the best way to go! From there you can always slowly add in different “elements of surprise.”
December 30th, 2009 at 4:29 pm
Lizzy, I think another question is “where does one find the money to attain these looks?”