Off the Radar or Off the Wall
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Sometimes, I feel as if I’m trapped in a fashion rut of oversized tees and denim. It’s as if I’ve fallen into the world of suburban soccer moms who are still working off the baby weight. The problem is I’m 21, don’t have a husband with a 9 to 5 finance job or my appropriated 2.5 children. So, what gives?
After watching more than enough episodes of What Not To Wear, I’ve realized, when I wear an oversize t-shirt, it isn’t about comfort or convenience, it’s about trying to hide from the world.
Unlike most people on these fashion makeover shows, I am not hiding do to weight gain or loss— I love my body— I’m hiding because despite my need to be social for my career’s sake, I would much rather hide and not be seen. There are days like today when, yes, I want to just go wild, wear a bright dress, heels, and statement jewelry. I do like to dress nicely, and hopefully stylishly, but I’ve yet to learn how to navigate a world where people, generally women, compliment me on my clothing and style while others, generally men, launch unsolicited “Damn, girl!” missiles at me.
Don’t get me wrong, I like to be complimented just as much as the next being, but I always feel awkward when trying to graciously accept said compliment. In American culture, the polite thing to do when complimented is to reciprocate the action, but what if I can’t? I don’t want to lie. Also, in no way, shape, or form do I feel it appropriate to be yelled at from across the street, psst’d from a moving vehicle, or sexualized in any other way by a man I don’t know or have any intention of getting to know.
Earlier this week, I wrote of Tanya Gold’s hate letter to fashion, and though I still feel there is no escaping the fashion industry as she tried to imply, I still struggle with various aspects of consciously taking part in fashion, style, and trends, and sometimes wish it would all just disappear, or at least, I could disappear.
How do you deal with the ins and outs of fashion on the days that you simply want to hide?
What I’m Wearing [Monday]:
Sweater Dress – H&M
Leggings – ?
Shoes – Christian Louboutin
Necklace – Handmade
What I’m Wearing [Today]:
Dress – BCBGeneration
Leggings: Target
Shoes – Christian Louboutin
Rings – Ceasar’s Design, Various
Necklace – Handmade
Bracelets – Handmade, Vintage, Various
