They say don’t judge a book by its cover. I don't listen. I mean, it’s not like I wake up every morning and ask myself “Who am I going to be today?”. But I do look at my schedule of the day and base my outfit accordingly, that, I won’t deny. And I do wonder if everyone does the same, then I head to class and figure they do not. It’s so normal now to slip, not in clothes, but in a routine. And I know that I can't talk about “the olden days where everyone put an effort in their appearance” simply because, well, I wasn’t born. But it’s still a big question to me; are people just lazy now, or is personal style really what everyone is wearing?
People see you before they hear you. The question is, what do you want them to see? It’s so easy to fall back on the excuse of comfort, especially in an age where leggings are celebrated like high fashion. People just love to toss on whatever’s at the top of the laundry pile and call it “effortless.” Quick note; “effortless” is synonymous with lazy… Do you think those models off-duty rolled out of bed and threw those perfectly fitting jeans on, that perfect white tee and threw that sweater over their shoulders, and went for a stroll? No. It’s calculated, just like that spot where they were seen with that outfit - it all says something. So if you’re dressing like you gave up at 9 AM, is it really wise to expect people to look at you and think “Wow, there goes a winner.” I’m going to assume they’re thinking you’re two bad days away from starting a solo podcast on conspiracy theories.
Clothes don’t just cover you, they announce you. Style without thought is about as exciting as a cup of lukewarm coffee. What are you doing today? Are you going to class? Meeting a friend for coffee? Maybe going to work later? Dress for it, I know there’s potential. The whole work thing is so true too, especially in the corporate world. If I saw someone walking in a room “dressed for comfort”, I’m going to think good luck getting anyone to take you seriously. I really think clothes are half the battle in those rooms. Now if you show up in something that says “I have my life together and probably yours too”, you don’t even have to speak. The truth is, fashion’s a game, and showing up looking like you don’t care just tells everyone you don’t feel like playing.
And I know, I promise I know, that you should dress for yourself, not for others, but if you’re in the game, it helps to remind yourself every so often that people care, and you should care what people think. Not because your worth is based on what you wear; but their opinions - they are. And that's everywhere. No matter where you are in the world, even if you’re only able to say yes, no, and “the bill please” in the mother tongue of your destination, style is our silent language, and it does more translating than we realize.
My friend was talking to me as well about how the city you live in can affect the way you dress. If you think about it, every city comes with an idea of how to dress. You think New York, you think street style. You think Paris, you think turtleneck, marinère, cinched. You think Rome, you think timeless and romantic. So it makes sense that if everyone is wearing leggings and shapeless sweaters left and right, you imitate and assimilate. But, hot take, you’re either part of the wallpaper or you’re the main event. And if you’re choosing “blend in,” well, enjoy the view from the background. But for the love of all that’s holy, don’t act surprised when no one remembers you were there.
I’ve read what I just wrote and what you just read enough times to know that it’s what people can call “brutally honest”. Sue me. Whether you recognize yourself in this column or you refuse to agree with anything I have written, I hope I’ve made you realize one thing; your clothes are you. Whether you like it or not. Even if it’s early, even if you haven’t had enough coffee to spell your own name, and you’re standing in front of your closet wondering what you should wear, think of the possibilities of the day, and dress for them. Every outfit is like your own personal press release. What will it say about you? That’s just for you to decide.
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