On a freakishly warm fall day in Columbus, I spotted today’s Fashionista. What struck me about her ensemble was how she radiated fall fashion yet remained cool enough for the unexpected heat wave. In the past, fashion trends were dictated by an elite group of tastemakers. Clothes had a season — a distinct time and place when they were deemed appropriate. Consequently, women would retire pieces away with the change of seasons. Summer clothes would be traded in favor of fall and winter wardrobes. Today, this is not the case. I believe the art of layering is a true hallmark of modern day fashion. This Fashionista represents this philosophy to a T.
Her sleeveless dress could be worn all summer long with sandals, but now she pairs it with floral fishnets and tall boots, breathing new life into the piece. I also love how she ties her shoes and tights into the rest of her ensemble with the help of a black clasp belt. This keeps the outfit cohesive and pulled together while also providing a flattering waist cinch. Her sense of humor is apparent in the pop of blue she grasps by her side, proving she is prepared for the unpredictable Ohio weather.
The philosopher Jean Baudrillard introduced the concept of the “dance of the fossils.” This phrase describes the need to free things from their contexts in order to give them cultural value. Today’s Fashionista illustrates this idea in terms of dressing. Her dress is not defined by its cut or print alone. It is not confined to the summer fashion box or the fall fashion box — it transcends these limits. Apply this to your personal fashion philosophy. Wear your breezy tank-top under a chunky sweater or your short-shorts with cable-knit tights. I mean we all know that the “don’t wear white after labor day” myth has been long since busted. Why stop there?
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