This week I had the tables turned on me. I got a dose of my own medicine, so to speak. Someone stopped me on campus to take my photo. But it wasn’t about street style. Instead, the photographer was creating an art project centered around a ubiquitous accessory — the scarf. He was interested in its changing significance from wearer to wearer. Sometimes it conveys religious meaning, while for others (myself included), the scarf represents comfort and individual expression. This got me thinking about every Fashionista and Fashionisto’s varying motivations behind his or her changing modes of style.
On some days, for instance, we dress to hide from the world—perhaps rocking an all-black ensemble. On other days, we experiment with bold and whimsical costumes of expression. Whether we realize it or not, we often allow our mood to affect our clothes and our clothes to affect our mood. This train of thought brings me to today’s Fashionista. She stands out in a colorful, vintage-inspired outfit that can’t help but bring a smile to your face. Her vibe exudes an aura of sunshine that uplifts and inspires.
Take a look at her bright, '70s style dress. The graphic floral pattern immediately draws you in to examine further. She complements this exuberant item with brown tights and a brown, lace shrug. I love this unexpected color combination. The two differing prints don't compete with one another either. The brown and cream hues in the cardigan coordinate with the background colors of her dress while adding distinctive texture. It reminds me of pairings we saw at the Prada show this fall 2012 ready-to-wear season. She finishes her ensemble with another shock of color in the form of teal pumps and she also adds a horse pin for a touch of humor. The result is an outfit that doesn’t take itself too seriously. It reads fun with a distinct, lady-like composure to it.
Bill Cunningham famously said, “Fashion is the armor to survive everyday life.” Knowing that we are visual creatures, I couldn’t agree more. How we present ourselves to the world is half the battle. Not only does it change others’ perception of us, but it affects our view of ourselves. So what’s the takeaway for dressing this week? Dress for how you want to feel and for whom you want to be. Take chances like today’s Fashionista with a bold dress and colorful shoes. Or opt for the other end of the spectrum, with a pair of classic trousers and an essential white, button-down. Whatever you choose, embrace your choice with confidence and go forth with a smile.
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