‘frumpy’. Sweater sets. Jeans that come to the waist. Athletic shoes worn as everyday shoes. Anything modest. Anything that isn’t the writer or editor’s personality.
Personality. That is what it really comes down to, different tastes in clothing. Notice I didn’t say fashion, I said clothes. A Natural personality could care less about fashion. That is the person that wants functionality. They wear clothes because it’s too cold to be naked; or it’s warm enough to be naked, but one would get arrested. A Classic personality will wear sweater sets and straight skirts. A Polo type shirt and a pair of jeans to their waste or a pair of Khakis will do them just fine. A Romantic personality will wear the latest fashion, and add a ruffle or costume jewelry. A Dramatic personality pleases all of the fashionistas, in fact, most of them are Dramatic personalities. So, we have Dramatic personalities dictating to all the rest of us (obviously the majority) what we should wear. Why do we do this? Why do we allow that to happen? Because we have been conditioned to think they are the experts and we know nothing, so therefore we do as they bid each season.
Unless, you have enough gumption within you to say, “Back off. I’ll wear what looks good on me and is comfy.” Sadly, in my image consultant years I have not met many of the ‘Back off’ people. I have tried to teach them to say ‘Back off’ and I think some have actually applied that in their lives.
Stand up for yourself. Stand up for your style. My style is Natural Romantic. We are all a mixture of two of the above personalities. Natural me wants to spend 5 minutes getting ready for my day. Romantic me gives Natural me about 10 minutes more to get my hair and makeup done. Natural me wants to be comfortable. Romantic me will be comfortable for a little while, but then I tire of being uncomfortable. And the older I get less time it takes to tire of being uncomfortable. Natural me is done with heels. Romantic me agrees, but they have to be cute flats. Natural me needs to not be constricted. Romantic me finds super cute tops that will not confine, and sweaters that don’t restrict. Natural me prefers pants. Romantic me chooses dress lengths that I can sit on the floor and not let everyone in the room know the color of my underwear. So. Natural me will wear jeans to my waist, longer skirts, and unstructured tops and dresses. Natural me would be ‘frumpy’. Romantic me says, “Back off, I’m in my style and I love it.” Natural me would be intimidated. Romantic says, “You wear those 4 inch stiletto’s and skirt cut high thigh, and I’ll let you take the last seat in the room because I can sit on the floor without any problem.”
What’s your style? Can you say, “Back off, I’m in my style and I love it” or do you say, “Back off, I’m in my style and I hate it.” If it’s the latter, message me and we will find your style!
Carolyn Bendall 