Opting out of Fashion

(photo by Raden Prasetya on Unsplash)

I’m not too proud to admit that my first exposure to fashion collecting was through my Barbie dolls. I used to hunt far and wide for handcrafted, stylish clothing for my dolls at local farmer’s markets with my mum. It became an early obsession.

 So, it’s a little surprising that I became more of an anti-fashionista in my twenties, favoring upcycled and vintage used clothing because I thought they were cooler and of course, more affordable, than buying anything new. I was also probably influenced by my mother’s complete lack of fashion sense. Her wardrobe could only be aptly described as Bolshevik-chic.

 I always made fun of the whole runway fashion scene. These clothes have always seemed not only unwearable, but also unaffordable, for anyone except the filthy rich. While I can appreciate the artistry in some of the high-end looks, they are usually ridiculously over-the-top. Celebrities pushing their own designs has only perpetuated this unattainable stereotype.

 Some designers are exceptions to this rule of course. I do admire women like Diane von Furstenburg, who catered to practical women’s workwear. Current modern designers like Canadian Emma May, with her Sophie Grace collection and American Eileen Fisher’s sustainable, simple designs, appeal to practical, busy women and are more affordable.

 When I was working, I did dress professionally and put on make-up every day. Now retired, I care less and less what people think of how I look. I mostly wear cheap, Indian cotton hippy dresses, shorts, sweatpants, and t-shirts.  At this point, you can pretty much wrap me in a mumu and send me out in public. I am comfortable and happy being a schlub.

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