Each season, we buy into the newest fashion, trend or over hyped product and replace working items with newer models – because it is in vogue. We (ladies especially) follow fashion and love to keep up with all the trends; but oftentimes, what is in vogue is not necessarily for us. Fashion is marketed in such a way that one is compelled to ‘attain a certain look’. Many women have negative self-images if they don’t look or dress up to the ideals of the high fashion world…this could be due to weight/body type, hairstyles, make-up, jewellery, and so on.
People appear ‘fashionable’ and ‘up to date’ when seen in/with the latest attire or accessories. Some deny their own wants or tastes just to appeal to others and they follow the latest fashion even if it makes them look bad – really bad. Unlike the people they want to appeal to, they don’t take into consideration how explosive their thighs are, the small/massive butt and bust and their skin tone when they apply makeup or paint their face.
If you look bad in skinny jeans/leggings, for example, you’ll still look bad in them no matter how trendy they are at the moment. People who seriously need to hide their bellies are usually the ones who display it. I don’t see any cuteness in displaying flabs, love handles, stretch marks and cellulites all in the name of ‘latest’. Some ladies don’t feel comfortable in the nude in the presence of their husbands/partners but find it cool displaying it outside
Personally, there are fashion items I admire on people but will never wear because either my body type won’t allow it, or I don’t like to wear it because of comfort or otherwise. Persuading me to buy the latest big/hoop/drop earrings won’t wash because I don’t like.
A lady walked up to me once and told me with seriousness that ‘you’re very bold keeping your hair like that. Don’t you get headache combing it? It was a good day so I just allowed her comment to pass especially since I later got to know she was a hairdresser (calling herself hair/beauty therapist)-probably looking for a customer in a very ‘unprofessional’ manner.
While I respect everyone’s decision to wear their hair/clothes as they wish, it’s disturbing to see that people’s standard of beauty have become so deeply engrained in our collective psyche that ‘sporting’ my oh-so ever kinky hair or someone wearing what she feels comfortable in is considered daring. I don’t see the boldness or courage in ‘wearing’ my natural hair. Walking around in just pants and bra in cold weather, wearing the latest top with my belly spilling out, or painting my face in masquerade colours because it is in vogue is what I will call boldness!
When you wear what people love to see then your ‘identity’ is determined by their tastes or the latest fashion craze. There is nothing bad in following fashion as long as it improves your looks and makes you comfortable. It becomes a problem when it attracts weird stares and negative killing looks.
The only fashion item that will always be in vogue is individuality.