Spring is coming. You know what that means…we get to hear about “fashion rules” again.
I was watching a tv show (which shall remain nameless) a while back and one segment was on fashion for women. You know… what’s styles and colors are trendy, etc.
Why is it when someone discusses fashion for women it inevitably includes something about what does or does not “flatter” each body type?
“The vertical stripes and cinched waist flatter and elongate the body.”
“The V-neck draws the eye downward, giving a more slimming appearance.”
Ugh.
I know all the rules. All the tricks. All the ways to make myself appear taller, thinner, bustier, whatever-er. How to hide my flaws and accentuate my better features.
What does it really do for ME?
All the rules make me wonder…can’t a girl just wear a t-shirt and jeans with no makeup if that’s her cup of tea?
Believe me, I know the answer is “yes”. I’m over 50 and every year that goes by I care less about following these rules.
But I’m concerned for the girls and young women who hear this stuff in various forms day after day, year after year. It is TOXIC to their self-image and self-confidence. I noticed when my daughter was in 5th grade that some other girls were already wearing foundation, for heaven’s sake. What were they trying to cover?
And by the way, when is the last time you heard someone in men’s fashion talk about “vertical stripes elongating the body”? (I’m not saying men don’t have their challenges…I have a son, so I know some of those challenges).
So, by all means…. wear the vertical stripes if you want. Or wear the horizontal stripes. Or no stripes at all. But just don’t let society’s fashion “rules” rule over you.
