I am a narcissist. I am always obsessed with the clothes I wear or the way I do my hair. My husband once challenged me to not look into the mirror for fifteen minutes. I lost. Its not like I am God's gift to mankind, but I try my best to look good. I do not know much about style and fashion, I'd leave it to the wonderful fashion bloggers like Chandana. But I have my own unique sense of style and I'd stick to it. Earlier when I was stick thin, I liked wearing denims, T-shits and sneakers. They highlighted my frame neatly and helped me balance the tomboy and feminine look with a single outfit. I was a size 'XS' back then. At times I wouldn't get clothes my size in brands. Until I was twenty five, I remember shopping in the clothing section of kids. Yeah, embarrassing much. Once I started work, I had to steer a bit towards formal dressing. That is when I stepped into Westside for their Indian wear. The 'XS' kurta hung on me like an 'XL'. Yet, I bought them and had my tailor tuck in more than half the fabric. Life is not easy for a skinny girl.
Then the unexpected happened. Hormonal imbalance made me drift from an 'XS' to a size 'M". When you have been skinny all your life and when you suddenly see your clothes not fitting you, it is nothing short of depression. I had to give out my entire wardrobe to charity. Twice. It was only after I put on weight that I developed a sense of style. Or rather took it more seriously. I developed it mostly to hide my problem areas. I am aware of the latest fashion trends and follow only those that suit me. Baggy pants or palazzos are something that I would never wear. When the skinny jean revolution happened, it took the world by storm. I still am swimming in it. I cannot imagine wearing trousers that do not fit me tight. It maybe completely psychological, but I have never been able to let go off my skinny jeans. Even at a size 'M' I have a decent body, and since I am a tall person, the weight doesn't show much. I wear clothes that suit my body type and not just because it is in fashion. My hips are my problem areas and hence I stay away from tight tops. I have bid my goodbye to t-shirts too. I more often than not, now, wear free flowing fabrics that do not highlight my hips. I show off my toned legs with skinny jeans but I like to remain modest at the top.
The reason I am writing this post is because I feel that everyone should have their own sense of style. And not only blindly follow trends or what ever appears in the next issue of Cosmopolitan. For people with heavy thighs, skinny jeans is a no no. My style mantra has always been one thing, 'Dress according to your body type'. I have seen people struggle with tight jeans where they would not be able to sit or stand right. Then there are those people who wear tight tops showing off their fatty layers underneath. It is not appealing at all to the human eye. At least mine. Colored jeans are still in, but I think that we have had enough of those neon shades. Orange and yellow pants are so passe. If you still want neon to be a part of you, use it in your nail paint or accessories. Talking about accessories, have you seen those people who match everything on them. I am a sucker for bags and shoes, hence I buy them in pairs. And I match them with one piece of clothing. Else I go monochrome and use the color as a highlight. But then there are those people who match their top, shoes, bags, belt, bangles, watch, hairband, nail paint, eyeshadow and if possible some other things. I once saw this girl who looked like a giant aubergine, reeking of purple.
And then come the uber cool machas of Bangalore. I don't mind colored pants on men, but colors like pink and orange are a bit too much for a guy don't you think? And those scarves, the checkered ones; I see men wear it in peak summer making them look like the long lost successors of Yaseer Arafat. And those guys who wear sun glasses after sun set, wow, I applaud you! I do like fashionable guys, the ones who groom themselves well and have an individual sense of style. But not the ones who apply fairness creams and go for facials every fortnight. Jeez, what ever happened to balls. And do not give me that metro sexual shit. Men are supposed to be like men.
The most troubling part of fashion these days is the basic one. Lingerie. Who ever invented those transparent plastic bra straps must be stoned to death. It looks so cheap and tacky that it takes off the focus from whatever the girl is wearing. There is a strapless bra right? Why not use that and save yourself from the humiliation. Those straps are anything but transparent and shine bright when light falls on them. And the ladies who wear jeggings and tight skirts, please make use of seam less underwear. I do not want your panty line thrown on my face as you try to surrender to the clingy fabric wrapped around you. These are the basic things that people tend to ignore. I personally invest more in lingerie than I do on clothes, because believe it or not, it takes the right lingerie to get that perfect look.
Look at your body in the mirror and identify your problem areas. Hips, thighs, arms, stomach, breasts etc. Pick up clothes that help you hide them. After a couple of trials at a store, you yourself will be able to identify what suits you best and what you feel comfortable in. Screw the current trends. If you so badly want to wear the latest trend then pick up a fabric and get it stitched the way you want to, so that it flatters your body and does not scream out loud. An individual sense of styles defines you as a person and is noticed by everybody. No matter how much people say that beauty is internal, the first impression is always made, based on what is outside. If you are uncomfortable in what you are wearing, it shows on your face irrespective of that impeccable make up.
Style is what you create for yourself and how you present it. Fashion and trends come later.
~ Soumya
Nodding along through the post ! Something everyone should read ! Because I once saw this aunty at dubai in tee shirt and leggings. Many people were either staring/making fun/wondering aloud how anyone let her out of the house.
ReplyDeleteOhhh! That wouldn't have been pretty!
DeleteStyle should be what makes us comfortable. After all it's we who have to carry it through :-)
ReplyDeleteI totally agree.. I really like the way you voice your opinions.. It takes a lot of courage as a writer to not bother about public reaction and voice her strong opinions.. Kudos!! And yes I was nodding all along the post too!! :D
ReplyDeleteI have a question... What if we are comfortable in some thing that doesn't suit us?
ReplyDeleteThen its a call you have to make. Very rarely are we comfortable in something that doesn't suit us.
Deletehonest post!! i know what it is to be skinny and have clothes hanging on u like from a hanger!! i have been skinny for most of my life! yea..we should make an effort to have our own style, and one that we are comfortable in...it is not for nothing that it is said, "clothes maketh a man"!
ReplyDeleteIndeed. All it takes is a little effort, but it is worth it!
DeleteWell, I have always been on the heavier side. Less now than before and I do always, cover my problem areas..aka my arms and my hips. I believe in feeling comfortable in what I wear. Being comfortable is sexy!
ReplyDeleteComfort is sexy. Indeed.
DeleteSome men can carry the colors really well. I was completely confused after landing in the UK for good two years. Finally, I am comfortable in my own skin so much so that I have a varied aesthetic sense. :) Jeans, dresses, Indian clothes...what not! I love clothes and I too believe that one needs to respect the body type, but then, why hide the flaws all the time? Who does it hurt? Us? The strangers who look at other strangers. Does it matter?
ReplyDeleteIt does not. This is what London taught me.
I was rather judgemental back in Bangalore, now I observe and learn...everyone has something to offer x
Still, I somehow don't like those colors on men. Flaws hurt us more so than others watching it. Its a matter of self confidence here. Other never mattered nor will matter. I'd hide my flaws for myself and not anyone else.
DeleteEveryone has something to offer, yes. Could be both good and bad.
haha....I don't know if I have any style...I just wear what I like I guess...and yes neon pants are not for me ... I love being at home wearing my old clothes and just tie my hair in a bun! I'm lazy that way...I have very bad hair so my styling starts and ends with that :)
ReplyDeleteS for Safe-Random Thoughts Naba
Most of the style happens outside the house. Inside we are all most comfortable in our pajamas or boxers.
DeleteI agree to everything you said. More than style, one should have comfort in their mind. Screw the trends!
ReplyDeleteExactly!
DeleteI hate the shiny transparent bra straps as well, looks very tacky!
ReplyDeleteComfort is a trend that will never go out of fashion! ;)
They do na? I seriously don't know why some girls wear it all the time.
DeleteTotally agree :)
I am clumsy when it comes to fashion and style. I dress decent enough and comfortably. But never bother about the looks. Once in a while, the narcissist in me awakens and I would buy everything that's need to dress in style and would play dress up. However, never bothered to keep it up for long. I guess I just don't have the patience. For me comfort is a main factor. I won't bother if I am looking good if the dress isn't comfortable.
ReplyDeleteHahaha, the once in a while narcissist makes up for the rest of the times. I guess it depends from person to person.
DeleteComfort is the most important thing for me too.
My sense of style is what looks best one me. I'm not one to follow latest trends to be quite frank. I used to be an M until very recently hormonal problems made me gain weight. The past one year went in the same transition where it feels rather weird to pick up clothes.
ReplyDeleteAs far as the others dressing up bit is concerned, yes it does look weird when people wear it, but I've learned not to judge. Maybe they love wearing it, if it doesn't look good on them I let them be the judge of that. Thats the external bit ie. Yes lingerie peeking is a no no! Agree with the fact that the perfect lingerie gives the best look, it makes you feel sexy on the inside :)
Fashion is all about the right lingerie! :)
DeleteVery true...I'm overweight and so I usually wear the clothes that make me look bit ok. :)
ReplyDeleteComfort is the key! :)
DeleteEverything I feel about fashion and following trends wrapped in a nutshell! Sometimes you really read my mind woman! :)
ReplyDeleteHahaha, great minds think alike they say ;)
DeleteI have my own mind when it comes to fashion. Most of the times I am one lazy soul who would just wear anything. It is only sometimes that I step out like a heroine. (Lol! I know you would use this word so why not use it myself!)
ReplyDeleteSeriously, I don't care at all. But because I come from a family who is into manufacturing Indian clothes, I have great taste. And so, I rarely wear something that doesn't look good.
Yeah, you have company, narcissist!
Hahaha, spoken like a true heroine! That's why I love you so much :)
DeleteHigh Faive! :D
yes yes true true... I whole heartedly agree on the lingerie part, becasue I have seen girls wearing formal trouser with line all around the hip area. It's embarassing. I didn't wear formals to offc for long because I wasn't comfortable with the fabric I found.
ReplyDeleteNow it's a different story as the clothes here are thick and well people don't care :)
Ewww, that's a sore sight for sure!
DeleteHaha, then its fine :)