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While reminiscing about the outdoors and Bandra cafes, I remember how annoyed I get when I see a dressed up girl and a guy in gym shorts and rubber chappals at one of them. I wonder why the guy doesn’t even have the respect to show up in pants? I want to throw my chappal at him!
This is not to say don& #39;t wear whatever you want. It’s still your body & your choice. But there is a balance between dressing how you want, because it’s your body, and dressing to the occasion. Both can exist simultaneously only if all parties involved show respect to each other.
Clothing is about expressing yourself, communication, community, & is much greater than the simplistic advice of “Wear whatever you want”. Re-framing the advice to “Wear what feels like your truest self & feel comfortable in while being respectful” is of the utmost importance.
If you are invited to a formal event, you needn& #39;t wear an expensive gown or suit. But, showing up in ripped jeans is disrespectful of the host. They have put in effort into making sure the event is enjoyable for you. Wear something comfortable, neat & that looks dressed up.
When on a date, make an effort to clean up. Make the other person feel like you wanted to make a good impression. That looking pleasant and attractive to them was important. Even if it& #39;s a friend, consider that they deserve to feel like you were looking forward to hanging out.
While at work, let your clothes be crisp, clean, and put together. Give your co-workers, clients, and boss (in no particular order) the idea that you care about the quality of your output and their time the same way you care about your own body and appearance.
None of this means you shouldn’t be comfortable. Comfort comes from feeling good about yourself, wearing appropriate fabrics and things that fit well. I have heard too many people complain about jeans chafing to know that it’s not the best outfit for Indian weather.
Even if you think they are trendy, find them in breathable cotton for when it& #39;s hot. Wear woolen trousers when it& #39;s cool. Wearing the right material, things that will last for life and cuts that are ergonomic. That& #39;s where comfort lies.
Also, I am not saying you shouldn’t have quirks, and self expression at all. We aren’t robots, as I constantly clarify to @ishanm who wants 15 white shirts and 15 grey trousers to wear to work from home. At least get them made in different textures and fabrics.
We need to have fun with our clothes. We need to find joy. I constantly wear mis-matched socks to work. You can express your hobbies and loves for things through prints and ties and pocket squares that appeal to you.
You can have fun with your clothing. But show the person you are meeting that you cared enough to make an effort. If you want to dress like Ranveer Singh, do it! But, do it intentionally. He may wear a outrageous suit, but it& #39;s still a suit worn to an event that calls for it.
But at this point, the other party has to accept you for who you are. If the other person thinks, taking an example of the tweet I saw yesterday, that your nose ring is slutty and voices it, then you absolutely have to punch them. Either literally or using a tongue lashing.
Your hair colour and style, your skin and the art on them, the locations and type of jewellery you wear are all part of your self expression. Be proud of them.
Trust your choices as long as you are being thoughtful and purposeful about them and have all the right intentions behind them. In clothing as in life.
