I’m still working my way through Sally McGraw’s book, Already Pretty; thinking about the clothes I wear and their collective contribution to my overall style.
An early part of the process involves answering a long(ish) series of questions about my sartorial likes and dislikes. I won’t subject you to unabridged list of answers (no one needs to read my mini-essay on jersey knit) but here are a few select replies to the questions I enjoyed most.
What is your go to outfit?
A dress and heels.
Alternatively, a bathrobe.
What styles do you wish you could wear?
Side note: I think anyone can wear any style they want. My interpretation of this question is “Are there styles/types of clothes that attract you in general yet make you feel less than stellar when you put them on?”
Bohemian chic. I see these people dressed like updated versions of San Francisco flower children. They seem so effortlessly beautiful, comfortable and fresh. Yet whenever I’ve tried to emulate that style, I immediately feel self-conscious and fake – like an actor who’s been miscast.
I’ll continue to admire pastels and pale, floral prints on others but it isn’t a style that works for me.
What are you favourite patterns
Stripes. Polka-dots. HOUNDSTOOTH!
What styles do you think look horrendous on you?
High-heeled stilettos.
First of all, they distort my walk in a way I don’t enjoy.
Contrary to what one might assume, skinny heels that are higher than about three inches actually make my legs seem shorter. Although the shoe creates a longer overall line, the part that is my actual leg becomes proportionately smaller as the heels get higher. Which wouldn’t be a problem if I wanted my legs to look shorter than they are. But I don’t.
Is there an era of fashion you absolutely adore?
Mid-sixties mod. Geometrics and high hemlines FOR THE WIN!
What about you? Do you have a go-to outfit or a fashion era that makes you squee? Are they’re types of clothing that you hate or avoid wearing?
.Nadine is a sexual health educator, a playwright, poet, burlesque performer, partner and parent living in Ottawa, Ontario. She enjoys candy, fashion and dreck television. She does not care for pants. Photo by Justin Van Leeuwen.
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Maybe I should pick up a copy of Already Pretty before I start revamping my look for real.