Blame Maddy
I have long believed that the era during which a woman first develops her sense of style will—to varying degrees, and for better or worse (usually both)—always affect how she looks at clothes and thinks about getting dressed. That period for me was the 80s, and as a result there are certain conventions of that period—shoulder pads, oversized blazers, high-waisted jeans—whose return to the retail horizon has repelled and confused me. In reality, a high-waisted jean would probably do me some favors right about now, but unfortunately, I can’t see my way to it. Oversized blazers I feel unequivocally good about having remain in my sartorial past. But there is one trend that I have not stepped away from: black is my default color. So uncool, but my reality nevertheless.
Not with everything: I adore a great print on a dress or a top—and in fact, my number one current fixation is this filmy Rag & Bone Ikat blouse (which is, no surprise, safely anchored in plenty of black). But when it comes to a coat or jacket, or any pair of pants that isn’t denim, even navy feels like a victory.
Sweaters have remained a struggle. During my morning walk today, when the dog pulled me toward the entrance of the Vince store on Washington Street (he never forgets where he got a treat) I decided to go ahead and have a look around. Nobody makes a better classic-but-with-a-little-extra-going-on cashmere sweater than Vince, and my winter uniform is largely made up of cashmere sweaters and tees. Because I do look nice in a jewel tone, I tried on this super-soft, perfectly mid-weight double V-neck in a lovely crimson. But it wasn’t right somehow. On me, this sweater wanted to be black. And, in fact, the black looked about 20 times better on me. So here is what I’ve decided: maybe we beat ourselves up over our perceived wardrobe ruts when in fact they’re not ruts at all, but comfort zones. And you never look better than when you feel comfortable and yourself. So what’s the problem?
Whether or not this is entirely true I can’t say. But it is my new story, and—because I did indeed buy that sweater in the black—I am sticking to it.
Speaking of personal sartorial histories, I received my copy of Andrea Linett’s book and read it cover to cover.
As a child of the same era, I loved her stroll down fashion’s memory lane.
Thanks so much for the recommendation!
I’m with you. One woman’s “rut” is another’s “well honed personal style.”
I will NEVER give up my black. I root my wardrobe in black trousers. I am also working on adding color, but when I need a neutral I have to force myself to think of something that isn’t black. And, frankly, I don’t think there’s anything wrong with that.
I must admit, though, that I didn’t attribute it to coming of age in the 80′s. When I think 80′s I think rainbow-brite colors, huge pink hair bows, and those red leather pants from the cover of a Loverboy album.
Rag and Bone and Vince. Never set foot in either of these if you are on a self imposed clothes buying ban. They always always have something that seems to fit right in to your wardrobe, right?
Has anyone tried the Equipment silk signature shirt? This is a current crave, so many colors but white is always the best, just like vanilla ice cream!
rag & Bone and Vince — definitely has my number..I**luv** those labels and yes they are irresistible
Equipment blouses are superb…go anywhere with anything …and never have worry about current-ness!
I’m okay with the black choice if only because (a) I probably would have done the exact same thing and (b) I felt like the girl in the crimson sweater was flirting with me with the whole glance, twirl, glance, blink, glance action. Eek!
repel& confuse. exactly.
i would have gone w/ black in a sec.
What? Black uncool as a default? I have heard that said, but just as I’m digesting that little nugget of change, I see minimal black all over the place. Ok, I admit that it’s treated differently with blue, brown and prints. But I’m similarly afflicted with black codependency. Too bad, though. I still love it, and because I’ve committed some unflattering outfits lately while trying to add some color to my wardrobe, I intend to retreat into darks while I rethink. I may add navy and oxblood as a compromise. Damn, this is hard when you start getting mature…
I am desperately dependent on black. And blue jeans. I have exactly four print tops and all are based in black. I do, however, wear grey t-shirts. They make your teeth look whiter and aren’t as harsh against more mature skin.
Did Georgia O’Keefe ask herself about being in a sartorial time warp? Methinks not. Nor should we if we adapt as perfectly as that Vince sweater.
Two thoughts about the 80s: I recently found my first “good” piece that I bought, an Anne Klein jacket designed by Donna Karan when she was still there: black with sculpted gold buttons and a motorcycle inspired cut. Amazing.
I also tried on one of my Stephen Sprouses from the same era: a flourescent orange over-sized blazer/jacket that looks so wrong on me I can’t imagine how it ever looked right!
THAT’S why I wear so much black? I had no idea!
I think it was once in a Lucky letter from the editor that who you were/ how you dress in 6th grade will influence you your whole life. I think it is really true and almost everyone I’ve told it to agrees.
Yes, it is totally one of my recurring themes.