Are you a Fashion Victim?

I was reading an article by Diane Pemberton-Sikes on her early days growing up as a girl and some of the fashion faux pas she’s made, not just in her the teen years, but into her twenties as well. And then after reading the comments from her readers, many older women, it was apparent that they needed some common sense dressing advice too. It all reminded me of what I see too often in the crossdressing community — too little common sense when dressing.

Now this is a little surprising given the desire by most crossdressers to look like real women. This survey from Yvonne’s Place, although a little dated, clearly indicates that only a small percentage, about 20%, are trying to look sexy or a little different, but the rest of us, well we want to fit in, even though our styles range from casual to business-like and everything in between.

So what’s the problem? Just when are you a fashion victim? It’s said that Oscar de la Renta coined the phrase to describe a person incapable of recognizing the common boundaries of style. Bigger, bolder, louder, brighter — you name it, a fashion victim will use it to call attention to herself. Sound a little familiar?

Growing up as a young female teenager, you experiment with colors, accessories and hair and it often gets totally out of control. You think everyone is looking at you with envy, but more likely it’s in amusement. It’s the same for us. I know, I’ve been there. I was wearing a loud black and red print blouse, a fairly snug black short straight skirt, a medium long blond wig and 3 inch heels at the mall. I felt so sexy. And I wondered why everyone had a smile for me although nothing was ever said.

So what’s the fashion victim formula?

Big + Bold + Shiny + Trendy + Designer = Fashion Victim

If you watch Jerseylicious, you’ll get the point. Nothing like getting paid to teach others to be fashion victims too. And since these shows are so popular, now you know why a fashion apocalypse isn’t far behind.

Tracy DiMarco sporting “pizza” earrings –
and other unfortunate jewelry choices
– on MyStyle’s Jerseylicious.

1. Big

Big hair, big accessories, big embellishments. Big, big, big, big. So everyone can see it.

2. Bold

Bold colors, bold shapes, bold combinations. If you can’t go big, go bold. If you can do both? Do it!

3. Shiny

Sequins, metallics, satins, and other shiny stuff. If it sparkles, wear it! That’s what princesses do.

4. Trendy

Wear EVERY new trend that comes along, or better yet, wear several at once. That means you’re fashionable.

5. Designer

Logos and trademarks and brands, oh my! Wear them head-to-toe, so everyone thinks you’re rich.

The goal of the fashion victim is to call attention to herself. And it works, like gangbusters.

There’s a difference between people looking at you because you’re a source of grace and charm, and looking because you’re a source of amusement. Never mistake the former for the latter, like I did. Some expert — had to learn the hard way.

So, is there a better way?

1. Body shape

Your body shape determines which clothes look best on you, so that’s where you have to start. Find the clothes that flatter your figure and wear them. Add trends if they suit your style.

2. Proportion

Big things look good on big people, little things look good on little people. Match the size of the hair, accessories, patterns, or embellishments to the size of the person, and it looks good; don’t, and it looks bad, DON’T.

3. Appropriateness

Business wear, casual wear, beach wear, evening wear — each type of clothing is appropriate for a specific time and place. Wear flip flops on the beach and you look cute; wear them in the snow and you look like a fool (yes, I have seen this). Learn what to wear when.

4. Aesthetics

We’re all drawn to beautiful things, which are why we like pretty people, beautiful sunsets, and breathtaking views. Get the visual balance right on your ensembles, and people remember you. Get it wrong, and they remember the errant piece. Study magazines and fashion ads to see what works and what doesn’t.

5. Subtlety

Let the quality of your clothes tell the tale, not some logo. Did you know that you won’t find logos on most clothes over $500? It’s because people who can afford high-end designer clothes don’t wear logos. They may have them on their handbags or luggage, but not their clothes. Only those who can afford the designer’s low-end, logo-covered lines wear them.

See the difference?

Jane Allen

Take a look at the stylish thoughts of Canberra-based image consultant and blogger Jane Allen of Styledge. This is a classic, trendy and stylish look.
I’m told the secret to great style is being confident in who you are and what you wear is the key to great style. A stylish woman is a confident woman.
Now there’s the rub. How many of us are really confident in the woman we are? Maybe this will help.

Jane gives us this advice — what we need but don’t get!

Who am I?
Where am I going?
Does the garment resonate with my style personality?
Do I love it?
Do I feel amazing in it?
Does is rate at least a seven out of ten? Anything below a seven stays in the change room?

So many settle for “that’ll do” garments instead of “must have’s.” We all know that most women wear 80% of their clothes 20% of the time. Don’t be one of them. Choose wisely and this is difficult. I fall in love with all the garments to find out later that the fit wasn’t quite right or can I really wear a fitted bodice. Ladies, you need to know your own body and not the one you wish for.

So much more can be said (and we will in future articles) but let me leave you with these thoughts from The  Blue Kimono republished from Psychology Today.

Fashion is in the clothes. Style is in the wearer.
Fashion stuns. Style delights.
Fashion costs. Style is priceless.
Fashion is mindless. Style is intelligent.
Fashion is fascistic. Style is individualistic.
Fashion changes. Style evolves.
Fashion is matter. Style is spirit.
Fashion comes from outside. Style comes from within.
Fashion is self-conscious. Style is self-assured.
Fashion glares. Style glows.
Fashion is slavery. Style is mastery.
Fashion is literal. Style is original.
Fashion declares. Style insinuates.
Fashion is serious. Style is ironic.
Fashion is reproducible. Style is inimitable.
Fashion is safety. Style is courage.
Fashion is clothes. Style is character.
Fashion is this minute. Style is forever.
Fashion restricts. Style liberates.
Fashion is rigid. Style is spontaneous.
Fashion is surface. Style is substance.

Be Amazing!

Tags: fashion, featured, style

Category: Style, Transgender Fashion, Transgender How To