On style & week 19 of 52

Appearances, patience, boredom, and beauty

Kafka’s short story, “Poseidon,” depicts the God of the Sea as disgruntled and bored by overwhelming administrative tasks. Meanwhile, Poseidon’s followers see him as a showboat, always “idling through the tides with his trident.” They never see the endless paperwork and managerial duties associated with managing the waters. Poseidon, as Kafka explores him, is misunderstood due to his title and adornments (damn trident!).

So much for appearances.

Our beliefs and reality may or may not be reflected in our attire, but how we dress and express (see: everything from tattoos to glasses frames) is seen as a creative message to the world, intentional or not.

When I started teaching leadership to undergrads, a successful local businesswoman told me that she wore the same basic outfit every day so as not to be judged by her appearance. She wanted to keep her message clear and consistent, and her dress emphasized this intention. She considered variations on her theme mere distractions, both to herself and those she led.

Dr. Ngozi Okonjo Iweala, the former Minister of Finance in Nigeria and WTO Director-General has been analyzed and praised for her dress. Known for wearing traditional Nigerian wax print fabric rather than dressing in imported colonial business attire or imported fabrics was originally seen as a statement of rebellion or a political stance. Dr. Iweala dresses in a way that reflects her culture and taste, and simply because it was unexpected by some, this was news.

The way people dissect others’ personal fashion choices is fascinating, but I’m also curious about the way our style choices influence how we feel and show up in the world. For some of us, our dress may be a reflection of—or reflected by—our art.

The reasons we select what we do to show up in the world can be seen as a statement or a way of hiding, a way of pledging allegiance or denying harmful trends. It can also reflect association, such is the case with uniforms that advertise company slogans or keep us safe from factory parts falling on our feet (ah, the steel-toe boots).

I remember my factory work with fondness. It was a little heavy, but a lovely shade of dark blue and flush with pockets. I worked at Aramark Uniform Services for a time, where I’d move other heavy uniforms from line to line (I wrote about it here) prideful that I boasted a very similar vibe to Rosie the Riveter. At other jobs, I’ve been tasked to wear khakis, all-black, a variety of polos, sequins, and, finally, business casual attire.

How we dress can have a surprising impact on how we feel, how we show up, and how others see us (whether we want it to or not).

I’ve recently decided it would simplify my own life if I adopted a monochrome closet. Not just storing clothes by color but wearing blue with blue and black with black, playing with shading the way my artist father taught me. With accessories, of course, I will go the route of least resistance to save time. But I also find the simple elegance of monochrome a statement in of itself.

I am not trying to hide but rather simplify and focus. We’ll see how it goes. As I pack for Italy, where I’ll be teaching writing workshops in Urbania, I believe this new wardrobe will serve me well. I was told that Americans are appreciated in this part of Italy but that shirts with words and slogans on them (with the rare exception of certain sports) are seen as rather tacky. I like to think that my “childless dog lady” tee might be akin to wielding a fake trident on the sea.

The way we adorn ourselves should be purposeful, even if we lack resources. When I was living in an apartment that cost $300/month (I’m not that old - the apartment was just that bad), I had two pairs of jeans that I rotated with solid shirts, and when I had a job that demanded a uniform, I appreciated it. I hated walking to the laundromat more than I had to.

I have more choices now, perhaps too many. But I’ve decided that I will soon journey to Italy in monochrome. I believe this to be sleek, but more, I want simplicity and to reflect a sort of blank slate.

I will bring a notebook and focus on my students, not my appearance, and in so doing, I am sure assumptions will still be made. But hope to soak in the culture and simply be. You might find me in all black or all brown or shades of green and taupe — not because I’m trying to blend but, rather, to observe and learn. This is my vibe right now. It might change.

What is your current modus operandi for getting dressed in the morning? What assumptions do you make based on the way others dress or present themselves, especially those who identify as creative?

AYTL prompt: We often hear about spring cleaning, but there is a similar opportunity in the fall as climates shift (even slightly for some). Take this equinox time as an invitation to explore your choice of dress and adornment. What’s missing? What’s overdone? What’s with meaning, and what has emerged as a mindless pattern? If you fancy doing so, mix things up a little. The artist is, after all, a reflection of her art.

Writing prompt: Write about a fashion norm violated.