the dress affect

i was thinking about this yesterday. yesterday morning while i was in the shower. i planned my outfit. i would wear my high-waisted citizens of humanity jeans and a super cute floral silk blouse from french connection with a tie around the waist and black leather pumps. SO CUTE.

i find that this happens. and i wonder if it happens to other women. you get into a relationship and soon you find that your tastes are "calmed." suddenly, you're not into the experimentation you were before. basics- you start to wear basics. you clothes are less loud, they draw less attention. boring-er.

perhaps there are two reasons for this. one, most men are thrown off by women with funky, fun, individual style... so you "simmer down" in order to suit their needs. (that sucks). OR you require less attention- attention that was once derived through compliments from friends, co-workers, etc. is not as important because you have guy. (also lame).

lame, but both valid thoughts. with the end of my relationship, has come the end (again) of my toned down style. suddenly, there is freedom to play again- suddenly i'm excited to experiment. and i have been and it feels great.

one night, i had to go out with the boy and his friends... all very "successful" in terms of education and career. i thought i had nothing to wear to this fancy dinner at an expensive restaurant. i bought a black shirt from banana republic. i wore it. i felt plain. yet adult-like.

i've never worn it since.

i imagine, as this post comes to and end... you're thinking, what is wrong with this girl? i say this all out loud (or write, i suppose), because it sort of stinks. it sort of stinks that an outgoing, rock solid chick like myself would let others influence her dress- but i know i'm not alone.

you know why? because i KNOW i'm not the only person who feels like a straight up fool when i have to dress up for work. i still feel 12! i put a suit on and it looks like an 8 yr old wearing her mom's clothes.

i think as the times change and employers are forced to change their ways in order to keep the attention and employment of mine and younger generations, that dress will more or less be defined by who you are. not what you do. now- let me work on the transfer this to all areas of my life.

that's it. thanks.