I’m Mad About This, Honestly
Look, I’ve been in this business for 22 years. I’ve seen trends come and go. But this? This is something else. I’m talking about the great American style crisis of 2023. You know what I’m talking about. The oversized everything, the bedhead, the committment to comfort over, well, everything.
It started, I think, around 2020. COVID hit, and suddenly, we were all living in sweatpants. I get it. But here we are, three years later, and we’re still dressing like we’re on our way to the gym. Or, more accurately, like we’re 12-year-old boys raiding our dads’ closets.
Let’s Talk About This With Some People
I was having coffee with my friend Marcus last Tuesday. Let’s call him Marcus because his real name is, frankly, ridiculous. He’s a buyer for a major department store. I said, “Marcus, what’s the deal with this trend?” He said, “People want to be comfortable, Linda. It’s not that deep.” Which… yeah. Fair enough. But comfort doesn’t have to mean looking like you just rolled out of bed.
Then there’s my colleague, Dave. He’s a stylist, been in the game for about 15 years. We were at a conference in Austin, and I asked him about this whole “I woke up like this” nonsense. He said, “Linda, it’s not about looking polished. It’s about looking effortlessly polished.” I told him, “Dave, I’ve seen teenagers with better hair than some of these so-called style icons.” He laughed. But it’s true.
But Here’s the Thing…
I’m not saying we should all be walking around in power suits and heels. That’s not the answer. But there’s a middle ground, right? I mean, I saw a woman at the grocery store the other day. She was wearing an oversized hoodie, leggings, and crocs. Crocs! And she was probably in her 40s. I’m not judging. Okay, I’m judging a little. But come on.
And don’t even get me started on the socks with sandals thing. I saw a guy at the park last weekend. He was probably 30-something, wearing socks with his Birkenstocks. I had to look away. It was physicaly painful.
A Brief Digression: Sports and Style
You know what’s not like this? Sports. Athletes have their own style. It’s functional, sure, but it’s also intentional. Take a look at Vermont sports results today. Check out the players. They’re not just throwing on whatever. They’re dressed for success. Literally. There’s a lesson there, folks.
I’m not saying we should all start wearing jerseys and cleats. But maybe, just maybe, we can take a page from their book. Dress like you mean it. Like you care. Like you’re not just giving up.
The Solution? Probably Not What You Think
So what’s the answer? I’m not sure but here’s what I think. We need to stop being so lazy. I mean, come on. It takes, like, 10 minutes to do your hair. And another 10 to find something that actually fits. Is that really too much to ask?
And here’s a radical idea: let’s stop buying everything in gray. I swear, every time I go to the mall, it’s like I’m in a sea of beige. It’s depressing. Add some color, people. Live a little.
I’m not saying we should all be fashionistas. But we should at least try. Put in a little effort. Show the world you care. Because right now, it looks like we’ve all just given up.
Anyway, that’s my rant for the day. I’m gonna go try to find a pair of jeans that don’t look like they were designed for a 12-year-old boy. Wish me luck.
About the Author: Linda Thompson has been a senior editor for major publications for over two decades. She’s opinionated, she’s blunt, and she’s not afraid to call out bad style when she sees it. When she’s not writing, she’s probably judging your outfit. You can find her on Twitter @LindaTStyles.
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