Funny how the world can assume things based on the outside, isn’t it? If you dress in all black and wear chains you’re broody. Pastels? Girly and soft. High waisted leggings and a crop top? Hoe. Body-con and a light beat? Try hard.
But at least then the way we appear expresses SOMETHING.
What happened to self-expression? Not trying to drag anybody but the lack of effort is astounding. We have become so comfortable with mainstream trends that we don’t really stand out or “say” much of anything. Every day the same legging+sweatshirt or khakis+sweatshirt combo. Lululemon, Brandy, Nike. It is so BORIIINGGG. Not to mention those do not color coordinate or even put on the air of caring because style, fashion, and general outer portrayal is “trivial.”
Truthfully, it is the opposite.
I realized this for the most recent time when I was dressed to the nines at none other than McDonald’s. It was a typical Wednesday night, and the same girl was on the register as always. I had seen this girl dozens of times, and she knew me by my typical after-school hobo chic look, Dad’s old sweatshirt, oversized sweats, high bun, glasses, a general air of “fuck this.” We never small-talked, she would punch in the order, tell me the ice cream machine was still broken, hand me the wrong bag then get mad if I asked for the correct order. That day, however, I was still in my school outfit, green mini sweater dress, cinched waist with a leather belt, hair down, snakeskin boots (faux of course #don’tcomeformePETA), and cashmere cream socks. She struck up a conversation wondering why I was in a McDonalds, who all that food was for, and if I was from around here. All of a sudden, I was more relevant to her.
Long story short, the way we look, specifically the way we dress, changes what people think of us and how they treat us. And it’s pretty obvious why. According to the American Association for Psychological Science, it takes 7 seconds to make an impression. In the first 7 seconds, all you really have time for is “hello,” an up-and-down, and maybe a handshake. In those 7 seconds, what do people think about you? Can they guess what you value? What does your outer presence say? Hopefully something.
But I want to go farther than just, “you should color coordinate.” I want to see how people react to different trends and alternative styles. So, I am going to significantly alter the way I dress for 4 days using 4 different, socially important aesthetics.
What is an aesthetic?
An aesthetic is a combination of things that are pleasing together. According to Bloomsbury Fashion Central, aesthetics are “how people choose to appear, and the way they want to look to themselves and others within a particular context.” In simple terms, it’s a “vibe” that enables people to express certain ideals and draw a conclusion about others.
E-Girl
I have a personal beef with this particular group, mainly because when all I want to do is scroll through Tik Tok in peace, they keep popping up for no reason. 2019 was the birth of the e-girl. Sort of goth, sort of gamer girl, sort of anime, sort of old band shirts. Personally, I struggle to understand this one. https://www.vox.com/the-goods/2019/8/1/20748707/egirl-definition-what-is-an-eboy
E-girls mainly exist on the screen. They vibe with alternative pop and strive to not be one of those “basic girls.” Funnily enough, for all their efforts to be different and otherized they are now mainstream and trendy. What do they stand for? Extreme self-expression, there is no one way to be an e-girl.
https://i-d.vice.com/en_us/article/vb99em/tik-tok-beauty-standards-e-girl-make-up
Granola Girl
Do not confuse these girls with VSCO girls. VSCO girl preach saving the turtles with metal straws, Granola girls actually started a charity to conserve turtle egg nest. They look 3 seconds away from going on a hike, and love being comfortable. Accessories include but are not limited to headbands, crocs, chacos, charity wristbands, flannels and that one kind of leather choker with a single pearl or shell necklace. This “trend” has seen a rise with the swell of environmental activism in Gen-zers and millennials. But again notice how the style matches the values. Granola girls love to travel, going on adventures, and just being outside. You can’t do that in heels and a pencil skirt, so that’s not what they wear.
https://www.theodysseyonline.com/granola
Bad N’ Boujee
Yes, it’s the name of a Migos song. But there really is no other way to describe this look.
Historically, So bougie, boujee, bourgie all stem from the bourgeoisie, a French word that simply means “of middle-class status.” The bourgeoisie value property, material belongings, and social status. How is it different from Baby Chanel? Not as girly and more diva. Think all black and a statement jacket. Fur, knee highs, and a more dramatic eye look. Thanks to the pop culture references, however, bougie and boujee have taken on new meanings. Bougie being someone who picks up avocado toast and mimosas after soul cycle. Boujee, has more black cultural roots, referring to middle class/upper-middle-class black people, Nawf Atlanta chic. Think “Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” or “Living Single”
Baby Chanel
“Do you prefer fashion victim or ensemble challenged?” Just one of the many iconic lines from Cher the main character of Clueless. When picturing the Baby Chanel aesthetic think typical 90s movie mean girl. Girly, classy, the type of outfit that makes you cough “Daddy’s money” under your breath. As lovers of luxury, they sport, totes, heels, and always accessories. Why? For the simple reason of liking nice things. This is not a modern trend or sudden movement in fashion and reflects more on upbringing and economic status than personal expression. I still wanted to include this look however because it is definitely noticeable and portrays a distinct group of people. Some stereotypes? These girls would be considered airheads, shallow, and VERY self-absorbed. Is that true? Well no more so that anyone else.
Here are the ground rules:
- I must wear the outfit all day no matter where I am going.
- OOTD pics every day!
- Accessories matters
- Make-up matters
- Document everyday
- Just enjoy it!
At the end of my experiment, I will upload my daily responses and reactions. Stay Tuned!
Wargo, E. (2006). How Many Seconds to a First Impression? APS Observer, [online] 19(7). Available at: https://www.psychologicalscience.org/observer/how-many-seconds-to-a-first-impression.
Bloomsburyfashioncentral.com. (2019). Bloomsbury Fashion Central – Home. [online] Available at: https://www.bloomsburyfashioncentral.com/.
I thought that this post was so interesting and sooooo true. I never really stopped to think about the way in which people percieve us based on what we are wearing. I totally agree with you that self expression has totally disappeared. Now we just focus on the new trends and how to fit in and essentially look like everyone else. I think that this experiement will be super fun for you and I can’t wait to read about your experience and how you were treated differently. Great post!