If you had to be transported to one era, and one specific type of fashion in that era, what era would you choose?
My answer might come as a surprise, since it is a complete departure from my own fashion tastes. But that complete 180 is exactly why I'd want to go. I'd love to be in the 90's punk scene.
I've actually dreamt about this style since high school. I often had various fantasy and characters running through my head, and one of them was an alternate-universe Charlotte, one who chopped hair own hair, dyed it purple, got piercings and tattoos, and wore ripped jeans, red lipstick, heavy jewelry and Doc Martens. (Also, this alternate me was a wonderful piano player. I don't know why that was part the story, but there is it.) I saw a pair of silver Doc Martens in a thrift store years ago, but passed them up; I'm still mourning that loss.
This era was within my lifetime. I was a little young for the 90s, but the styles easily carried into the 2000s. I'm far too timid to partake in the lifestyle that goes along with this fashion; if I could have all of the apparence of a bad attitude, without actually having one, I'd be much more comfortable with it.
The part of me that wants to get lost in a giant dress/shirt and a pair of big, clunky boots lives on. Someday, maybe, I could do a toned-down version of a punk rocker, like the picture above.
What era is your fashion dream?
I did the purple hair thing. And red. And teal. And green. And shaved. But I still never dressed like a 90s punk rocker.
ReplyDeleteIf I had to pick an era, it would probably be the 40s. When women wore hats. After college I got a bunch of antique hats and I would wear them more often (out dancing, out for fun) and I have a lot of old dresses as well, but as I got older it felt more difficult to wear them because hats aren't generally accepted as standard anymore. Even if it matches, I can't wear a hat all day at work. And sadly, most of what I wear now is just standard business casual work attire since most of my days start as work days.
I actually have bright orange stripes in my hair right now! I've always loved the late 80's English punk vibe. The 90's American version is a little too hard core for me! But I do own a pair of combat boots (that I wear with everything) and a jean jacket. Maybe you should look at picture of that style to help you hone in on your inner punk rocker! I can oddly enough totally see you rocking this look!
ReplyDeleteI had to laugh. That was me. And I now look back at photos of myself and cringe. I actually cut my own hair. I thought I did a good job at the time, but it looked awful. It was about an inch long. Oh and I was always changing my hair colors and none of them were natural looking. I owned several pairs of doc martens. And my clothing choices were cringe worthy. I just may have to dig up some old photos of myself for you to see!
ReplyDeleteAs for me, I would probably pick the 60's. I would love to dress sophisticated and it be socially required to dress up all the time again. I also love all the bold colors that went into their outfits.
Really? I can't imagine you with this type of style! You have such a sweet face. :) But I would love to see some picture of you rocking this look. ;)
Delete60's would be lots of fun - I think it's a style that easily suits different body types - but I think I would quickly tire of dressing up all the time.
I can't figure out what's stopping you: grunge/punk/British new wave is totally back in style right now!
ReplyDeleteAppearances are deceptive: wearing the clothes wouldn't mean you had to have a bad attitude or be edgy! I say do it, even just around the house if you aren't comfortable yet.
This is fun. I can see you rocking the 90's punk. This question made me ponder. I do draw from many eras of fashion for my every day, and for my dressier occasions. I was fixing a dress just last night to wear on date night tonight that I'm pretty sure is legitimately from the 1940s, and I plan to wear it with some heels that are definitely 1970's inspired (Sue calls them my "Abba heels"). But, as your post deals with fashion courage, I think my answer would have to do with the era I love, and wish I had the courage to wear: 1960's Beatnik. Every once in a while, I break out my black turtle neck, and wear it with skinny jeans and flats, but I wish I could do it with more confidence, and that my wardrobe would more reflect this funky, progressive style.
ReplyDeleteThanks for playing along! I love your thoughtful reply. You successfully mix lots of styles, as you mentioned, but I'm glad you picked a challenging one. 60's Beatnik would be hard... but fun!
Deletecame across something recently that reminded me of you/this discussion: http://lightbox.time.com/2011/12/20/cool-cats-and-tom-boys-ken-russells-the-last-of-the-teddy-girls/?iid=lb-gal-viewagn i'd never heard of "teddy girls," but i really like they way they're playing with masculine/feminine, and i can totally see how it's a precursor to the original punk scene. =) (sorry if this is a repost -- the comment box is being weird)
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