Image by The Dirty Story on Flickr
A good T.V series always hangs on not only a good plot but also the dynamism of its characters. We want to live vicariously through their adventures and indiscretions, to love one and hate another. And just in the way writers build an unforgettable T.V Show, that is how you build a memorable wardrobe.
There is a temptation when creating a look relies on a strongly defined style, (vintage, rockabilly, punk, anything that has a name really) to fall into the trap of creating a ‘one size fit all’ costume for yourself. Yes, it is easy but not only does it not take much imagination, it also doesn’t allow you to showcase your personality, to wear your heart of your actual sleeve. And this is where you can learn something from those clever script writers.
None of us are one dimensional. Our lives see us playing very different roles depending both on whom we are dealing with at any one time, the mood that we are in or what we do for a living. It is the ‘common ground’ area in these roles that has somehow become the dominate dressing style in most people’s personality. Hence the melange of mediocure business suits, the go to jeans and t shirts; it’s all just a bit too hard.
However, if you take a slight step back and think of each of your roles as having a personality all of their own, how you can begin to dress those characters for their roles, you’ll be one step closer to finding your own unique interpretation of the looks you love.
Maybe your day job sees you sitting behind a desk, making coffees and doing all sorts of admin. Is your secretary self more Maggie Gylenhall in Secretary or is she more of a Joan Holloway? Perhaps even a Peggy Olsen? Having a pre-created template like one of these characters is a great way to break the ice and ease yourself into developing the look that is right for you. For instance, you may start off all Maggie with pussy bow blouses and defined shoulders, but then find that it is the bows in the look that make you particularly happy. You take this, build on the theme and them before you know it, you’ve created your very own work wear look that is truly your own.
One of the challenges for anyone wanting to dress differently is to do just that. To actually dress DIFFERENTLY. Differently to those within their social circle, within their family and to break the rules. And while this ‘devil may care’ attitude to your sartorial obligations may seem to be quite terrifying at first, your first successful attempt will be the most liberating thing in the world.
This is what makes us artists. To take a brush and paint the night sky the way we see it, just as it is to take a simple dress and put it into the situation we dream it can be.
Take a risk and colour outside the lines.
