Labels Are Only A Suggestion
Too often I hear stories of a person being negatively affected by clothing labels. They can occur in so many ways and with an abundance of classifications. Size is, of course, the most infamous. Women are continuously forced to place themselves within the parameter of numbers, often involuntarily experiencing the pressure to keep themselves ‘fitting’ within the remit of a certain number, potentially dreading the possibility of seeing those digits increase.
Others fashion labels are less literal. Fit, colours, and designs each come with their own associated suggestions. At the behest of many, society has attached such fashion rules to our clothing, creating guidance that prevents us from wearing what we may truly feel comfortable in.
WE SHOULDN’T ALLOW DESCRIPTIONS, TAGS, OTHER’S OPINIONS TO DEFINE US
Most will know about dressing your age or wearing only what is deemed appropriate. And, while men are subjected to the same harmful standards, unfortunately, it is often women that are most affected by these often arbitrary classifications, with a quick online search returning a multitude of dos and don’ts suggesting exactly how women should dress. Articles go into surprising depth about how much ‘skin’ a woman should reveal or how to best present their shape.
WEAR WHAT MAKES YOU
These rules a pervasive too, not only affecting our image and self-confidence but elsewhere too. Professional working spaces not only actively deter certain outfit styles but can also lead us to feel pressure to dress a certain way. We can feel obligated to spend excessive amounts on our clothing, particularly those with clear and luxurious branding, knowing that it might impress others.
Labels and rules have a profoundly negative effect on our mental health. Anxiety disorders can stem from body image and are often created by being unable to match what society has deemed acceptable. The situation is then exacerbated by certain brands changing the definition of their sizes, running smaller, challenging a woman’s acceptance of herself.
There are a great number of issues we face in our society today. The declining quality of our environment, a widening social class divide, racism, sexism, and an international health crisis to make things even more difficult. To then expend our energy and mental health on having to navigate arbitrary fashion rules is not only disappointing but ridiculous, especially when some issues, such as our environment, are actively made worse by the high maintenance culture of fast fashion.
So, what is the solution?
Well, I am a longtime believer in body positivity. And, beyond being able to love ourselves, I think we should be able to dress in whatever garments make us feel comfortable and happy too. Colours, sizes, and styles should not be dictated by society but by our own personalities. They should align with our morals too, with fabric recycling and the repurposing of old clothing becoming more acceptable and supported.
Just as your DNA, fingerprint and iris in your eyes are unique. Why would we try to fit in the narratives of a society and feel bad about if we can’t be interpreted within tight labels ?
Can we find our best selfs in small, middle or large, regular, tall ? Due to the concept fast fashion and mass trends, one that creates uniformity makes many people turning to sewing, dress-making and all kinds of DIY fashion. You can browse amongst my Fashion DIY and Accessories DIY for inspirations for happy projects.So many body types, shapes, sizes - which should be celebrated, should own our body, taste, style and create cheerful, happy fashion items.
So be as beautiful and as unique as your iris. Follow a unique route just as your fingerprint. Be you. There is only one you out there, same way as your iris and fingerprints can not be duplicated.
By leaving behind these fashion rules, we will begin to improve our wellbeing, reducing the stress that comes from looking at our own wardrobe. It will welcome a greater diversity, both of expression and culture, bringing people closer together with each person expressing who they truly are, which is an important motivation behind my Spice It Up With Dori designs.
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Hello! I’m Dori,
Spice it up with Dori is a blog about bright DIY fashion, crafts & lots of creative endeavours.
Quarantine led me to start a website, where I can share my creations, ideas, inspirational digital content on transforming dull into cheerful, fun, refreshing and full of colours.
My aim is to create an upbeat positive vibe so you can as well cultivate your inner-creativity and establish an innovative DIY way of lifestyle and spice things up with your personal touch. Find out more about me.
