After years as an expat, I’m lastly transferring again to the US, however I fear I’ll stick out like a sore thumb due to my wardrobe. To not oversimplify issues, however I hate the thought of fixing up my wardrobe to leggings and denims. How can I look as if I belong with out giving up my fashion? — Carmen, Winnetka, In poor health.
To start with, don’t fall prey to the jeans-and-leggings stereotype — or to any stars-’n’-stripes hogwash. It’s as arduous to generalize about fashion throughout the US as it’s to generalize about fashion throughout Europe. New England is totally different from the South is totally different from Texas, which is totally different from California. (Even Northern and Southern California are totally different from one another.)
All of which is to say, it’s arduous to outline what qualifies as an “American look” nowadays. Nationwide fashion stereotypes of all types are quick going the best way of the dodo. That’s, frankly, an excellent factor.
Even when such grand declarations had been extra in vogue — when “American fashion” was synonymous with sportswear of all types, for instance — it was extra of a faux assemble than an actual one. (For each Bonnie Cashin or Levi’s fan, there was a Babe Paley.)
Nonetheless, as a result of it’s typically arduous to see your individual forest when you’re within the bushes, I believed I’d ask some vogue week colleagues who hail from different nations in the event that they thought there was an “American” signature, or giveaway. I used to be stunned at what got here again.
Virtually universally, they mentioned they might inform an American not by what they wore however by how they wore it. Chioma Nnadi, the brand new head of editorial content material for British Vogue, grew up in London and spent years in New York earlier than transferring again to Britain. She mentioned that for her it was a high-low mixture of relaxed and polished that stood out.
“Ayo Edebiri on the post-BAFTA celebration, for instance,” she mentioned, noting the actress’s white button-up shirt, Bottega Veneta “denims” (they had been really leather-based made to seem like denim) and large Tiffany aquamarine necklace. “She nonetheless seemed main, however she additionally seemed cool,” Ms. Nnadi mentioned.
Bryan Yambao, the editor of Excellent journal, was born within the Philippines and lives in Sweden and have become well-known as a blogger beneath the identify BryanBoy. He additionally mentioned that he thought “polish” was the hallmark of an American look and that it had extra to do with hair, pores and skin and nails than any particular gadgets of costume. Individuals, he mentioned, usually are not afraid to look as if they’re making an attempt within the morning. (He thought that was an admirable trait.) As in the event that they care what they placed on and the way they put it collectively.
That’s about angle greater than anything: a willingness to have interaction actively with the method of costume, take duty for it and to not dissemble. All of which means that the sheer truth you’re asking this query and fascinated with how you’ll be perceived means you’re already heading in the right direction.
Your Model Questions, Answered
Each week on Open Thread, Vanessa will reply a reader’s fashion-related query, which you’ll ship to her anytime through email or Twitter. Questions are edited and condensed.
Thank you for being a valued member of the Nirantara family! We appreciate your continued support and trust in our apps.
- Nirantara Social - Stay connected with friends and loved ones. Download now: Nirantara Social
- Nirantara News - Get the latest news and updates on the go. Install the Nirantara News app: Nirantara News
- Nirantara Fashion - Discover the latest fashion trends and styles. Get the Nirantara Fashion app: Nirantara Fashion
- Nirantara TechBuzz - Stay up-to-date with the latest technology trends and news. Install the Nirantara TechBuzz app: Nirantara Fashion
- InfiniteTravelDeals24 - Find incredible travel deals and discounts. Install the InfiniteTravelDeals24 app: InfiniteTravelDeals24
If you haven't already, we encourage you to download and experience these fantastic apps. Stay connected, informed, stylish, and explore amazing travel offers with the Nirantara family!
Source link