When I was in high school, 250 years ago, there were rules as to what you wore. They shifted every now and then and you had to stay on top of them, but there were definite rules.
For instance, you wore button down shirts tucked in your pants, and a pair of Weejuns loafers with your straight-legged blue jeans. You wore your hair flipped back and sprayed, off your face.
Girls wore blazers and plaid skirts.Or high-waisted jeans.
Boys wore Izod shirts.
And so on and so forth. I am straining my brain remembering all that.
Here's where I am feeling OLD.
I looked at the kids going in to Lakeside today after I dorpped off Michael at school. There was a boy wearing hot pink socks that were pulled up halfway to his knees. He looked normal except for those socks. Another boy wore neon orange sneakers. There was a girl who looked like she had time traveled from 1972 after falling asleep in old blue jeans and a sweatshirt.
There were hoodies and jeans.
There were short skirts.
There were cargo shorts.
There was a girl with green hair.
Apparently there are no rules any more. None. Your tatoo shouldn't clash with your pajama pants? Who cares?
In 1952 when my mother finished high school, there were definite fashions. In the south, you didn't leave the house without wearing a hat, gloves, and a girdle.
In the 1970's when I came along, there were fewer rules.
I wish I had some photos to post of me in high school but I hated photos of myself made during that time so there are almost none.
When I was researching what is fashionable today I noticed that almost anything is fashionable. I saw clothes that looked like they belonged in 1975, 1964, 1952.... all decades.
So why is it that Michael will sometimes veto my fashion suggestions? Who is deciding what does and doesn't look right these days?
I decided to look on the Old Navy site, because they seem to keep on top of trends.
According to Old Navy, men should wear 2-4 shirts at all times. Women should wear short skirts and boots.
It was kind of interesting to me to research what's trendy now. I haven't had any extra money in so long I didn't bother to even try to keep up with what's fashionable. About the only thing I've noticed is that scarves seem to be popular right now.This is good for me because they tend to hide my extra chin.
I have a vague memory of when I used to worry about whether or not my clothes were fashionable, or my hair, or if my shoes looked stupid or sexy. I no longer care, and I don't think it's just because I am fat. I have given up most materialistic concerns. I don't even understand why anyone would go out and buy new clothes if they have clothes to wear.
What difference does it make if you are fashionable or not? Especially since fashion nowadays can mean anything. If you wear something old, it's "vintage" or "retro."
Thank God I don't have to worry about wearing white gloves to the store, or if my hair is puffed up exactly right.
That's one of the few good things about middle age, I think. I also don't worry about breaking my ankle wearing idiotic high heels.
I'm not sure why my mind went there. It's actually cold today. Feels like winter. I've been rummaging through my closet for sweatshirts.
