From Hype-Stylish to Avant-Garde

Sartorial elegance, classic with a twist, suited-up structure, biker-chic babe, power b**** in heels – welcome to just a few of fashion’s melodramatic markings. I’m living proof of the disarray of schizophrenia-prone stances. I’ve missed, hit and won many of the never-ending negotiations, from a pair of boyfriend jeans so ripped and ravaged they looked like they’d been on tour with Mick and Keith circa 1969, to a bondage-like bandage dress with toothpick stilettos I am ashamed to say I wore in early May and not on Oct. 31. Perhaps most memorable is the ratty flannel shirt sans pants, accessorized with only over-the-knee suede boots and a nylon sack from American Apparel that was reminiscent of a garbage bag.

What can I say? I’ve always worn what pleases me at the moment. My pickings and ensembles change so frequently, it’s a wonder I haven’t suffered whiplash from the ever-rotating racks of clothing in my closet. I play with it, work with it and have fun with it. Unfortunately, my chameleon-like changes came to an abrupt halt this semester, as an intense schedule of classes, commuting to the city and working has my usual hyper-stylish self a bit drained.

The most important rule I have learned and now abide by is that the truly fashion-forward don’t put much effort into their appearance. This is because they are the ones working their asses off in the industry. You’ll never see a fashion assistant dressed head-to-toe in designer garb or with hair and make-up so “done” they look like caricatures. Looking perfectly imperfect is the name of the game and with good reason. Those girls are too busy to spend hours in front of the mirror, and besides, who the hell really wants to?

Currently, I’d best describe my wardrobe as casual-cool, downtown and French-chic. It’s rumpled, blasé and if I do say so myself, better than ever. I’m living in stirrup leggings, my favorite well-worn rag & bone jeans, a slew of tattered jersey t-shirts and men’s button-ups. I urge you to follow suit. Stock up on basics and toss the trends. The detached persona is much more fashion-forward than the attached. You’ll learn there is something exotic about this mundane way of dressing. It’s avant-garde, sexy and possesses an effortless air of sophisticated confidence.