"Growing up, I really disliked wearing suits or even a shirt and tie. It felt so uncomfortable. I was a kid, so I had no input on choice and fit. But now, as an adult, I can choose my shirt, tie, and jacket. I’ve started to really enjoy putting together dope fancy outfits. This past year, I ditched the shirt and tie in favour of rocking turtlenecks and mock necks underneath my jacket. I also went outside my comfort zone and chose some flashy suit jackets."
"With shoes, I’m a sneaker lover. So I’ve never liked the plain leather dress shoe. Recently, I once again went outside my comfort zone and started rocking slip-ons and loafers. I’ve found some velvet pairs and ones that had sparkles. I think, as I’ve grown older, I’ve embraced the idea of “dressing up” and have found ways to make outfits my own."
"Whenever I go to book events, I put on what my sister calls my “author costume.” Professional dress in an arts-adjacent field is a nightmare. Everyone's wearing some cool fucking jumpsuit and high-heeled shoes that look sexy but not oppressive, and it’s like, what is this room’s combined statement-earrings budget? I have never arrived to a literary event and not immediately felt overdressed, even if I initially worried I might be underdressed while putting my look together at home. I’m still searching for the perfect large linen bag that will solve all my problems by obscuring my fashion/bodily insecurities while radiating an understated, artistic chicness. Until then, I’ll be the one in the corner hurriedly removing red lipstick I felt good about at home and now feel humiliated by to the core of my being."
"My most loathed piece of clothing is—surprise surprise—a plain white button-up shirt. Not only am I a very curvy lady but I’m also very well endowed. I’ve never been able to find a plain button-up shirt that didn’t gape at the bust or have so much excess fabric that you could make a bed with it. It’s one of those wardrobe “staples” I’ve never been able to own, because up until maybe a few years ago, very few designers and clothing companies catered to plus-sized women. And those that did assumed that all plus-sized women wanted baggy clothing to hide their bodies. So a lot of “professional” attire was always boxy, ill-fitting, and offensively unflattering. We’re getting better in terms of giving options for women sized 0–28, but we’ve still got a long way to go."
"I think the dress requirements in office environments are changing, but I found women’s business-wear expectations to be soul crushing. I remember a time when it was basically black cigarette pants, black or grey pencil skirts of a certain length, some sort of very simple knit top, and ballet flats or midi-heels—otherwise you’d stand out like a sore thumb or get looks up and down from your fellow female colleagues. There was no room for experimentation or expression (or for jeans!). Those kind of limitations made me feel like I was being moulded into someone I’m not."
"Despise? That’s a strong word, but since you asked—and thank you for asking—I would really love to share with people how much I hate the wrap dress. Sorry, Diane von Furstenberg. Why is the wrap dress considered a “wardrobe staple”? Supposedly because it’s universally flattering. This is a lie. If you are generously chested, the wrap dress turns into a breast sling. If you are modestly chested, it doesn’t give you any shape. It’s also high maintenance, because you have to keep fussing with the belt. And you can only belt it one way, which is tight, because otherwise the dress will fall apart. There are so many other dress shapes and options that are superior to the wrap dress. I really wish we could get rid of them once and for all. The wrap dress is the basic bitch of dresses."
"I think the only person who ever looked good in a blouse is Prince."I don't think it's coincidence that the word blouse is so close to the word lousy. The only time I've ever bought a blouse has been under some pretence of "looking the part" but it's counter productive because I usually end up spending my day feeling b(lousy) and counting down the minutes until I can take it off.”
"You know what I really dislike? All that fake fur. Natural furs breathe better, let your sweat out, and are much better for a cold environment. They’re biodegradable. I design seal skin clothing, and now I also use beaver for my garments. People who sew sealskin garments reuse the garment until the fur or the leather is totally worn out. The anti-fur movement has been bad for the environment. Synthetic fur is made from plastics and nylons. I do not agree with that practice at all."
"Never wear? Never say never because fashion repeats itself. The west coast tends to be casual and laid back, but I rather be most overdressed than most underdressed. I kind of have one dress code and that's fancy lol. Sounds pretentious unless you know me, but my mom was a fashion designer so I've always loved dress up. I love statement pieces as much as I love classy and classic pieces. Fashion is a form of expression and there is no shame in taking pride in one's appearance. Often it's not what you wear or who you wear, but how you wear it; and in the end nothing beats a good pair of confidence and personal hygiene."
"I'm lucky to work at a creative agency where we're pretty free to express ourselves in what we wear to work. Of course, there are client meetings and presentations where 'professional dress' is required, but I think the recent trends embody a more progressive take on that traditional business suit. I go for co-ord sets with oversized blazers. On my 'never-wear' list however are high heels! After a few dance-related injuries including a torn MCL, it's just not for me. Long live chic flats and the dad sneaker!"
"As a hair & makeup artist working on photoshoot sets, I feel so fortunate to not have a dress code that I have to adhere to every day when I come to work. My personal style is pretty simple, comfort is key and looks second. Since I have to be on my feet a lot on set, I must wear comfortable shoes with proper insoles, aka running shoes. I rarely wear pumps or platforms as I find it to be uncomfortable over long period and generally impractical. I also find that because I look younger than my age, I sometimes have to dress myself a little bit more formal or wear more makeup to look slightly older, and not look like I just graduated from makeup school yesterday. I’ve been in the industry for 10 years! "