My Denim Skirt's Words of Wisdom

"I hate denim skirts! I just can't stand them," a woman declared. "And, I hate 80s fashion. I lived through the 80s and I didn't get it then. It's even worse now!" These statements garnered polite laughter from a couple of people in earshot with one notable exception. I remained silent. For you see, I was wearing a denim skirt.

Not just any denim skirt. A flared, from-the-80s Jordache acid washed skirt adorned with 3-D denim rosettes. A skirt that elicited a smile when I found it at Avalon Exchange, and glee when I discovered that it fit perfectly. As I waited in vain for another listener to come to my outfit's defense, I thought of the 8th grade biker shorts hidden beneath the skirt and pondered my options.

Should I make a joke? "Yeah, denim skirts are awful - except for the one I'm wearing, ha-ha." Nah. Should I come back with something snarky? "Uh, you do know I'm wearing an 80s denim skirt, right?" Hmmm, too risky for my people-pleasing tendencies. Should I respond defensively? "Well, I can't stand [insert whatever the other person is wearing]!" No, that would be childish. The fashion activist in me - the fierce gal that feels compelled to stand up for any under-appreciated or misunderstood garment, especially those in my own closet - insisted that I say something. "Well," I mumbled with only a hint of my usual spunk, "denim skirts are really 'in.'" (That fact had no bearing on my outfit choice, but whatever.) Although the conversation mercifully moved on, it stung. I then reminded myself of the cardinal rule of fashion.

Fashion sense and style are subjective.

I know that sounds like the "duh-squared" comment of the day, but it can be easy to forget. No matter what you wear, there will always be somebody who doesn't like it. There will be someone who thinks it's a bad choice, unflattering, the wrong color, the wrong print, the wrong something. And you know what? That's OK. Differing views are what make fashion so exciting. How boring would it be if everybody walked around in platforms and floral vintage dresses? (That actually doesn't sound so bad, but you get the point.) Since pleasing everybody with your outfit is impossible, it's important to remember fashion's second cardinal rule. 

Confidence in yourself is the most important part of any outfit. Your style is your style. Own it! Be proud of it. Those positive vibes will be stitched throughout your wardrobe. I spent the rest of the day bebopping around with my head held high, because I love my denim skirt! It makes a bold statement, even if it's in a language that everybody doesn't speak. To my ears, the skirt proclaims, "I'm rad." That's all I need to hear. ;)

Skirt: Avalon Exchange; Sweater: J. Crew (courtesy of my sis); Necklace: heirloom; Oxfords: Urban Outfitters

10 comments outfits

Share: