Fashionable Self

Style and fashionable sense of self is definitely something which matures over time and this is very closely linked to ones growth as a person.

Fashion reflects society. It reflects global change and in some movements in particular it can be an influence for change itself. One of the clearest examples of this is the link between women’s freedom and the manner in which gender defines clothing.

When the suffragettes first demanded the right to be acknowledged as full and equal member of society with the same right to vote among other aspects of life that men had at the time the only method they had at getting attention was by being somewhat provocative. This meant breaking social norms like … wearing pants (#gasp). At the time women and men dressed in entirely different ways and this enforced the divided between them. Today it might seem odd that a woman simply wearing pants was worth social outcry (possibly as odd as a woman not being able to vote?). Today there are still places in which women are prevent from voting or taking part in politics, namely Saudi Arabia and the Vatican City (oh and monarchs, dictatorships etc but that hardship is at least gender equal). One would not be surprised to note that in the mentioned areas along with restricted political freedom women’s dress code is also highly limited… guess what? No pants.

Another example of dramatic change occurred in and around the periods of world war where an emphasis on practicality and movement overruled elegance and delicacy as money disappeared and efforts were required from every person regardless of gender or wealth. Fabrics changed to decrease costs and women’s dress code evolved as they were forced into previously male dominated professions. This was reflected by pioneering men and women like Paul Poiret a Parisian designer who left behind strict corsets for free loose fitting clothes (on the very runway). He reflected the societal changes that were occurring in his designs and in doing so influenced massive change in the fashion industry.

Whenever a revolutionary step is taken whether it be in the liberty of a specific group of people, political unrest, religious rebellion or even global weather changes, fashion will simultaneously evolve.

This can even be seen in the role fashion plays in one’s life as an individual.

Being someone who is only 19 my style is definitely not absolute and has a very long path before reaching a stage of surety and until I get to that point the role my clothes play in my life is going to change as I change. How could I possibly have a set style when I haven’t even determined my internal set of morals or my position in society? What I am on the outside needs to reflect and build on what I am on the inside.

I was doing an interview in which one of the questions was “what is the most consistent colour in my wardrobe” and, although those of you who are regular readers will know that the answer is quite obviously black, it was not an answer which came to me so readily. This is not because I hold any resentment against black but rather that this colour is relatively new to me. When I originally showed a sustained interest in the fashion world I don’t think I owned a black item of clothing. To me colour was important and I believed quite heavily in the myth that pale people can’t wear black (this is very, very, VERY, false by the way). I wore lots of bright colours and plane blue denim jeans. I contrasted patterns and textures and focused on investing in interesting statement pieces.

At the end of last year however I rediscovered the beauty and power of basics and as this year has progressed most of those basics have been in the shade of black.

I don’t think that this has coincidentally transpired alongside my personal transformation as a young woman in society. I grew up, moved into a new place, and most importantly I actually started to confront my socially prescribed beliefs.

I have grown my knowledge on the world and have taken a step up as someone who speaks out and gets involved. This requires one to be assured of oneself, passionate and brave (the last of which I am still working on) and as I step up and represent myself and the ideals which I now stand for a larger more impressive stage I needed to be wearing something worthy of this and this new look is somber and dignified. Simple and composed.

But the clash and the craziness (and the passion) still holds a prominent place in who I am and how I dress.

All images by Justice Machaba (@justicemachaba)

What I am wearing:

Knitted Polo Neck Jumper – Woolworths (last season)

Black Over-sized Coat – Woolworths (last season)

Black textured stockings – the bottom of my sock draw

Rose Gold Chain – Vintage

Black (oh dear I can’t remember the name of these) Shoes – Edgars 

Black Gypsy Dress – MrP Clothing

“Fashion is about dressing according to what’s fashionable. Style is more about being yourself.”

Oscar de la Renta

x J

Back to Basics

I spent my entire school career at a school which required a uniform. The non-creative monotony of blue tablecloth checks which controlled my fashion life in high school were good for one thing: I did not have to wake up every morning and decide what to wear. Since coming to university I have come to realise the daily struggle of getting up and having to concentrate my energy on coming up with a unique, practical, weather-appropriate and fashionable outfit. Honestly, the process is exhausting but I have built up a new appreciation for the basics and their versatility.

I have now noticed that one can never have too many white t-shirts but I definitely have too few. One of my only ones is this MrPrice item. There is not much descriptive to be said about white T-shirts (I mean it is pretty self explanatory). This one has a V-neck and has a slightly longer back hem than front hem but it is simple enough. It goes with everything. I am going to start scouting for some more plain white Ts and I think if you are looking at investing in your fashion collection, concentrate on the basics first and one of the most important is the plain white T-Shirt. I even think that this is more crucial than  (style gods please don’t hit me for saying this) the Little Black Dress.

Another great basic is the perfect pair of blue jeans. Now as you might be able to see mine are becoming a bit loose and are starting to fade but in their prime they fit me like a glove, were the perfect depth of dark blue and made me think those jeans were made for a greater purpose than stretching over my thighs and ‘bootay’. This obviously meant that I wore the jeans to death (okay not quite death, not even close as they are clearly still wearable but still they aren’t the perfect pair of jeans I once had). Finding a pair of good jeans, the right pair of good jeans, will change your fashion-life. You see a good pair of jeans will be with you when you need them, they will support you when you are feeling confused and uninspired, they will get along with every shirt in your cupboard and they have this unrealistic power of producing a confidence boost every-time you put them on.

The accessories for this outfit – which are crucial for a basic outfit – were my beach inspire sandals, my old owl pendant and chain which is beginning to age but I think it looks cooler that way, and my purple CottonOn sweater which is a personal staple piece as it goes with everything that I own ( I haven’t succeeded in finding something I cant wear it with so far)

I would also just like to mention the beauty of the day I took these photos on. It was the day that the Cape Epic began. It’s start was from UCT and so I went and watched for a brief moment. I wish that I enjoyed running or cycling because when ever I go to these events (and I spend a lot of time waiting at the start and finish behind the supporter line) because their is such an atmosphere of energy and festivities.The athletes are reaching the moment that they have been training for, for months and possibly even years and that ‘goal-reaching’ excitement is very inspiring. At the Epic’s start this is coupled with the background of UCT and Devil’s Peak and it makes for a great way to spend a Sunday morning.

x J

(P.S. It’s test week currently so please excuse the lack of posts)