Living in a time (or place) where people can wear whatever they want is truly freeing. Imagine not being able to wear pants and having to opt for skirts and dresses every day. It would probably feel restrictive and uncomfortable, hindering our productivity and self-confidence. While some individuals have to stick to certain dress codes for various reasons, part of those who don’t still believe that some clothing items pertain only to men or women, regardless of changing social norms.
Just like this woman’s mom, who didn’t like the fact that she was going to wear a suit to a prom. She even said that she felt sorry for not raising her daughter right because of her clothing choices, for which she came up with the perfect comeback.
Scroll down to find the full story and a conversation with Reginald Ferguson, founder of New York Fashion Geek, and fashion stylist Sharon Warten, who kindly agreed to chat with us about judgment of other people's fashion choices.
Nowadays, it's common for people to dress however they like
Image credits: Dmitry Ganin / unsplash (not the actual photo)
However, this woman's mom still believes that women shouldn't be going to prom wearing suits
Image credits: Laura Chouette / unsplash (not the actual photo)
Image credits: Mesut çiçen / unsplash (not the actual photo)
Image credits: IdidnotF**kaCat
Even though it's common practice for people to dress however they like, some still judge others for their clothing
Most of us are fortunate enough to freely express our identity through the clothes we wear. Many communities, like women and queer people, have advocated long and hard to normalize dressing however they like. For a lot of individuals, it’s a wonderful achievement, as they see fashion as a form of self-expression, creativity, and individuality that allows them to embrace who they are, communicate their emotions and values, and even maintain or form social relationships.
However, this does not mean that people stopped judging the clothes others find joy in wearing. To this day, research shows that individuals make split-second judgments of a person’s abilities based on how they dress. The first impression others have of us starts forming before we even speak—it's enough for them to look at our outfits to get a rough idea of what we are as a person.
"While we like to think we live in a judgment-free world, the reality is that clothing is one of the first things people notice. Whether consciously or subconsciously, people make assumptions based on appearance, it's human nature. That being said, the most important thing is how you feel in what you wear, not just how others perceive it," said fashion stylist Sharon Warten to Bored Panda.
"I don't know why people say they don't judge. That's inaccurate. It's just a lie. People judge every day. That's what organisms do. That's what human beings do," agreed Reginald Ferguson, founder of New York Fashion Geek.
Image credits: Thais Varela / unsplash (not the actual photo)
"I believe in dressing for yourself first, but also recognizing that how we present ourselves sends a message"
Since we're still being constantly judged for what we wear, should we care what other people think about our clothing?
"I believe in dressing for yourself first, but also recognizing that how we present ourselves sends a message. You don’t have to conform, but looking polished and put together can help in professional and social settings. At the end of the day, confidence is what makes any outfit work," suggested Warten.
Ferguson seems to have a similar opinion. "Ultimately, you have to have the strength and presence of mind to make the choices for yourself. But again, everyone judges, and if you dress slovenly, people are going to look at you negatively. Then you don't look as credible."
Both experts say that in order to feel happy in whatever we wear, the pieces have to be comfortable. "If you're uncomfortable, I guarantee you you will not be happy in whatever you wear, even if it's a Tom Ford suit. Comfort is king, but comfort does not mean that you dress slovenly," said Ferguson.
"Identify colors, fits, and styles that flatter you and align with your lifestyle," Warten advised. "Don’t chase trends, build a wardrobe of modern, timeless pieces that reflect who you are."
While sporting our personal style undeniably makes us feel good, it’s still important to stick to some ‘rules’ that ensure everyone looks appropriate. "No matter your style, fit and quality matter. Clothes should complement your shape and feel good to wear. Balance is key, if you love bold prints or statement pieces, pair them with something sleek and classic. And most importantly, wear what makes you feel like the best version of yourself," concluded Warten.
Image credits: Natalia Blauth / unsplash (not the actual photo)
Readers applauded the woman for such a comeback
