FashBlog.com

Not long ago, I read an article about street style in a fashion spread, and it did nothing to remove the cloud of confusion I often find myself in after reading what “experts” say regarding what to wear and not wear. “Street style” to me, is very relative to what street one happens to be on, and where they are headed. An average housewife who’s running out for paint is a bit different than a celebrity strolling down Rodeo Drive or any high-fashion boulevard in a sophisticated city. In any event, perhaps I, you, and an untold number of other middle class women can learn a thing or two from the gals who “accidentally” get snapped by paparazzi…

There is, for lack of a better description, the eternal preppie. She usually has a vest over a nice blouse or polo shirt, conservative pants, and fairly low heels or loafers. Do you wear, or even own vests? I have one, and I must say they are a rather interesting touch, but mine buttons instead of being a pull over. Would that make me less of a prep, do you think? But, all in all, I’d say that this look would work for practically anyone, anywhere, and its simplicity makes it a winner when it comes to wearing and maneuvering.

Then there’s the eternal hippie. This can include almost any retro item, hobo bag, sandals or boots, flowing sleeves, wide bell bottoms or wild flowered prints. Hmmm…I was still rather young during these pieces’ first go-around, and I’m not so sure I want to start up with it at this time. I know that flowing sleeves can be annoying because they catch on things and in food condiments you'd rather wish they didn't. Also, since a lot of gals can never find anything in a hobo bag, I give this the thumbs down for really busy and active street wear-especially if they're dealing with small kids.

Next is the eternal fashion plate. This lady won’t even run out to Rite Aid without 3 inch spike heels and the latest (or most vintage) garments. But I must be more generous; chances are such a gal is not just going to the drug store; she probably is on her way to someplace much fancier. So I won’t hold her sense of style against her-we’ve all been there. I really respect anyone who takes the time to think through her ensemble. Yet, if you’ve been following my column regularly, you know that high heels make me miserable, but to each their own. I actually strive to be the eternal fashion plate, but sadly, I rarely have time to change before I need to “run down the street”.

We can’t forget the eternal biker/party chick. She’s got the motorcycle tank and the leather pants or the miniskirt and midriff or tube top. Regardless, she doesn’t look she has ever, or will ever, be doing the kind of things the rest of us spend a good part of our day doing. These looks appear to be uncomfortable. If this is worn on the street, I hope the woman’s on her way to someplace fun.

Finally, there’s the fashion-forward model type, the kind every female secretly wishes she could be. Big shirts make them look tiny instead of making their hips look big. Long, flowing scarves waft in the breeze instead of blowing into their eyes and mouth. Hats or caps set off their perfect hairdos instead of smashing them down and adding static electricity. In other words, these gals could look good in a paper bag. When the rest of us see them on the street, it’s hard to maintain our own self confidence.

However, we must not let that happen. Reality reminds us that the majority of folks either don’t possess perfect looks or perfect clothes. One glance around any crowded street reflects a huge range of ages, backgrounds, and places in life. For many women, their appearance takes a back seat to more important things in life, and as we get older, we should find ourselves more understanding about the outward image we, and others, present to the world. It’s great to look good, and even better to look fashionable, but even famous people have off days.