I take pride in my appearance, which I understand sounds vain. But the first thing people know about me is what they see on the surface.
Clothing is a vehicle for self-expression. After 15 years in private school, I value the freedom to dress as I choose. I love shopping and creating outfits that represent my old soul.
I (and my friends) would describe my fashion taste as “timeless classic.” My style icons are Jackie Kennedy Onassis, Audrey Hepburn and the new Princess of Wales Catherine.
I also love the costuming on Amazon’s “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel,” which is set in 1950s New York.
Recently, my editor told me I dress like a Kennedy, which is one of the nicest things he’s ever said to me.
My closet is full of ballet flats and loafers, (faux) pearl jewelry, trench coats, oversized sunglasses, silk scarves, headbands, cropped trousers and black sweaters. I’ve also styled my hair in a bob since the second grade.
With all that said, I have compiled a list of fashion trends I wish never returned.
-Shoes: We all make fashion faux pas, like when I hopped on the Ugg boots bandwagon in high school. My mother insisted they were ugly, but she bought me and my sister pairs of the tan Bearpaw look-alike Uggs. I wish I listened to her then because I strongly agree with her now. I also loathe crocs. They were designed to be water or gardening shoes, but now crocs are everyday footwear. No amount of jibbitz will make these cute. They’re even worse when worn with socks. Additionally, you’ll never catch me wearing Chacos or Birks. I apologize to all my friends who love them. I’m sure they’re comfortable, but as my great grandmother used to say, “Beauty is pain.” Joking aside, there are plenty of options for supportive, chic sandals and sneakers.
-Hairstyles: If you are not a country singer, why are you sporting a mullet? Why perm the mullet? This is not the 1980s. The mullet and crimped hair should have gone the way of leg warmers and shoulder pads. I’m not too proud to admit I tried crimped hair in middle and high school using a three-prong wave wand. Some may be able to pull it off, but my hair is too thick and too short. It frizzes up into a disheveled mess, making me look like a cavewoman. Also, if you’re considering dying your hair ombre, ask your stylist for a balayage instead. You can thank me later.
-Pants: I read that the super low-rise jeans are making a comeback. Can we please leave those and gauchos in the past where they belong? Let’s also stop ruining nice denim with plastic rhinestones.
-Accessories: Why have celebrities started carrying micro bags that look like an American Girl doll accessory? They cannot even hold a tube of lipstick. I’ll stick with my wrist wallets and clutches that will store my phone and other necessities. As for bucket hats, just say no. They’re strangely trendy. However, something you can get free at an MLB giveaway night is not the epitome of style. Go for a standard baseball cap, a fedora or a straw summer hat instead. If you need more advice about accessorizing outfits, remember the words of my favorite first lady, “Pearls are always appropriate.”
-Ally Lanasa is a reporter for the Journal-Tribune.