What am I dressing for?
When I was in school (yes, we're throwing it way back nearly 20 years ago), I was obsessed with how I dressed. Every day was a fashion show. The school hall was my runway. I spent hours playing in my closet trying on different outfits. I rarely wore the same outfit twice — finding new combinations of clothes was thrilling. I put on makeup every morning and made sure to accessorize (chunky belt, anyone?). That was the era of skinny jeans, so I often squeezed my thick thighs and muscular calves into little sausage casing denim. I'd spend all day uncomfortable, branding my legs with an imprint of the seams, but it was worth feeling chic.
As I grew up, I stopped dressing for the runway of everyday life. Years working from home on my little business unleashed the hidden part of myself. I no longer had spectators, so there was no fashion show. I wore my ratty old university sweatshirts and mismatched PJ pants. My hair was stacked up on top of my head in a sloppy bun. Makeup was tucked to the back of the drawers and replaced with sunscreen. After a while, I lost the sparkle of getting dressed. Clothing was purely for comfort and function; do these sweatpants have deep enough pockets for my phone, wallet and keys?
The last few years I've been re-finding my style since becoming a mom. I still highly value function and comfort — and sunscreen!! But I also started missing the thrill of the catwalk. Enter: my Park Era. When I get dressed in the morning now, I have school drop-off and the afternoon park social on my mind. I'm constantly meeting new neighbours and other parents that will become part of my daily social fabric — similar to how we socialized casually in school. And just like back then, I want these people to have a sense of who I am. So now, I'm dressing for the park.
The difference is, I am no longer sacrificing myself in too-tight pants and uncomfortable shoes. But I do crave the feeling of being put together and perceived in a certain way. I used to think dressing for others was a low form of fashion, but now I see how it can motivate and inspire. I still dress for me because I'm comfortable and have what I need, but in the process of looking cute for others, I've been able to re-spark my joy of dressing. I've also found it elevates my mood! I feel more confident and social when I think I look stylish versus when I throw on whatever is at the top of my laundry bin.
The next step may be standing in front of the mirror like I did in my teens, trying on new combinations for fun, to see if that long-lost thrill is still accessible. Because to be honest, I think we could all use a little more excitement in the everyday.
What I'm wearing to the park these days
Cora Shacket + Rooney Pant for a chic matching set that has enough pockets to fit all my kids' snacks in.
Marina Cardigan + Monroe Pant for a sweat suit feel but apres ski vibe.
Annie Pullover + Davie Mockneck + Denim Rooney Pants for that Nancy Meyers 90's nostalgia look.