Today I want to talk about dressing for solely for your body type. I have been mulling this topic over for months, and am really interested in what you all have to say about it.
The fundamental concept I have settled on is that dressing for our body type may be hindering us more than helping us. I am consistently receiving comments on the blog explaining that someone doesn't want to try a specific style because they are sure their body type forbids it, and it makes me incredibly sad.
One of my greatest concerns about dressing for our body types is that the entire concept infers that there are only certain things "right" with our body type and many more things we are trying to minimize or play down. As a woman, why on earth should I be trying to minimize my hips? Is that not an inherent quality of womanhood (and eventually motherhood)? I despise the idea of dressing a specific way because we are ashamed of our body, or parts of our body. (If you want some solid reading on this topic, I suggest Sal's Down with Shame post.)
If there is a style type you admire but fear you may never pull off, I say let go of some of your prejudices and at least try it on. Observe other women you know that dress outside the box and decided for your self if something might work for you.
Some of you may remember my favorite quote from Nina Garcia's book,
"I marvel at a six-foot tall woman in stilettos, a big bottom woman in a curve hugging skirt, a flat chested woman in a tight, low-cut t-shirt. When a woman embraces her imperfections, they can become her greatest strengths, definers of her character and spirit."
So how about you? Do you think about your body type when getting dressed or shopping? Do you care or could you care less? Do you let body issues limit your choices? Or...?
I'm very interested in what you all have to say about the topic. Leave a comment...
