When was the last time you wore flipflops?
Mine was in 2011. Even then, it was probably a faux pas, regardless if you simply wore them out to get the mail.
Every now and then, when I'm feeling depressed, nostalgic, or annoyed with reality, I'll look back at old photos, or check up on how my ex-friends/acquaintances are doing. I'll look at myself in particular, and be in awe at how much I think I've changed.
A few months ago, I had lunch with two random ass friends. One I haven't seen for about three years, and the other I haven't seen for about a year and a half, but I've known for a longer amount of time. The latter told me that I look "exactly the same," and I remember thinking that it was kind of an offensive thing to say. But I guess that depends on what you've been through since the last time you saw the person. For example, since the last time I saw that person, I certainly got through my depressive state, was battered by social work, changed from a feminine to more neutral sense of style, got rid of my bangs, grew my hair ridiculously long, and significantly changed my brows. I thought I looked pretty different. Just as a comparison, my other friend, the former, I hadn't seen for three years. I could tell she looks a bit older (but not necessarily in a bad way), wears more make up, and her hair is styled different. Her fashion evolved to a more "mature" look, and certainly up-to-date. While she didn't look drastically different, I certainly wouldn't have told her that she looks the same.
I'll probably never wear flip flops again for a long time, just like I probably won't wear gingham, round toed heels, and unnecessarily tight dresses.
I saw these two tall boys today, walking along Broadway, talking about how they haven't "done that fucking shit since sixth grade." I thought about how they were probably in 8th grade, considering that their point of comparison was all the way back to sixth grade. Well, "all the way back" in my point of view, since the only reference I make anymore is college-- and that was at the least four years ago.
They were wearing what the boys in my secondary schools wore-- fitted t-shirt from PacSun, denim jeans, and white Vans slip ons. I thought about how they probably think the girls, today in their bare-legged skirts in the 60 degree weather, were sexy, and me, in my baggy black trousers and big denim jacket was not even worth gazing at.
There was a point when being "sexy" and being looked at was special. If I was the me I am now except still in college (See? Still my only reference point), I don't think I would have worn what I did then, although I admittedly still like short denim cut offs (the soCal in me). Maybe like those dresses, or those shoes, I would have given up. I don't think it's "cool" anymore to be "sexy." So then it makes me think that the females who do continue to dress "sexy" knowingly don't dress to be "cool," but dress to be looked at. Was it always that way?
Sadly the only moment I was proud of regarding my senior year housing situation (six girls + one house = big tragedy) was that we were able to collectively but indirectly say "fuck you" to all the other people who said we shouldn't dress the way we did to church. I liked that we were kind of "inappropriate." For sure it was more genuine than dressing like a convent nun.
