19 November 2009

Posted on | November 19, 2009 | 13 Comments

19 November 2009, originally uploaded by academichic.

Sources:

Eggplant swing jacket: BR Outlet
Teal nursing tank: Old Navy
Orange necklace: Forever 21, extended
Gray skinnies: thrifted, skinnied by me
Brown wedges: thrifted

End Notes:

I usually wear this necklace as a statement piece, the focal point of an outfit. Today, however, I thought it might be fun to play peek-a-boo, wearing it under this swing jacket and letting it pop out occasionally for a fun bit of color.

But, onward to the discussion at hand.

I certainly agree with A.’s assessment of the dangers of essentializing language when describing clothing as “masculine” or “feminine,” but I think I’m more comfortable using those terms in the context of this blog to explain why I think an outfit “works.” In my last take on my plaid shirtdress, for example, I suggested that the outfit gained visual interest from the juxtaposition of the dress and earrings that would be perceived as “feminine” with the plaid dress that would be perceived as “tougher” (in our particular socio-historical context, of course!). Articulating those assumed perceptions offers insight into just what made that outfit a little bit surprising and, I think, successful. I suppose I could have described the wine dress and earrings as adding a “softer” component to the “edgier” plaid,” but I guess I would argue that those words also carry gendered connotations with them as well. The power of the juxtaposition is due not only to the visual contrast but to the disruption of social expectations, even on a small scale.

So here’s where I get occasionally stuck, both in describing my clothing style and in my own scholarship and personal activisim: the juncture of self-disclosure and public perception. And it’s why I’m glad I have A. and S. around to help me think through it!

19 November 2009, originally uploaded by academichic.

Category: Beltless, Color Combinations, Office Hours, Pants Please, Proportionally, Reaching New Heights, Theoretical

Comments

13 Responses to “19 November 2009”

Kaylyn
November 19th, 2009 @ 10:08 am

Great outfit! I’m loving the mix of colors.
Megan
November 19th, 2009 @ 10:24 am

I just love that whole outfit, but I have to say the plum swing jacket is so my favourite!! It’s adorable!
Cindy
November 19th, 2009 @ 10:35 am

I’ve noticed with several of your outfits and postings that you’ve skinned your regular jeans. Can you provide us with your DIY steps? I’d love to try it out on a few of my old jeans. Thx
Rachel
November 19th, 2009 @ 10:36 am

Regarding the discussion on “gendered” clothing, it also doesn’t help that the styles this season seem to be an amalgam of disparate elements: masculine and feminine, dressy and casual, etc. The visual interest in the clothing comes from the combination of these, like sequins on sweatshirts and menswear-inspired pumps. While it may seem limiting and perhaps stereotypical to label clothing as masculine or feminine, having the labels as an accepted foundation is what allows for the unexpected surprise that arises from seeing a woman wearing a tie with a button-down and a skirt. The clothing is exciting because it defies conventional “gender” rules.
Ana
November 19th, 2009 @ 11:00 am

I love this outfit! The jacket is great, and you did a wonderful job “skinnying” those jeans.
Nadine
November 19th, 2009 @ 12:15 pm

Lovely colours, as ever, and that first photo is STUNNING.
G&D
November 19th, 2009 @ 1:29 pm

LOVE that jacket–it’s gorgeous!
jentine
November 19th, 2009 @ 5:08 pm

Oooo… great colours. They are very feminine… or masculine? Love that your blog is smrt fashion…
Becky
November 19th, 2009 @ 6:16 pm

I think you raise a good point. The gendered language is circular because of the gendered nature of our cultural ethos: “femininity” and “masculinity” point to certain adjectives, like the ones you listed (tougher, softer). Although we can think of certain ways of describing clothing as non-gendered, is such a thing really possible?
Elena
November 20th, 2009 @ 5:25 am

Beautiful color combination!
Suzanne
November 20th, 2009 @ 5:52 am

I love the mix of colors! Great inspiration!
Serena :: Style on a String
November 20th, 2009 @ 10:12 am

I do that “pop” of colour rule too

It’s fun when you experiment with different lengths and layers of necklaces :)

Style on a String :: Because style has nothing to do with money.
Diana
November 23rd, 2009 @ 8:20 am

I love the location, and this outfit is gorgeous. I think I’m going to try this color combo soon – it’s so fresh.