On Dressing Modestly and Somewhat Poorly
In the style of leandra m cohen: today I come to you with some musings and unedited ramblings regarding what has been on my mind a lot recently: clothing. It’s phenomenal to rediscover all the myriad ways outfits can make you feel. I have never been one for modesty (in high school my skirts were so short even in the dead of Minnesota winter that neighbors made remarks). Interestingly enough, most mornings these days I find myself opting for a more Mormon style of dressing. I covet layers in order to bear the the 3 block walk to the train station and enjoy role playing as a war-time European teenager. I combine items like Kit Kitteridge, the depression era American girl doll, might: prioritizing practicality and comfort and repurposing the same pieces in various forms. Even more interestingly, I do not write this from a particular place of pride in terms of the way I dress. I think I used to dress way better, look far more interesting, and possess more confidence in my choices. These days I’m enjoying taking the safe route, and it’s dawned on me that this is an interesting behavior to both document and analyze.
What I wear to the ballet/soviet schoolgirl:
I have no authority regarding any historical accuracy, but My miu miu jacket that I bought when I first moved to New York is one of my most treasured items, and it makes me feel like I am in Russia and carrying a little Tin lunchbox. Kitten heels always, and some subdued pearl earrings.
What I wear to work:
I am terrible at mornings and my apartment and office are cold. I will always opt for a workday sweater. What really excites me is if i can get a little collar underneath it. I usually alternate between low top docs and Prada saddle shoes, but on lazy days the new balances are my go to.
What I wear to ballet:
Another fun component of getting dressed these days has been getting ready for ballet class: the ultimate opportunity to layer. I usually do a Leo, tights over the Leo (in true ABT fashion), leg warmers, sweats, long sleeve shirt and sweatshirt. These immediately become saturated with sweat and I peel them off as we go through barre exercises, then replace my pants with a skirt. I think one of my favorite parts of ballet is how acceptable it is to change your outfit 5 times within an hour and a half.
