If you live outside any large city, you likely have a slightly different suburban mentality. Things move more slowly in the suburbs and tend to be much more casual and laid-back than for city dwellers.
It’s not just being in the suburbs, either. It’s the way of life and the reason people live there—to slow down, enjoy a more family-centric lifestyle. Oftentimes this manifests itself in the way people dress.
A mortgage in the suburbs should not be a ticket to fashion laziness. And while it may sound like I’m generalizing here, I see it with my own two eyes. There’s a definite difference in the styles of those who live in the city versus those in the suburbs.
I used to live in the city—New York and Paris. And now that I’m a suburban dweller, I’m typically the most “over-dressed” person at every backyard barbecue and in every local restaurant. And usually I’m surprised when people tell me I’m dressed up.
It’s not because I dress to the nines when I go out—far from it! It’s because I take a few extra moments to grab a coordinating bag or to put on a few accessories. I get out of my gym clothes. I do it for myself and it makes me feel good.
I’m not trying to be snarky or judgmental here; I’m trying to start a suburban styling revolution. I would love to see men and women feel comfortable in what they’re wearing—while taking their style up a notch. I would love to see people use what they have in their closets and change it up on occasion.
Here’s the thing: You probably have everything you need in your closet to up your style. But everyone is so concerned with fitting in and what to wear so that they don’t stick out like a sore thumb that they don’t take the time and care to wear something just a little bit nicer—or something that coordinates a little bit better.
Everyone has their own style. Everyone has their own level of comfort. But what would happen if you revolted against the flip flops and grabbed those strappy sandals instead? What if you kept on that camisole but added a cool moto jacket on top?
At the end of the day, there’s really no right or wrong answer. You should wear what you’re most comfortable in anyway. But I’d love to see you try to take it up a notch and start a fashion revolution on your street. Are you willing to give it a try?
