adminI WALKED down the stairs with a colleague recently and he told me how his five-year-old son refused to be taken to school by him. His children attend school about 10 minutes away from home and every morning, he walks his boys to school. But on that particular day, his youngest son took him to task about the way he looked before they left the house.
He asked his father why he wanted to take him to school dressed in what he called “funny” clothes and an unkempt beard. The boy would not walk in shame for 10 minutes and didn’t want his father to embarrass him further once they got to school.
Instead of the 10-minute “family time” walk with his father, the boy would’ve rather walked to school by himself and save himself the embarrassment. He was afraid his friends would laugh at him for having a “funny looking” father.
My colleague probably didn’t think much of the walk. It was just 10 minutes after all and technically, in those 10 minutes, he probably didn’t anticipate to meet anyone important. But his son didn’t see it that way. Those 10 minutes meant a lot and determined whether or not the boy had a good day at school.
After hearing this story, I was reminded of how important appearance was back in school. I remember demanding a Sean John one-arm bag to carry my school books in at some point. And before that, there was civvies day to worry about. I’d have rather stayed at home and missed out on the variety show than show up in less than my Sunday best.
This was back when my mother had full control of my wardrobe — she thought dresses were super cute! Well, I didn’t.
I wanted to wear a lime green crop top and jeans. It must have been the Spice Miss that drove us crazy! I couldn’t go to school in clothes I didn’t think were fashionable. I’d throw a tantrum until someone gave in! Minutes later, I emerged from my thoughts and remembered how modelling guru Kiki Divaris doesn’t leave the house, even to go to the local store, without wearing make up.
Many probably think it’s an addiction of some sort. Far from it! It’s about understanding that you’re a brand that needs to be guarded jealously. How you look matters, everyday, all the time.
Divaris says she does this because you just never know who you might meet. That short trip to the shops can turn out to be an all important one.
My problem is largely with people who drive cars and those that are rather too easy going for the real world. It’s not cool going to the shops with that worn out brown Berkshire pantyhose filled with bobbles on your head.
It’s also not cool going to the corner down your street to buy airtime in your nightdress and your drying towel wrapped around your waist. Driving is never an excuse to look rugged. You tell yourself it’s okay to wear those old sweat pants and a worn out T-shirt because you won’t get out of the car. You’re probably even barefoot because you’ll confine yourself to the car during that trip. What happens when you need to get out of the car?
I’m not saying run your errands dressed to kill. I’m saying make a conscious effort to dress, at the very least, decent.
Don’t be embarrassed to bump into important people because of your wardrobe choices. And you know what, for some reason, on the one day you’re too lazy to dress up — it seems as though you bump into many more important people. Rather, look on point every other day.
Caring about how you dress will always cascade down to when it matters most — weddings, parties, national events or any other function which will require you to turn up. We all need to care about the way we look just like how children worry about their images and being laughed at by their friends.
Children are the most brutally honest people I know, they’ll tell you when you mess up. But in the adult world, don’t rely on the next person to give you a heads up when you mess up. They’re not as honest and progressive. Your wardrobe malfunction will be the topic of discussion over the 4pm tea!
Feedback from — Try on clothing item before paying
Very true indeed! I always skip the fitting rooms and yes it has been a disaster when I get home. Thanks for the tip. Perhaps now I’ll start to enjoy my shopping trips. — Thandie.
Please where were you when I bought my trousers which were too tight and a small size sweater? I want to sue you because you kept your good advice to yourself! (Jokes) But I’ve made some terrible mistakes. Some of my clothes are not good for me to the extent that I haven’t put them on from day one. — +263713316***
I look forward to reading your column on Saturdays. Last Saturday there was no article? What’s with that? The reason I buy the paper on Saturday is to read “Pattern and Style” and then you don’t write anything. Why? Some of us are old and like order and routine. Any changes to the contrary create disharmony in my life. — MaNcube.
Until next week, flaunt your pattern and style and don’t forget to drop me an SMS/Whatsapp on +263774 492700 or send an email to [email protected].
Online Reporter