I’m shifting throughout the nation to a brand new metropolis quickly, and I’m attempting to arrange for the tradition shock. Any recommendation on the best way to adapt to the style norms of a brand new place with out compromising on what I really like about how I gown? — John, Philadelphia
Each main metropolis has its type stereotypes, generally many on the similar time. New York is darkish colours and conceptual shreds, banker suiting and Park Avenue bouclé. Seattle is fleece. (So is San Francisco.) Dallas is cowboy boots and diamonds. Los Angeles is leggings and Erewhon cups. Paris is blazers and completely draped scarves. And so forth.
I’m not saying that is true, you perceive. These are apparent clichés. However clichés exist as a result of they’ve some essential mass in reality. And the reality is, everytime you get a concentrated variety of individuals in a single place, as you do in an city middle, a vogue ethos will emerge. One with its personal language and staples borne of the dominant business of the place, its local weather, its worth system and the visible make-up of the town itself: its colours, constructing blocks and historical past.
You’d gown otherwise in a heat place with low stucco buildings the place you’re usually exterior and may see an expanse of blue (sky) and inexperienced (grass) than you’ll in a spot of concrete and chrome steel. Gown codes are additionally tradition codes, and each place has its camouflage.
So the very first thing to contemplate is how a lot you wish to slot in. Or, conversely, to sign to these round you that you’re a transplant. In spite of everything, if you’re new to a spot and unsure of the mores, and even the very best spot to get espresso, it may be helpful to let individuals know. And gown is a solution to handle expectations.
I get the will to be one with the group (we’ve all been by means of center faculty) and to keep away from the sticky prejudices that generally connect to coming from some place else — you’re a snob, or pretentious, or a hick. However don’t low cost the attract of being the brand new man on the town. Or of being a person with regards to type, which might counsel impartial considering and creativity.
To that finish, it’s superb to stay with the wardrobe you’ve, particularly if it makes you’re feeling snug, no less than to start with. Shifting to a brand new metropolis could be a shock and at all times requires a interval of adjustment. There’s no have to upend the way in which you telegraph your identification — which is, in spite of everything, the purpose of vogue. Selections (particularly ones that contain cash) ought to by no means be made in haste and with out all vital data. Like a way of what everybody wears. And that occurs solely with firsthand expertise.
Within the meantime, small changes can usually take you far. In case your new place is extra informal than your outdated, put on a go well with jacket with denims as an alternative of matching pants, or a skirt with sneakers fairly than heels. Whether it is much less informal, add a shiny scarf or just tuck in your shirt.
To a sure extent, wardrobe adaptation occurs by attrition. Items that will have appeared alien to you in your outdated house will, when seen usually sufficient, seem to be pure purchases in your new. A very good pal who moved from Brooklyn to Seattle a couple of years in the past informed me that she knew she had lastly settled in when she realized she may purchase her work garments at REI.
Your Model Questions, Answered
Each week on Open Thread, Vanessa will reply a reader’s fashion-related query, which you’ll ship to her anytime by way of electronic mail or Twitter. Questions are edited and condensed.
