About two weeks ago, a friend and I decided to treat ourselves to a day of living outside our means and went out for a nice lunch at one of Chicago’s many fine dining establishments in the loop. It was an upscale place- there were linens on the tables, an extensive wine list and teensy-weensy portions of dishes that we couldn’t pronounce the names of. It was just lunch but we certainly got into our closets for the acceptable daytime-casual attire. She wore a belted tunic dress with boots and a peacoat, and I wore a pair of chinos, a sweater vest over a white crew-neck tee shirt with loafers and my favorite grey topcoat. It wasn’t as if we were walking in expecting to see people in their Sunday finest, but we certainly weren’t ready for the couple at the table next to us- the Trend Slobs. Jogging shorts and sneakers with a U of I hoodie for him; Uggs, sweatpants and a Henley for her- North Face fleeces for both.
We’ve all been there. You’re not trying to impress anyone for the day- something didn’t click into place when you were getting ready this morning and you end up going to class or the gym in sweats and a tee shirt. Big deal. But if there’s one thing I hate seeing it’s the trend slob. The trend slob puts a lot of effort into looking like crap. Girls who wander around wearing the outfit I witnessed that day at the restaurant like it’s some kind of commendable fashion statement need help. I have nothing against any of these pieces on their own- comfy is important. But there is a time and place for everything. If you’re on your way to class or to a workout, sweats are perfectly acceptable. If you happen to end up looking cute-ish (full cuteness cannot be acquired on these bummy days) so be it. But do not pretend that you just rolled out of bed in those clothes with your hair, though poorly styled in a (literal) pile on top of your head all shiny and freshly-conditioned and your makeup done perfectly. That’s just ridiculous. I have a good friend who, when we see hair like I just described, literally squawks like a bird. Because that’s what you look like- like you somehow attached a bird’s nest to the top of your head.
Every day is an opportunity to step outside and give people a positive impression of you through your appearance and how you present yourself. Don’t screw it up! I can easily forgive bummy clothes in school. But fine dining? In sweats?! It’s a joke! Makes me want to use my “WRONG!” stamp!
And now for a quick, self-indulgent sidenote: As of the publication of this article, it will have been two full weeks since the election of Barack Obama to the Presidency. I just want to commend people everywhere for all the funny and supportive tee shirts. A special shout-out to Strange Cargo on Clark. If you passed by in the past few months you would have noticed a great window display and wonderful selection of Obama tee shirts.