25 Outfits & Thoughts on Visual Identity

Thoughts on Visual Identity Through Dress

 In philosophy, the long-debated “mind body problem” refers to how the metaphysical world of the mind and the physical reality of the body are inexplicably affected by each other. René Descartes proposed that the small but mighty pineal gland, situated deep in the brain, actually tethered the soul to the body and manifested consciousness within the physical body. While this theory has not been proven, it’s still a marvel that intangible thoughts and feelings inhabit our fleshy bodies. My personal mind-body problem presents itself daily in the time I stand in front of my clothes. How can my identity be translated to reality? The answer depends on my shifting sense of self, what’s clean, what’s going on with the weather, what I have to accomplish at work, and who I will interact with. As my brain sorts through these internal and external forces that act upon my life, mind and body synthesize, and my metaphysical is transcribed visually through the clothes I put on. My clothes become a physical representation of my inner reality and this performance of identity connects with the world through understood codes of dress.

The clothes I resonate with hold space in my closet, representing parts of me that I hold as fundamental pieces of my personality. My favorite graphic tees are valuable to me because I dedicated years collecting them from thrift stores and ex boyfriends, and I find myself in their casually vintage drape. The Isabel Marant sneaker heels embody my unconventional approach to life. My soft, colorful sweaters characterize my cozy, approachable side. My flirty dresses expose my femininity. Even a rejection of identifiers helps to further the alignment between internal and presenting self image, like how I don’t feel myself in overly distressed jeans. The vintage tees, sneaker heels, sweaters, and dresses exist in the same closet, helping me to perform the multifaceted nature of my personhood.

“Tabula rasa” meaning “blank slate” refers to the theory that the human mind exists in a blank state before being imprinted on by stimuli. This concept holds an interesting logic when applied to the psychology of dress, since we are all impacted by the turning wheels of fashion and culture (cue Meryl Streep’s monologue in The Devil Wears Prada). In early development, our “blank slate” state, we are exposed to precedents that help shape our ideals. For instance, I grew up idolizing Sharpay Evans from High School Musical. Her extravagant outfits and matching pink convertible paved the way for my own desire for all things fabulous. Alternatively, from Audrey Hepburn I got my love of full skirts and precious cardigans, and freshman year I actually referenced Roman Holiday to have my own set of baby bangs cut. These cultural references and many others built my concept of womanhood brick by bedazzled brick, and the weight of them anchors my self perception. Every other person has their own style references based on their own experiences, and through the symbolism of clothes, we seek to contextualize each other within shared associations.

The mind body problem may never be resolved, but in contemplating the way clothes expose my identity, I discovered myself. Two years ago, as an intern new to Philadelphia and eagerly entering the fashion industry, I took up the habit of recording my outfits, videoing a few seconds of my “power walk” each morning. The intent was to prevent outfits from being lost to time, especially since I was in the (unsustainable) habit of spending an hour each day in my closet deliberating, but the response from friends who enjoyed seeing them made me keep up the practice. I found that sharing my daily outfit was a way to share myself, and I’ve continued to reflect on the performative nature of visual identity. And so, in honor of my recent 25th birthday, I decided to share these musings along with 25 of my outfits from the past year. I hope you find in yourself a new appreciation for getting dressed as you follow my own journey of self expression.

25 For 25

This was before I had my mirror set up in my new apartment for ‘fit pics, but I still like the energy of this outfit which WAS very toddler core. Even the layered bags work for me, and I was in a phase where I wore those Margiela Reboks a lot. I would wear this outfit again.

This was probably the last time my Salomons were a pure white. I love this Sandy Liang for Target top I thrifted, and the earrings and bag were my own creations but don’t ask me to make you anything I’m lazy.

I was going for a ballet-inspired look, trying to make the footless tights work. I haven’t worn them since, but I like the colors and the “embryo” choker by local artist Holly Simple also featured in the toddler core outfit.

This is a good example of a rare practical outfit. I needed to be active at work, hence the secure footwear, but I like the navy sweatshirt tied around the navy blouse to add some interesting shape. I think I saw Leandra Medine do something similar and this was my recreation.

I remember feeling so fun in this outfit. I was trying to achieve the NYC coolness of my favorite influencer, model, and fiber artist Lindsay Vrcovnick. There’s also something so cool about the horse girl motif. It reminds me of Stella McCartney even though she did actually ride horses while I am a poser.

I think this is when I first thrifted these long denim shorts that changed my life. I also remade that pool ball necklace the morning of because it was broken (and it broke again so this is reminding me to fix it again.)

You can never go wrong with denim on denim, even if you do look sort of like Michael Scott talking about prison. I’m also obsessed with this bandana I pull it out a lot because it reminds me of Raf Simmons’ polka dots.

Here is an overalls styling idea with the most insane fur hat that I thrifted on a whim. I feel like this was my Barbarella obsession meets Maxine from X. Sometimes I just like to try stuff because its fun to be outlandish.

For this outfit, I did a skirt over pants because I really wanted to style this turtleneck that doesn’t get enough wear for how cool it is. I made it feel kind of Ganni with the leopard print and the cowboy boots, but I still think it would be improved by an artisan pendant (which I’m still on the hunt for.)

I was obviously experimenting with keeping my mini skirts wearable in the winter through funky layering. I took it a step further by doing an open bodysuit and a misbuttoned cardigan over the whole ensemble. I liked the mismatched, slightly over-accessorized look of this outfit. Sometimes more is more.

An outfit with my favorite jeans and my favorite clog boots. I like this look for the slouchy proportions and the blue eyeshadow. I made the zebra pearl necklace out of polymer clay and I wear it all the time for a pop of interest.

This was my favorite winter outfit. I thrifted the shawl because of the color, and the hat really finished the look with a 60s mod feel. I still can’t believe I pulled a tights as pants outfit with snow on the ground, but it was worth it.

This outfit came from me trying to style this wool jacket before the weather got too warm. I wanted to pair it with an unexpected color, and purple did the trick. I topped the look with one of my handmade beaded necklaces. I feel like the top knot really pulls it together.

I’ve styled these overalls a lot of ways, but I think this was my most inventive. Regardless of if you think it works, the tucked blazer was a really fun idea and I give myself props for going for it. I also love these gardening clog boots for when I want a really bizarre shoe choice.

This outfit was simple but effective because of the shapes and minimal color. I love these Ganni boots with a mini skirt, and the See by Chloe bag adds that pop of whimsy that I never leave home without.

I love wearing scarves this way because it reminds me of when I played a pirate queen in my 4th grade musical. Also, these vintage wide fit Levis are my favorite jeans and I’d like to be buried in them, they just make every outfit work.

This outfit was because I really wanted to wear my vintage clown collar. Sometimes you thrift things and they sit for a long time but you can’t get rid of them so you wait until the stars align.

When I wore this, my friend told me I looked like a hot librarian which is one of my favorite archetypes to wear besides horse girl. During my bleached eyebrow phase I found myself dressing more polished and feminine because they already gave me an edge. Balance, people.

A recent jorts outfit inspired by my newfound love of making scrunchies. The clogs and the blouse make it feel very copenhagen because I am a victim of fashion trends too, sue me!!!

Another iteration of the horse girl. I knew this outfit was good because as soon as i walked outside a man on his bike told me so. I love this navy Ralph Lauren Skirt for breezy summer looks.

I included this one because I liked the simplicity of the linen dress styled with one of those kufi caps I made myself. I wanted to go to the beach but had work instead. The shoes are the Salomon Sandy Liang moccasins which I’ve been wearing as my version of the mesh flats trend since I can’t afford The Row ones.

These Ganni shorts have been a challenge to style, but with the clogs and the frilly blouse I think I found a very Ganni vibe. Also featuring my first handmade scrunchie.

My favorite jeans, my favorite Isabel Marant wedge sneakers, and the football jersey I thought I was over. The oversized proportions are really fun on this one, and I even added a low slung chain belt to finish the outfit.

I really love doing green and red when I can get away with it. This outfit was cute and sort of practical, and I love getting to wear these snakeskin boots.

Another appearance of the Isabel Marant shoes that were a worthy investment. I was feeling super girly and fun that day, so I put on this cute silk vest and a matching pink ribbon. I also inhabit an unhinged energy whenever I wear these shoes, so beware if you see me stepping out in them.

Hope you enjoyed this little outfit review! Stay stylish xoxo

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