Personal style can stem from so many things — the way you grew up, your friends, travels and so much more. But there’s one thing that probably affects it the most, and it may not be the first thing that comes to mind.
I am a huge fan of Portlandia so when I saw a story written by Carrie Brownstein for Lucky Magazine, I was intrigued. Even more so when I saw the title, Location, Location, Location: Carrie Brownstein On How Your City Affects Your Style. It’s so obvious yet something I never thought that much about. I know there’s a practical sense to the way I dress because of the weather, but that’s in general…whether I’m in Chicago or traveling elsewhere. Carrie happens to feel the same way about her practicality and growing up / living in the Northwest (not that North West), although the cities seem to have different definitions of practical. While Portland is apparently more about Patagonia and hiking boots, we’re more of a North Face and Uggs kind of town (unfortunately).
When I really think about it, though, it’s likely I have that practical mentality (although not so literal) because I grew up here. Perhaps I like to utilize color (but not so much as of late) to make up for the days or even weeks at a time we don’t see sun? It makes sense. The one thing Carrie talked about in the article that I didn’t necessarily relate to is dressing according to the city you’re visiting. She thinks that some pieces of clothing she owns are best suited for certain cities (I guess not everything is “Portland material”) so she’ll save them for such occasions. I get it. I almost do the opposite though — I rarely bring extra special things (clothing, shoes, etc.) when I travel, as I always think something will happen to them and then my trip will be ruined (dramatic, I realize…but true). So for the most part, I tend to dress like the city I visit after I return home. Unless you think otherwise…
These are a few photos taken while traveling (London above, Berlin and New York below) and I think these are “typical Jena outfits.” But while tackling the most important task in each city I visit — shopping — I’m sure I look a little more like a Londoner / Berliner / New Yorker / [insert city here]-er once I get back to Chicago.
I even think sometimes when I travel (more so applies for traveling abroad) I become even more practical, as I tend to be out for almost the entire day and usually don’t have time to change before dinner / going out. If I’m wandering a new city for 12 or so hours, I need to be comfortable (but of course without sacrificing style).
Like this day in Sydney I was wearing Birkenstocks (which Carrie will address in a minute) but the shirt was a little dressier and the shorts were silk, so I feel like this can easily transition into the later hours…and I was comfortable the whole day! This is what my personal style is all about, regardless of location.
There were many memorable quotes from Carrie’s story but one that really stood out was…
“In fact, most trends are overly conspicuous when divorced from urbane contexts. The Westernwear look doesn’t appear intentional and hip when you actually live in the West. Birkenstocks might seem novel on the runway, but other cities associate them with someone filling up a bag of brewer’s yeast from the bulk bin at the local co-op.”
Another thing I never thought about before (who knew Carrie Brownstein had such deep thoughts about personal style?) but it’s 100% true — there’s certain things you wear in certain contexts because they only makes sense in that context. When it comes to big cities, pretty much anything goes. That’s because it’s a larger setting, that’s typically more diverse, and living in a big city, we see a lot of crazy shit…so seeing a woman in a printed suit or a bright cape is the least of our worries. But if we wore trendy things in their origin (like overalls on a farm, for example) they wouldn’t be as trendy…or even cool at all. Somehow, when they’re taken out of their original context, it’s suddenly the “it” thing to have.
And the last Carrie quote I think we should discuss is when she says, “After all, part of having good style is maintaining a sense of self while simultaneously knowing how to adapt to one’s environment.” I couldn’t have said it better myself. There’s nothing more powerful than truly knowing and embracing your personal style (as mentioned yesterday) regardless of your current location. If you think where you live affects the way you dress (and it’s a good thing), OWN IT. If you think where you live affects the way you dress in a bad way, email me…I’ll help you turn that around (just like Carrie in last week’s Portlandia).
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What do you think of all this? Do you agree that what affects your personal style most is your location? What about traveling? Do you dress according to the city you travel to? Does traveling have any influence on your style at all? I really want to hear from you on this one, so don’t be shy now…
Images via CCF & Pinterest
I totally agree! While here in Chicago I usually opt for whatever is warm, covering my legs and will help me survive the single digit temps. When I travel I definitely try to do a little bit of research to make sure that my style here is not so outlandish in my new location. I’m heading to Austin next week and the first thing I did was try to see what the vibe was down there! I don’t really care much if I stand out too much but I do hate looking like a tourist.
I’m all about bringing my personal style to where I travel. There are some cities, like NYC, Miami, LA, that I will be more willing to push the boundaries- more color, more funky pieces, etc. But I am the type that can never turn down/mute my style because then I would feel (GASP) Normal.
I still think like a Chicagoan. If there was ever a blizzard in the California Valley, I am prepared.
I love this article! Never thought about it this way before. I live in Louisville, Kentucky (Home of the Kentucky Derby), so very casual wear with an undertone of preppy is the common style here. Although, when I travel to other city’s such as Chicago, I feel more confident to wear things considered a little more eccentric in my hometown.