In search of…

Hi,

As someone who maintains two wardrobes, there are times when the differences in the fashion industry’s approach frustrates.

As a bloke, my options around trousers, shirts, and boots are fairly static, and therefore easy. At least, they are for a person who shops on the high street – or more accurately, retail park via online. Perhaps if I was more into higher fashion and/or higher expense, there would be more going on, but hey ho. While I have some interest in how I look as a guy, I have more thoughts, interest, and choice in Lynn mode.

Style and fashion – for the two are not always good bedfellows, IMHO – in the women’s department is considerably more complex. Well, maybe they are for me, given I’m juggling both sides and trying to find something that’s me regardless of me aiming for plain or pretty. 😉

As a rule of thumb, if you want a certain style of jean or T-shirt as a guy, chances are there will be a vendor to cater to your need. Not so much it seems in female fashion for it moves at quite a pace.

Sure, you can find your classics and everyday items – jeans, leggings, office wear, etc. Then there’s the crossover of dresses that can go “day to night” or can be dressed up (or down) by the right accessories and footwear choices to do family events (weddings, etc) to a supermarket run.

My frustration is that when certain fashions are in, they seem to push the other stuff out of sight. I’m not a fan of the chunky heel that’s doing the rounds this year and I’m drawing a little short on size 9 T bar or Mary Janes. Okay, I can find something in that size if I want to go a bit Miss Marple, but I’m not digging that era’s sensible shoe style yet. Ask me again in twenty years. 🙂

Maybe it’s like playing the odds. The more you add to your filter, the more the variety reduces. Still, counting my blessings, as a size nine shoe, I can say least shop on the high street (literally or virtually), so there is that.

Yes, those pale ones with the buckle, please.

Conversely to the above, I happened to be on s video call with some work colleagues. One was saying that given the home working approach, she’d not worn heels for around six months. As someone quite senior, on meeting some big cheeses – her words, not mine 😉 – she felt being suited and heeled was in order. Cue a series of walks and a strong wish to be back in trainers. Another colleague chipped in saying that it had been very similar for her, although her fancy shoe choices were more around going out with friends rather than for work.

So it seems that the COVID19 situation continues to affect us: not only in social distancing, risk, and travel. But – and if the newspaper’s are to be believed – that the UK has tipped very heavily towards the comfort of leisure clothing. Will this mark a further push towards clothes and shoes that are freer to move in? Will the pendulum swing back as when the danger subsides, people want a little more glamour in their lives? What next for the siren call of the Christmas Do and the all important party frock?

L x

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