Fashion: A Challenge to Be Different

Photo by: Serge Bertasius Photography

Years ago, every, single teenage girl* in town was wearing the exact same costume. It was a navy blue sweat suit: pants and jacket, both with white stripes down the sides. Most of the girls also had the same length hair--chopped off at the shoulder with almost no shaping. Everywhere you saw a teen girl, you saw the same outfit.

Today, it’s much the same story. Every, single girl* wears skinny jeans, an oversized top, a scarf or heavy statement necklace, boots, and a jacket. If they’re not wearing boots, they’re in leopard print shoes (ballerinas or heels). 

All* hair has to be “messy:” messy buns, messy beach waves, messy bobs, etc. 

Photo by: marin

Make-up goes through fashion trends as well. Way back in the 1960s, eye liner was thick, and it went with bright blue eyelids. Today, the eye liner isn’t as thick, but there’s a great revival of fake eyelashes. Now the tones are “smoky” and the crease of the eyelid is very important. 

Lipsticks go through a change about every two years. This year, it’s RED lips--just like my mother used to wear in the late 1940s and into the ‘50s. The difference is that these lips go with the fore-mentioned smoky eyes . . . and messy hair.

Hair is long again, the first time since 1960s hippie days. Now, instead of carefree stringy, blow-in-the-breeze long locks, every girl has ombres and spiral "beach" waves.

Of course, this beautiful hair goes with cloned clothes.

I think it would be interesting if young Christian women would dare to try this experiment: 

• Wear a pretty, feminine, modest skirt--they’re called “midi skirts” this year, and they are very much in style.
• Pair the skirt with a beautiful top with a feminine touch (lace, tucks, Peter Pan collar, ruffles, or beadwork).
• Wear boots that hug the leg or feminine shoes. (Yes, you can choose leopard, if you must.)
• Wear a pretty, non-clunky necklace.

I challenge you: try this new look more than one day each week.

Come back to this blog with your results.

I’d like to know:

1. Did you get more compliments than criticisms when you wore feminine clothes?
2. Did you get treated differently than before?
3. Did you notice any other girl copying your "new" style?
4. How did the skirt, feminine top, toned down jewelry, and pretty footwear make you feel?

If women dared to be unique and feminine, they might change perceptions. It might take a while, but the non-cloning (variety) of fashion would be a lot more interesting. 

What do you think?

Any takers on my clothing challenge? Let me know in the comments.

. . . that our daughters may be as corner stones, 

polished after the similitude of a palace.

(Psalm 144:12b)

* Somewhat of an exaggeration, but not much!