On a Less Serious Note, a Word About Fashion

Something strange and disturbing has happened in fashion in the last year or two. Are we longing for the greater economic stability of the Reagan years, by chance? Because in fashion, the 80s have come back with a vengeance. And much as I would not be pleased to see a return of Reaganomics, this fashion trend is not one that gives me great joy. I thought we realized the first time around that tapered pants and pleats were almost universally unflattering, and yet, there they are on the clothing racks again. Long tunics and oddly-cut tops abound. In Old Navy yesterday, I was greeted by the sight of a mannequin in a blinding combination of tennis ball yellow and a very bright aqua. Ow.

Rather than despair, however, I have decided to experiment with developing a new personal style. I refuse to go near skinny jeans or tapered pants. I will continue to wear my boot-cut jeans and wide-legged trousers, thank you very much. But some of these things, I may be able to adopt as my own. I am particularly fond of the abundance of scarves that are now available, and have decided that I officially love this scarf and big, fun earrings combination. I am trying out thin, drape-y layers, and I have given way to the long cardigan trend. Going for basic, neutral colors and garments with a bit of flow to them, with pops of bright color here and there. It's not very rockstar, nor is it the more tailored look I have gone toward professionally in the past, but I kind of like it...

....even though I am walking dangerously close to the earth mother look that so many clergywomen have adopted, of which I am not at all a fan (for me. I am mostly neutral on whether other people go that route, at least when I am being the best, least judgmental version of myself).

This is the scarf that I bought last night. I do believe it is *gasp* a floral. What is the world coming to?