Every outfit begins with a decision, sometimes it’s deliberate, sometimes it’s pure instinct. Whether it’s for a certain aesthetic, feeling confident, staying comfortable, or blending into the background, what we wear is often shaped by a mix of internal motives and external influence that aren’t always voiced. But once we step outside, it’s up for interpretation and reaction.
On a hot afternoon in New York City’s lower east side, I was looking around in a vintage clothing store and came across a 28 year old girl named Chael Choi. She had come to the neighborhood in search of vintage clothes and general shopping. She was guided by her friends’ recommendations and local store owners. Dressed in a black sleeveless fitting top and ruffled black shorts, her look was sleek, minimal, and effortless. Although that’s how I perceived it, there appeared to be more depth in her intent behind her outfit. For Chael, the reasoning was fairly simple: “I wanted something that was easy to get in and out of while shopping.” Furthermore, she stated that she went for a simpler look.
Hearing directly from Chael about her outfit choice offered valuable insight and deepened my understanding of her intention behind her look. It’s easy to overlook the small decisions people make when getting dressed. All these choices can be based on the weather, the location, and social interactions.
At the end of the day, what people wear speaks. The question is: are we listening?