The Art of Getting Dressed

It’s not very often that an item of clothing, or rather wearing an item of clothing is considered an art. Today I think we should change that.

I think there is an art to wearing some clothing articles, for example; anyone and everyone can wear a black dress, but only some possess the skill to let the dress tell a story about them. The art of wearing a black dress is in essence a performance. When I wear a long, slim-fit black dress, I try to express myself comfortably but with an elegant boldness. I will wear it with a black, long cardigan that I can drape off my shoulders and black Dr. Martens, today a corset was added, tomorrow? New dress, a new form of self-expression.

The art of getting dressed is taking such a simple garment and turning it into an art piece you can wear, a form of self-expression that can be as deep and beautiful as Van Goughs’ ‘Starry Night’. Any person can wear the long slim-fit black dress I wore today, but my version of it would look nothing like theirs. Self-expression is such a beautiful thing in fashion, no two outfits are the same, yes they may both be wearing blue jeans, but one has a white jumper and the other has a white shirt and a cream blazer. How you choose to style your outfit to express yourself is what sets you apart from everyone else you see daily, that is the art of getting dressed.

The art of getting dressed is so beautiful yet so unappreciated. Not enough people take pride in what they wear, and not enough people choose to express themselves through clothing out of fear. Fear of losing their job, fear of not getting hired, fear of being ridiculed, or just the standard fear of not fitting in. As much as this is fine, it is still sad. One of my favourite activities to do when waiting for my train is to look at other people’s outfits and read their stories. There is so much art, life, and story in how they have chosen to present themselves that day, I can’t help but find that a glorious thing.

Maybe I can suggest something to you as a Ratted & Tatted reader? Tomorrow, express yourself through your clothing, and practice the art of getting dressed. See how good it feels to be wearing how you truly feel, and tell your story.

I hope you have enjoyed today’s edition of Ratted & Tatted!

• Stevie, Crinkle & Cronk