Having recently started following Vogue on Twitter, I am now one step closer to becoming a true, self-entitled professional fashion blogger. While Vogue is known for their bold statements and rather outlandish pieces, I have to argue with some of the risks mentioned in a recent Vogue Daily article, “10 Fashion Risks You Should Have Taken by the Age of 30,” for being too un-risky.
The main problem I have with this article is that the word “risk” implies a loss or damage. Since the article doesn’t mention any flaming pants or 15-inch stiletto heels, I can only imagine that the wearer would lose their dignity or damage their pride as a consequence. This is in direct contrast to the encouragement the author attempts to provide, stating that “developing a fearless sense of personal style” requires taking a risk. If you lose confidence in yourself or become embarrassed as a result of your fashion choices, you will definitely not be inclined to wear the same outfit again. But as always, not everything is meant to be taken so literally, so let’s move on.
1 & 2 | The first two “risks” mentioned were the most surprising to me. Thigh-high boots and mini skirts, uniform-pleated skirts, Peter Pan collars, and over-the-knee socks are a very popular trend in modern East-Asian fashion. If anyone is familiar with the Lolita style, many outfits incorporate all five of these aspects at once. By implying that these choices in clothing are “risky,” therefore not to be worn on a daily basis, I can’t help but feel that it’s a little bit offensive. And yes, I’m slightly offended too, because I love my Peter Pan collars.
3 | Every year when the Calgary Stampede rolls around, so do the cowboy boots. If the author believes that wearing cowboy boots is risky behavior, then I suggest she never come up here during July.
4 | I believe the author pulled this next risk from 13 Going on 30 in the scene where a very confused Jenna Rink rushes out of her apartment after waking up and realizing she’s no longer a pre-teen. Sure, Jenna Garner looks fabulous roaming the streets of New York in a nightgown, but sleepwear should stay at home.
5 | The only thing I could think when reading the next statement in the article is, “Where do you even get sequin pants?” If someone finds me a pair of sequin pants, I will actually wear them for an entire day out, no fingers crossed. I’m serious.
6 | Going goth, grunge, or punk for the night seems like the only thing risky mentioned in the article. And that’s because anyone who actually identifies with one of those social groups will tear you up for claiming to dress like one of them if you don’t do it correctly.
7 | Last I checked, a blazer is supposed to be tailored to looked fitted, so an “oversize blazer” kind of blows my mind. Plus, the fabric most blazers are made out of would not be too comfortable to wear as a dress. Perhaps if I had little birds and squirrels that could tailor dresses for me like in some Disney princess movie, I would consider this option, but my sewing skills definitely aren’t good enough for any Extreme Blazer Makeover: Dress Edition.
8 | I don’t really know how much you get from a tax return, but I suppose enough to buy leather pants. I’m not 18 yet, so I have no idea how to do my taxes. Oh wow. I’m moving out next year and I don’t know how to do my taxes… Can someone please write an article on that?
9 | I’m not entirely sure why the author decided to use quotations around the word “signature,” but I’m assuming it’s meant to take a hit at those who wear a fedora every day. (P.S. Despite popular opinion on the internet, I happen to love fedoras.)
10 | The fact that I had to Google 4/6 of the people mentioned probably means I’m slightly under qualified to be stating my opinion on this one, so I’ll just leave things here.
Disclaimer: I mean no offense to the author of this article, I love Vogue, and I’m simply trying to debate another side to the story with some humor.