I still vividly recall the first time I felt a magnetic pull toward someone’s style. I was just six years old, accompanying my mom at the grocery store when I spotted a woman confidently rocking pantyhose, striking red heels, and vibrant blue eyeshadow. She radiated a sense of self that resonated deeply within me.
On the ride home, I eagerly expressed my desire for pantyhose, red heels, and blue eyeshadow, hoping we could stop by a department store or browse a catalog when we got home. But my mom told me I had to wait until I turned 16 to have any of those things. The disappointment felt overwhelming as I sat in the backseat of our car. That afternoon, I retreated to my room, crying and layering on cherry chapstick in a futile attempt to mimic the glamour I yearned for.
I couldn’t fathom waiting another decade to express my true self. Wearing heels and dressing up was an intrinsic part of who I was. Unlike many girls, I didn’t grow up with fantasies of princes saving me; instead, I simply wanted to adorn myself in beautiful shoes and jewelry so I could appreciate my reflection and feel empowered.
Fast forward nearly 38 years, and I still feel most like myself when I dress up, whether I’m heading to a fancy restaurant or just the grocery store. Heels elevate my mood, and styling my hair boosts my confidence. Wearing a dress or my favorite jeans feels like slipping into a second skin, not a disguise.
I remember my first pair of heels in seventh grade; I didn’t wait until I was 16 because I borrowed my mom’s red heels and snuck them to school. During college, while my peers opted for casual Birkenstocks and baseball caps—a look I appreciate but doesn’t resonate with me—I embraced wrap skirts and dresses adorned with polished nails.
Throughout my life, people have questioned my choice to dress up. I often receive eye rolls or bemused looks. They wonder where I’m headed, assuming I must have a party or meeting to attend. Sometimes, they ask – almost judgmentally – “Why do you always dress up?” My response is simple: I do it for myself. It brings me joy and aligns my appearance with how I feel inside.
Of course, I appreciate the comfort of leggings and a T-shirt now and then, but investing time in my appearance is when I truly feel alive. The sound of my heels clicking on the ground invigorates me. If dressing up enhances my mental state, why wouldn’t I embrace that effort?
As a mother of three living in a small town, I sometimes feel out of place. My eldest son wishes I’d tone things down, but I refuse to diminish myself to fit societal norms. If I want to don stilettos, I will. I don’t need a reason; it’s about how it makes me feel.
I don’t judge others for their casual attire; I wouldn’t ask someone why they wear sweatpants. Yet, many seem to think there should be an explanation for wanting to look nice without a specific occasion. There are instances when I’m the most dressed-up person in a room, but I never feel out of place. Whether I’m pumping gas in thigh-high boots or attending family gatherings, I refuse to conform to anyone else’s standards.
I’ll always cherish that moment in 1981 when I saw that woman in patent leather heels, buying iceberg lettuce. It wasn’t just her outfit that left an impression—it was the confidence and joy it radiated.
Here’s to dressing how you want, whenever you want, without needing justification. If you need me, I’ll be at the grocery store, confidently rocking my red heels!
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Summary:
Dressing up is an expression of self-love and confidence for me. From my childhood memories of style to my current choices as a mother, I embrace the joy that comes with adorning myself. Dressing up allows me to align my outer appearance with my inner self, and I believe everyone should feel free to express themselves through their style, without needing a specific occasion.
Keyphrase: self-expression through fashion
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