Macro and Micro. They're not just words you learned (albeit painfully) in your econ class. They are terms that can be used to describe both local and global movements in fashion. Because though some may say that a shirt is a shirt is a shirt in Italy, Britain and the United States, I think that Donatella Versace, Stella McCartney and Ralph Lauren would all beg to differ. Style revolutions, whether in haute couture or streetwear, occur at different moments, are made mainstream at different times and change the face of fashion all depending on where you are.
You wouldn't wear a caftan in Greenland, would you?
You wouldn't wear a mink coat in Egypt, would you?
Where you are plays a crucial role in what styles you choose, and few of us realize that a couple hundred miles can tweak an outfit in various ways.
Why, you may ask as you ponder this infinite world of style, are there such differences in the style of American and European women? Why does that international student in your Art History class refrain from wearing pastels and rainbows, choosing a black fitted t-shirt and tight Diesel jeans instead? Well, because of differences in macro-fashion (yes, I did make that word up)!
I think it may be helpful, enlightening or just amusing to take a look at fashion in Europe and compare it to what I think, after 19 years of mostly American people-watching, an American would wear. As our case study, we will use Greece, a country not renowned for its designers, but still, one that should be recognized for its fashionable men and women. (If you're ever over there, take a romp over to Kolonaki in Athens -- the Manhattan of Greece -- and tell me what you think). Our second location will be, of course, the University of Virginia, in our fashionable Charlottesville.
We will examine four pillars of the global (at least non third-world) wardrobe: Streetwear, Jeans, Sneakers and Sunglasses.
Streetwear: Sounds a bit coarse, doesn't it? I'm not sure what other word to use, although Moschino (an upscale Italian brand) uses "cheap and chic" in place of streetwear. I define streetwear as anything you would wear when you're not really going anywhere, seeing anyone or doing anything. Running errands, going to the mall or picking up your little brother from school all constitute "cheap and chic" moments. At U.Va., outfits I've spotted emphasize the "cheap" rather than the "chic." Soffes, tank tops, baby tees and sweats are errand-running favorites. The average Athenian would most likely choose to emphasize the "chic" part of Moschino's cryptic slogan. Colorful capris, strappy dresses, high heels and tight jeans are what I've spotted at many a grocery store and dentist's office.
On the subject of jeans, we move on to the staple of every Wahoo's wardrobe. But that's just it: Jeans are the staple of every Wahoo's wardrobe. Jeans, for both men and women, in Greece and in Europe, are worn only at the most casual times, only during "cheap and chic" moments. Fitted black pants are worn when most of us would think to wear jeans. Also, jeans are always worn tightly -- whether on a male or a female, I have yet to see jeans with a baggy fit.
Tight-jean-o-phobes, ponder this!
Girls: If a boy has a nice booty, wouldn't you want to see (read: stare) at it without 12 ounces of heavy denim fabric hindering you from doing so?
Boys: You work on your lower body at the gym probably three or four times a week. Don't you want to show off all of that hard work sooner than the summer?
Look, tight jeans are only the enemy if you're flabby, so don't hate, OK?
Sneakers: Often worn with jeans in the 'Ville. In Athens, sneakers do not mean you have to dress down. Many of my Greek fashionista friends wear sneakers out clubbing. Puma and Diesel are popular brands that make great trainers in fantastic colors and unique styles, like retro-inspired flats and racy high tops. Wear a semi dressy outfit as you normally would when going out, but instead, add some streamlined sneakers in a bright, contrasting color to add some edge (not to mention an element of surprise, found so rarely at our style-conservative University) to your outfit.
Sunglasses: They aren't just for the beach, and they don't end at small square lenses in either brown or black! Sunglasses are an accessory -- a way to make a bold(!) statement. This is where U.Va.-ers differ from the people of my homeland. In Athens, I spied both small and chunky aviators, wraparound shades, big plastic Jackie-O type lenses and a zillion others. Colors came from across the entire spectrum, sky blue to burgundy, tortoise shell to holographic purple. The most creativity I've seen on Grounds as far as sunglasses are old school Ray Bans, which I love! (To the guy who wears them everyday on the Lawn, rain or shine: I've spotted you, my fashion forward friend!) If pink polos ever get old to you, try some pink sunglasses. Who knows? Maybe you'll love them!
A last word (I can't help it): Speaking of Greek style brings to mind the subject of hair color (OK, fine, I guess I have ADD or something). Yes, I know, I'm biased, but the majority of Mediterranean women are not blonde (no, I'm not patronizing, just bear with me). Most women are brunettes, and are proud ones at that. Try embracing your natural (darker) hair color if you have chosen to jump on the sunshine-colored-hair-bandwagon. Think about it: How mysterious and alluring is a girl with dark, shiny hair? Blondes may have more fun, but mystery is just at exciting.
Greece or Sweden, America or India, fashion is a global phenomenon, a reflection of culture and custom. Hopefully, this column has shown you that indeed this is true, but also keep in mind: You, and not your location, dictate what you wear and what your style choices say to those around you.
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