Don’t Dress “Normal”.
Dress to express yourself.
I was reading about how Gap is currently facing massive sales slumps. They blame part of that on the ad campaign “Dress Normal” of two years ago.
People don’t want to be normal. They want to stand out.
Gap is paying for their normal, basic everyday wear with slumping sales figures and empty stores. They are closing stores in an effort to restructure.
The last time I shopped at Gap was at least five years ago. To be clear, I don’t often shop retail preferring to shop thrift or vintage. It is a personal choice to help me stretch my dollar, save the planet and expand my style repertoire.
I also have a preference for wearing items no one else is wearing. Making an effort to ensure that other people aren’t wearing the same item as myself is a personal passion, therefore the whole idea of Gap falls far from my style goals.
When I get dressed I dress to express myself, to show the real me and hopefully, leave a lasting memorable impression.
Whether that impression is, “Oh isn’t she eccentric?” or, “What a weirdo!” or, “I really like your style!” is irrelevant. Creating visual ripples in a pond of calm, safe, subdued style is my way of spicing up my life and those I meet.
Every time I go out in what is just about the furthest thing from normal for example this vintage dress…
I get loads of compliments and smiling faces in return.
People approach me more often and are much more likely to start a conversation with me when I am dressed in a creative manner than when I am dressed to blend in. It is enjoyable and thrilling to wear something that sparks conversation and positivity.
This is my newest totally “abnormal” dress.
It is a wild stretchy, asymmetrical body con dress in a bold pink and black zebra pattern made in the USA.
Totally crazy?
Oh yes!
Totally comfortable?
You bet!
This dress is a versatile transformer, it can be worn midi length, knee length, or mini length. There are overlapping folds which create ruching similar to a bandage dress however I’ve chosen to wear it pulled down and sleek.
The dress is body conscious, but the bold pattern and many folds are so visually overwhelming it confuses the eyes making it impossible to decipher concave from convex which makes my baby Buddha belly very happy.
I never would have bought this dress in a regular retail store. Thrifting is personal style yoga. It stretches your style sense in ways you never knew possible.
This is a great article from Modern Mrs. Darcy about how she made a conscious choice to change her style in order to properly express her personality through her clothing choices.
Do you consider how you dress to be normal or abnormal?
Do your clothes invite conversation? Are you expressing everything you want to communicate effectively via your style choices?
Linking up with Visible Monday, I Will Wear What I Like, Shoe and Tell, Turning Heads Tuesdays,
Oh….I’m feelin’ so much love for that dress! The pattern, the versatility, the colors; it’s a total visual treat. And you already know I’m abnormal…not just in my clothing choices…lol! Even if I’m dressed in a more pedestrian outfit I always throw in something to make it slightly off kilter. Weirdly enough I kind of hit on this same topic in my post today. Great minds hair twin, great minds…
Debbie
http://www.fashionfairydust.com
Oooh…off to read your post hair twin : )
Do my clothes invite conversation? I would say definitely so. And, like you, that is just fine with me. Life is too short to dress boring, especially when there are so many other fun options. I think if you’re a creative person, then dressing is just another form of expressing your creativity. It takes a fertile imagination to put together an interesting outfit!
Both of your dresses are fabulous, but that psychedelic floral print on the green maxi is totally over the top in the best way!
I whole-heartedly agree with you Theresa and I don’t doubt your fabulous outfits invite conversation.
Isn’t that vintage maxi dress a scream? It was an estate sale find. For a nanosecond, I thought it was too bright for me to wear. Ha ha! I must have been feeling ill or something that day because I got over it very quickly.
GAH {and remember GAH is a good thing}….you look fabulous in that dress!!! So gorgeous! Is your hair more ombre right now? So pretty!!
Sigh…I’ve been thinking I’m dressing too normal recently. We’ll see what this fall/winter brings.
Ha ha! Yes! It isn’t GAG LOL!
I don’t think the hair is more ombre right now, just catching the light.
Also remember normal is very subjective Sue. : )
This dress—wowza!! But I want to see it the other ways too—pretty please???
And I absolutely love (love, love) the yellow shoes with it!
As for dressing normal (hah–now doesn’t that take quite the perception to define normal?), it is the way we blend in. And so many women steer clear of standing out—I do wonder why?
Of course there are days, I still like a boring piece from regular retail—but that’s my own personal shopping addiction!
jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
Yes, I need to do more posts showing this dress at the different lengths. Maybe when fall is in the air and I can wear tights with it so I don’t feel so self-conscious with the higher hemline.
I agree with you, Jodie. For many women it is about blending in rather than standing out. Something that has always confused me.
Loving your new dress, and motto : dress abnormal. You look fabulous and as if the dress were made just for you (and no one else!). I understand the GAP having troubles – how many white tee shirts can you sell?? Thanks for linking, xo
-Patti
http://notdeadyetstyle.com
I had no idea about GAP’s “dress normal” campaign.
Whoever can up with that tag line should be taken outside and pelted with rotten fruit.
Even people who have no real interest in fashion or style still want to be unique individuals. Even if they are wearing the same black polyester trousers from the same shop as half of their friends.
No one wants to be been as boring do they?
Dressing abnormal seems much more fun!
XXX
Samantha
I always thought people wanted to be perceived as unique individuals but it is surprising the number of people that prefer to go unseen, blending into the crowd.
Personally, for me, the adjective “boring”, is far worse than “ugly”.
Good point Suzanne!
I honestly think that if any woman makes an effort to look her best she can never be ‘ugly’.
Ugly (for me) is all about personality.
A great personality can make the most awkward person look attractive.
With an ugly personality, even the most perfect of faces can be unattractive.
AND, by the time you reach your 40’s you certainly have the face you deserve!
Keep smiling.
Keep being abnormal! :oD
XXX
Absolutly ABNORMAL. I think the same as you….I don’t like use the same of others since I was a teenager. I love buy secondhand clothes and bags….and If I buy retail, I always intervenet them…I do this for me and for the planet,,,
Kisses!
An argentinian living in Spain…!
Something about that phrase “Dress Normal” has been bothering me. I think it is like telling a child, “Act normal,” when you want them to stop misbehaving. It seems so demeaning and alienating. Like someone is different and inferior to other people.
To be more positive, I love the dresses on you, the green one, especially. And the message is so supportive. Thank you.
I couldn’t agree more.
Who defines “normal” anyhow? Like everything in life, it is subjective based on our own personal bias and history.
Do my clothes start conversations??? Who do you think you’re talking to?!! hahaha….the number of conversations I’ve had about my fork earrings alone could fill pages…
Today I’m wearing a pink daisy print minidress with pinstriped navy leggings as the obvious choice to go with it.
No wonder the only time I’ve ever shopped at Gap was to purchase a denim jacket about 6 years ago…
I can certainly see how people would start conversations with you Rachel : ) You look interesting and happy!
Not surprised about the Gap – they’re too boring, even for me :)! You look so gorgeous in that second dress – it’s like it was truly made for you. I’m hoping to have more time to do some thrifting now that Thomas is off to school.
So weird that Angelica Houston was featured in a Gap ad that stated “Dress Normal”. I’m pretty confused about what “normal” is to be honest. Everyone is weird to me.
Dress Normal? WTF? I’m proud to say that I’ve never set foot in a GAP shop.
Both those dresses are incredible especially the wondrous green one.
So many women love to look the same, you’ll see them en masse in the street or out a night wearing the same style dress, the same shoes, carrying the same handbag and even with the same hair style and they have the cheek to call me “weird”. I think dressing like a clone is far more odd. xxx
I find Gap bland. I’d never go in there by choice- only if with someone. I totally agree with you. I want to express myself- who I am, which is slightly eccentric, quirky, disorganised, scatty, creative and full of colour! And yes, people ALWAYS comment on my clothes, which is far more interesting!!
Your vintage dress is amazing- that green and pattern. Although I don’t personally like animal print, I can see how brilliant that second dress looks on you AND versatile!!x
I love your bold dresses and not sure I would be confident to pull it off – you wear it so well!! As for dressing normal, I would say that I tend to stick to the opposite of what you wear and it’s blends a bit more. This has a lot to do with my job as a banker. I do still get a lot of comments about my clothes. People tend to notice my shoes a lot. I guess that’s where my personality shines through.
Alice
http://www.happinessatmidlife.com
Hope to see you Thursday for TBT Fashion link up.
Do clothes strike a conversation? Probably not mine. I’m not conservative, but I’m more classic and I stick to neutrals with the odd pop of colour. I love seeing dresses like the ones you wear and I always notice the women who wear them. But….I’m not sure I could pull it off. But…maybe one day I should try.
There are two types of people, ones that like to stand out, and those that like to blend in.
When I lived in France I found no one wanted to stand out. They all wanted to blend in. They were classic, tailored, and chic but one in a sea of many. I would have had a hard time picking out anyone from a Police lineup. It was the same when I lived in Italy, maybe even more so.
If you should decide to give colour and pattern a try, take baby steps. Start with a bolder solid colour, maybe just in a top or scarf. See how you feel wearing that. Did you feel more visible? Did it bother or excite you? You can choose to step it up each time after that.
What an absolutely fantastic dress. Like the green wild patterned one at the top, this dress is a stunner. Or better said, it makes you a stunner. What an attractive woman you are.
Am I normal or abnormal in dressing? I don’t know. I certainly do not dress to blend in, but I regard my outfits as reasonably normal. What do you think?
Greetje
You are too kind Greetje : )
I think you have a Greetje style for sure. Polished and classic, but with little bit of humour in each outfit that makes it unique.
When that Gap campaign launched I wrote a post about it decrying the growing popularity of “Normcore”. What does “Dress Normal” even mean?? I dress in what is normal for me, but is likely not for someone else.
I used to buy pants at the GAP, primarily because they fit me, but their stuff has become sooooo blah in the last few years I don’t even go in the store. I love your optical illusion dress and the green print maxi – I would definitely come over and start a conversation with you wearing those outfits.
I will agree with you about the GAP pants. I also found that they fit me better than other jeans. Now if I buy them I buy them second hand.
The last time I was in a Gap just over a year ago the people working there were so rude and lazy, I vowed never to go back. I was on a mission for someone else when I went in by the way.
I saw first-hand the responses to that green dress. Everyone was in love with you! This new dress is a googly-eye wonder too. I LOVE it. And I love those shoes with it. Great find.
Well, I’ve never been one for the whole normal thing. I don’t think “normal” even exists. It’s funny the saying that we keep skeletons in the closet – along with our clothes. Hm. What does that mean?! We wear our problems?!! Then there’s that other saying – we wear our emotions on our sleeve… Okay, I’ll stop now. It’s late. Heh.
The online therapist has gotten to you Melanie and you’re overthinking it! I’m just wearing what makes me happy and basta baby.
Suzanne,
Two stunning dresses, miles better than dressing “Normally” sorry I had to correct the Gap’s grammar. ergh. You look gorgeous in each, and I see and feel the waves. If I were to see you in person dressed like that I would definitely smile and tell you how great you look!
xx, Elle
http://www.theellediaries.com/
I’m with you all the way here. Who on earth thought it was a good idea to market a drive on dressing normal? In this over-populated world we’re all striving to express ourselves one way or another and we clothesaholics want to do it vintage and thrifting style. I love to spark conversations about something a bit different that I’m wearing. It’s a great way to make connections with other women who may yearn to be different, but think they can’t for whatever reason. I’m trying to champion the older stylish woman and inspire them to step away from mainstream shopping. Let’s try to be individual eh?
Both of these dresses are gorgeous Suzanne, but of course I prefer the green as it works so well with your hair colour. The pattern too is very much to my liking, so if you need to get rid at any time, please do let me know. The other stretchy one looks very comfortable and what could be better than comfort and style all wrapped into one show stopping dress? The versatility in the length is pretty clever too. Another great post x
Anna
http://www.annasislandstyle.com
I know that you and I could easily share wardrobes Anna.
I LOVE this post, Suzanne! I’ve never thought about “normal” – regarding clothes, my Mum taught me to “be an individual, don’t follow the crowds” (Sometimes I think she wishes she had bitten her tongue just a tad). I always dress to express myself and would hate to meet myself – in the same off the rack clothes – walking down the street! Although, a very funky woman who lives in my town has the same hand dyed dress as I have (We call it “our dress”) and apparently two were made and we both bought them pre loved from different Op Shops!
That is too funny about the other woman your “dress twin”. I’m sure you could both become amazing friends.
hurrah for abnormal dressing up!!.
I’m loving this post (particularly), as a huge fan of dressing up to enhance one’s own personality, never to fit in a workplace, never to please anybody. I was a strange teen, then a strange girl, and I’m a strange woman now. I would like to become a strange old lady one day!.
besos