Hello, it’s Melanie! And you are? Whomever you are, I hope you continue reading if you’re interested in my experience visiting Seattle and don’t mind the unnecessary amount of times I tried to insert Beyonce into my writing. I went to Seattle about a month ago for a week-long family trip. Side note: why do week-long trips with family always feel like a month? Yes, the “ily” part of family still does ring true for me, don’t get me wrong; but that week made me painfully aware of how irritating an overwhelming family presence can get. Being the style conscious person I am and strive to be, I also noticed a few style differences between the California city I reside in versus the tech-hub, Seattle. I’ve gathered some thoughts in the city famously known for not only their coffee, but for being the backdrop of Fifty Shades of Grey as well. There is even a Fifty Shades of Grey Guide to Seattle for the curious. Here are my collective thoughts on Seattle style: Seattle residents seem to be more focused on developing software in their tech-startup careers rather than fostering a sense of individual style in the clothes they wear. This resulted in me seeing a recurring outfit trend comprising of khaki pants, plaid shirts, and brown shoes. And there I was, a visitor wearing a bright teal pull-over among the SEA(ttle) of endless neutral colors. I may seem like I’m judging these tech bros for the clothes they choose to wear…and maybe I am? Does that make me the cold-hearted wicked witch of the Pacific Northwest? I get it, though. Some people don’t have time to contemplate what outfit they want to showcase to the world and some people could care less about the clothes they wear, but for the fact that it does it’s essential duty by covering the areas we save for intimacy and naked bike runs. Yes, it is a thing. And it is in fact a Seattle thing too! Although it’s hard for my clothes-obsessed self to grasp the reality that many don’t and will never share the same interest as me, as much I wish they did, I do also enjoy seeing the apparent cultural influence of clothing and style. There’s almost this sense of warm belonging when one looks at a certain group of people from a certain city, in this case, Seattle, and notices shared style commonalities. I do love the individuality and self-expression with which clothing greatly provides, but I think I can also admire the beauty of being influenced, either intentionally or unintentionally, by those around you. And what’s so bad about being connected to others? Is that what norm-core style tries to perpetuate? Sometimes, us fashion believers try so hard to stand out and be different, but at the end of the day, we are all the same at our very core. And maybe we shouldn’t try so hard to fight the truth? After all, aren’t we all genetically 99.9% similar? Yes, that does mean you’re 99.9% genetically similar to Beyonce. Feel free to brag about that to anyone and everyone.
Not to get too political, but maybe that’s the reason we have become so divided as a nation. We have failed to remember that we are all people on this earth just trying our best to get by and that people need people. Even if we have completely opposing views, I think we can still benefit from each other in some way. I know I could definitely benefit from being under Beyonce’s direct influence even though she is world-famous successful singer, and I, on the other hand, am a measly terrible karaoke singer. Hit me up Beyonce. I would love for you to influence me in person, like everyday.
Additionally, didn’t our moms teach us that sharing is caring? Maybe that popular phrase wasn’t just mean’t for the playground but it could, in fact, also be applied to the realm of fashion. After all, just by existing one is able to influence and/or share, no matter how great or small. Once you add clothing into the picture, you realize the even greater power one has to influence. So, here I am. Sharing with you my outfit and influencing you (maybe?) because I was influenced by the corporate metropolis that is Seattle. I, of course, put my own spin on it. Please don’t be influenced to wear a crop top in an office setting. And if you do and get fired, then I’ll be here to help you SEA(ttle) it through. Thank you for reading.
Until next time,
Melanie T/ MelT
melt fashion 