Does community influence fashion choices?

42 Comments

1. I have never thought about this. I think the answer is YES. In the community where I live the vibrant colors are rarely seen. However, I think that you should wear what you like. I believe that vibrant colors are happy colors and they make me smile! The other day my granddaughter had a birthday party and the color scheme was vibrant colors. I always try to play along so I went outfit shopping in my closet… Turns out I do not have many vibrant colors and neither did my daughter. It was an eye opener and we have both decided to change that. We want some happy colors in our closets. Our community may laugh at me dressed in them. If they do it will make them smile. And maybe give them a little joy for the day.

2. Thanks for sharing, Lucinda. Your community just might embrace this as you and your daughter were color more.

3. I live in a small rural town (10,000) surrounded by woods and farm lands. Jeans and tee shirts are the normal dress for the majority of people. Nothing loud, nothing odd, little dressy clothing for work, church, or other such events. I personally “dress up” for church, and organizational meetings which here means I do not wear jeans, but wear slacks, cashmere sweaters, blazers, scarves, low heels. When I was teaching I always wore hoses, slacks or skirts, no jeans ( interestingly they were only allowed on certain days like Homecoming).

4. Thanks for sharing about your community and what you wear, Celia. I love hearing these stories!

5. I believe it does influence us. I can remember having much more solid color in my wardrobe when I lived in Oklahoma and North Carolina. Having been in south Florida for nearly 30 years, I am more much into florals, and bright shades of color.

6. Observation from two communities…thanks Sheryl!

7. I was born and raised in NY and moved to Palm Desert, California four and half years ago. Where you live definitely influences your fashion. My wardrobe has gone through a transformation of professional clothes to resort, activewear. Anything goes here and color is more acceptable. Our community is artsy and sporty; lots of unique clothes as well as high end golf and tennis outfits. Small shops have their own vibe and are fun to shop. One commonality of NY and CA I see is women of a certain age looking fabulously pulled together!

8. Love this, Linda! Thank you for sharing!

9. I think the answer is probably yes for many locales although, here in Southern California, we have people who’ve come from all over the country, so you see ladies dressed in just about every type of clothing imaginable. There’s the Hollywood effect where ladies really DRESS, folks who normally just wear jeans and t-shirts, others who wear mostly subdued colors (black!), as well as a strong colorful influence from south of the border. Now that I’m retired, I wear jeans quite a bit, but always with a colorful top and a “3rd piece” to finish my outfit, and I always dress up for church. Thank you for an interesting post today, Pamela!

10. And thank you, Niki for your well thought out observations. Love reading these comments.

11. I live in a smaller town of about 16,000 in NW Ohio. We have some manufacturing, a vibrant downtown and lots of farming outside of Fremont. And no, don’t see lots of bright colors being worn – except on me! I love color and am not afraid to use it! In fact, my mom told me that when I was young, I ‘dressed like a gypsy’! LOL My mom also loved ‘color’ but her clothing was more sedate than my choices. When she was in her 60’s, she made herself a beautiful red wool cape, skirt-length, with leopard inside the stand-up collar. Sadly, one of her relatives told her ‘women your age shouldn’t wear red’!!! She was devastated – I talked her down and assured her she looked beautiful in it and not to worry about that awful comment.

12. I live in Southern California. I am outdoors walking twice a day and I do Pilates or yoga every day. I basically live in athletic wear, both neutral and patterned. I visit San Antonio once or twice a year. I ALWAYS take my most colorful clothes, especially if I’m there for Fiesta in the spring. I also visit my home state of Colorado every year. I have a lot of technical clothing, hiking pants and hiking shirts in light colors. After hiking I’m in jeans. One fall I was in New York City in the fall and I saw so many people, both men and women, in long black trench coats. I was entranced by the look, but held back on buying one knowing it would not work for me in any of my usual places. Yes! Community is a big part of fashion choices.

13. How sad that someone did that to your mother, Alysan! I am glad to here that you are courageous to build your own foundation of color!

14. Love your comment, Linlee…especially how you keep community influences in mind as you travel! Great advice!

15. Oh I definitely think community influences what we wear. I used to live in the “bubble” of north Dallas. You would always be dressed to the nines and while jeans were part of the wardrobe, they were always designer and dressed up. Now we live near a rural community. The nearest town has less than 2000. Jeans and t shirts are the norm. Even for church. I am almost always overdressed. I love dresses and I buy more casual ones now.

16. I lived in Dallas once and you are spot on! Thanks for sharing, Mari!

17. Community and climate! When I lived in MI, there were a lot of dark colors all winter–brights would have looked out of place. A move to FL where dark colors aren’t worn much. Now, in DFW, there seems to be a lot of mix (probably b/c the weather can’t make up its mind, ha!). I *might* have to get that Farm Rio skirt!

18. We live in a small NE city in an older neighborhood. Very diverse. Close to Narragansett Bay. Close to colleges. A walking area. Anything goes! I see women walking in our neighborhood looking line hippies, others looking very preppy band well put together and still others in gym wear. I’m retired but many who live closest to me still work (many from home). When they get their dogs out to walk I see how they put their top half (Zoom) together. Interesting but nice! I’d say our area accepts people for who they are, not always How well dressed they
    are. Colorful or not. I like to look nice abd modern, as I’m one of the older women.

19. Yes, community colors (haha) what you wear. I live in a really small town in RI (under 4,000 people), and it’s a farming and blue-collar area generally speaking. But it’s not just color: it’s fabrics as well. I cannot imagine wearing (faux) leather pants or moto jackets. Nobody wears them. Also, as we all know, companies have cultures too, and these cultures influence what we wear. Think about “dress for success” and similar advice. I consulted with the Fed for many years, and senior women overwhelmingly wore dresses. Think about resorts and cruise ships: they have a more colorful vibe. I don’t we need to be governed by what our communities wear, but I do think we should recognize what’s going on around us.

20. Have you noticed how warmer climates closer to the equator wear more colour due to their environment and the brighter sunlight. Those of us in the northern part of the northern hemisphere dress in darker, more somber colours especially in winter. It’s a sea of black winter coats here.
    Years ago when I used to vacation south in the winter, I would have a separate wardrobe to take there (bright colours and even some prints) that felt out of place where I live, even in the summer.

21. I completely agree that your community influences you fashion choice. I live in a small town 35 miles from Boston and I can see the differences just going from my hometown to the city. It can sometimes be challenging to fit your own “style personality” into the local fashion scene. Personally, I’m open to different fashion styles (within reason) so I welcome the opportunity to try out something new.

22. What fun reading about where the other ladies live and their thoughts on locale impacting fashion choices! As a long time Pacific Northwesterner (Seattle to Portland, Boise, Vancouver, and now rural southern Oregon) and having grown up in Nevada, I believe the overarching western-ness gives these places a largely casual leaning, with of course a more refined version as you move up in city size and sophistication. Some ladies embrace color possibly because it suits their innate personalities, or perhaps to escape what can sometimes be a very oppressive gray cloud siege from November to April. The most distinct element I see here, and this is from beach to mountain, ski slopes even, to high desert: the moment a day looks even moderately sunny OR the temp rises above 50, there will be lots of people, men, women, young, and even some old, break out their shorts. May still have hikers and wool socks, a down vest and flannel up top, but those pale legs will be out in force! 😄

23. I think community does play a big role in how you dress…if you let it! I am niw retired living in a Trilogy over 55 community in western WA. Lots of jeans and t shirts and dark dreary clothes coupled with dreary rainy weather. Luckily, there are lots of us who pair jeans with color and lots of it. When I was teaching I was always overdressed….never wore jeans to school. I still miss the old days of dressing up for church and going to lunch!

24. I have always believed where you live informs how you dress. When I saw the mannequins, I thought “oh my, you’d never see that in my area of Ohio!” It would definitely draw stares and not really be practical. Maybe it’s just that it’s so far from my style…but you’d really never see it. What you see here is a lot of jeans and casual wear, and when women dress up, it’s classic dresses and skirts, dress pants and blazers. Also jeans with blazers and dressy tops.
    Lots and lots of nice sweaters, but definitely understated. Cultural does play a part, I believe. We’re right by a national park and a lot of activities are centered around the outdoors. In larger cities it’s a little bit different, but I’d never think of Ohio as vibrant. Our weather is quite dreary too, so maybe that factors in! It’s great with me, very comfortable, and reading what you said here, it makes me realize I’m probably in the best place for me! But location definitely has an impact, I think.

25. Love this post and reading all the comments is very therapeutic for me. Yes, community definitely influences style and wardrobe. And community is not just geographic, it is also you community of family and friends. I think my soul is from San Antonio, but I live in a somber, quiet colors and casual “community”.
    It is wonderful to read how others dress their personality even when it is in conflict with their community and environment.
    I love how open and involved this blog community is. Like a great group of friends I have never seen in person and all of us so different.

26. I also think community does influence what most people wear. NOT ME, though. Once I left the uniforms of Catholic school behind, I was full steam into fashion and color, even if just at home and not going anywhere special. I, too, live in the PNW and climate could make people choose drab colors. That is why colorful rain coats are a must to boost the mood. I am thinking Carmen is my friend and neighbor 💐

27. In Denver, native Americans, Ssouth of the border neighbors and ranching all influence us. Color, boots, turquoise, silver, various Headwear are all seen here.. love it.

28. I would say yes that where you live influences your wardrobe choices. I live in a large city in the Midwest. We do tend to wear more color than places like New York or other east coast cities, but we are also more casual than most of those cities. Of course, because it is colder than the southern cities we also dress for our weather, & most of us wear socks or tights until the heat & humidity of summer arrive. There are not many bare legs here in January. We are also less into trends.

29. I live in a medium size city in Arizona but I’m from the South!! When I moved here 27 + years ago I was much more dressed up than the average. I still tend to fly that way but I still don’t wear jeans!! Just a me thing not a Southern woman thing. But, I find I have relaxed over the years because it’s just so hot. I wear a great deal of linen & cotton because of the heat but we aren’t humid for which I’m grateful!!! I am a Southern women and I tend to still pick the same pieces I normally would but I now will wear a silver & tourquoise necklace and silver medium size hoops and a broomstick skirt BUT NOT TOGETHER!!! I miss the forest but I love out cactuses and wild life as well!!!

30. Of course, one can wear whatever they like (and that goes for the whole color analysis thing too). I live in a small, conservative, Upper Midwest city. No one wears clothes like those on the mannequins. Generally speaking, it’s athletic shoes, leggings and a non descript top. We have very limited in-store shopping options left. Kohls department store is about as dressy as anyone gets. The closest large city is Chicago. The people (at least downtown) wear expensive, tailored, understated apparel. My son lives in Montreal. Montreal is popular with students from around the world and skews young and diverse. It’s a great place for people watching. Anything goes!

31. Pam, this is such an interesting and thought-provoking post. And as others have mentioned, I’m enjoying all the comments. I live in northern Ohio so community (and weather) definitely play a role in what people wear. I wear business casual to work, and probably dress a bit nicer than I need to when I’m out running errands. I like clothes and fashion but the clothes on the mannequins are not my style or color. I like neutrals. One year, when I was in my teens I bought a new dress for Christmas. It was black. My mom made me return it and pick out something colorful — ha ha. Bright colors are beautiful, just not for me.

32. Living in a university town, we have all those young people going coatless when I’m bundled up. That’s our largest employer. Coming in second is a hospital/clinic – scrubs. I think we are more casual in our dress because of those factors. When I was in college, we were told that we couldn’t buy anything, here, that would be right for Chicago; a two hour drive. Still true.

33. And this my dear lady is why I enjoy “visiting” my favorite bloggers often. Since retiring, I miss seeing women at work because, of course, they influenced my clothing choices. When I was in administration I wore dresses or skirts with beautiful blouses daily ( and 2 1/2” heels). After I was promoted to project level responsibility and traveled monthly I changed to suits (jacket or sweater over skirts) with wedge heels. I dressed similarly on the flights to and from meetings. I have fond memories of traveling as a business person. We were just shown a nice level of respect for all those we interacted with. I still enjoy dressing up when we leave the house – even if it’s just the grocery store or a local restaurant. You and other bloggers inspire me to continue to care about my personal appearance. I’m lucky to live in a college town where diversity and style is encouraged.

34. Love San Antonio and Fiesta……”Show me your boots”. I’m not a big vibrant clothing person. Being short I feel it makes me look shorter. Not a fan of the Nordstrom display. Your outfit looks great!!

35. Interesting topic, Pam! I do believe that community has an effect on fashion. I live in a very small (population approximately 800) rural community on the Canadian prairie. The main industries here are agriculture and oil. For the most part, people tend to dress casually and quite conservatively. The flamboyant colours of San Antonio would definitely look out of place here.

36. I live in Chicago in a sea of black winter coats. It’s so depressing! I wear a red coat and people comment on it constantly!

37. I find I also wear different colors for each season. Darker colors around Christmas time. When January comes around I like bright pastels. I live in Texas and it’s rainy and dark so bright pinks and corals cheer me up. When it gets warm I love linens in natural, white and light pastels. Most of the time it’s hot here so the majority of my clothes are are light colors.

38. I am jealous, Diane. In South Texas, we have forgotten what rain looks like!

39. Of course!

    Where I live, fashion trends used to be delayed by a few years. Retailers thought we were more conservative than other parts of the country, and we were, because we had no choice. That’s still true to a certain extent, as the online offerings from national chains are quite different from what’s in the local stores. Store clerks even ask me where I bought certain items, which are from their own chain. Some chains have an “online only” selection. This is where I find the colors and shapes items I like best, along with extended sizes.

    I think I would like the bright colors worn in San Antonio, as there is more of a “windswept, faded prairie” color scheme where I live. The dress in your photo today is absolutely my taste. I keep wondering if your location will be reflected in the pre-wedding events you’ll be attending this year.

40. I think they will. Especially since events will also be around Fiesta celebration time. We will see….thanks for sharing.

41. I live where we have 4 seasons and thus there are 4 changes of clothing. With the change in climate we have variable summers. Some summers you are wearing sun dresses and some summers you are wearing ankle pants and three-quarter length sleeves. Even though Spring and Fall have similar temps some times 50/60 degrees in Spring will bring out the bright or pastel colours and in the Fall will bring out the saturated fall colours. Our coloured clothing when bright tends to be a two or at most three colour patterns and likely with a smaller print than what is shown in the display. We don’t have the flowers of the south or the Caribbean in our landscape so wearing those kinds of print seem out of place . The prints on the dresses you showed this week would be more what we would wear as the weather warms.

42. Though it does influence us, I don’t think community is the *sole* factor affecting the way we dress – our own personality & comfort factors do too! I think what most people are *really* saying, when they ‘can’t’ wear colour in their area, is that they don’t feel *comfortable* standing out from the neutrals that others are wearing. Which is an entirely valid viewpoint, but not the same thing at all!
    ———————————————————
    Having lived in the UK, Brazil, Pakistan & Hong Kong (plus briefly in the USA), I can confidently say that my style is my own – whilst I’ve added more neutrals since living in HK (displays here are either predominantly black or ‘softer’ neutrals like pastels or burgundy), I don’t wear any of the colours on display! (As a Deep Autumn, my predominant neutral is a dark but warm, chocolatey brown). I remember in the UK, one receptionist I worked with said she looked forward to seeing my outfits because of the different colours I would always put together (yes, even in winter – when everyone else is dressed in grey, olive or black!)
    ———————————————————
    Part of it my penchant for colour is likely my South Asian heritage (Diana Vreeland famously said that ‘(Hot) pink is the navy blue of India’, after all!) but also my personality (as a teacher, of course I want to look like a leader but also to read as approachable!) Some people may feel more comfortable showing more skin or wearing ‘dressed up’ items (e.g. jewelry/ skirts) even when others aren’t – it’s just my sartorial subversive choice is colour 🙂

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