My Style, My Way: It’s Performative

by Tray
Mar 28, 2018
1 min read

In almost 32 years I have never had one single word that best described my style. I have used a bunch of different adjectives to get my point across in that moment: busy, flashy, colorful, over-the-top, gaudy...but none of them truly captured the essence of who I am and how I feel when I get dressed.

I recently checked out an interview of Lyn Slater (@accidentalicon) on Facebook. She is a 60+ year old woman, working in fashion and blogging, who began this career late in life. Lyn used a word while talking about herself and her place in fashion that went off like a lightbulb in my head.

PERFORMATIVE.

My Style is Performative.

When I get dressed to go out, I like to give drama and art. I think about the scene, the weather, the location, all of which I view as my stage. Whatever character or version of myself that is to show up, plans a look that corresponds with that stage and that audience. This is why I like bright colors, patches, sequins, oversized accessories, layers, textures, and metallics. This is why I cannot do simple. It does not fit who I am and it never fits how I feel.