ELEMENTS OF STYLE: PART V.III
PART V.III
Imani Smith
12.22.19
Hello and thank you again for joining me in another installment of Elements of Style. EOS has provided me with a platform to elaborate on my experiences as a stylist. With this compilation of tips and anecdotes I hope to create thought-provoking content for current and future clients alike. For the last few installments of Elements of Style, I have taken the time to focus on finding connections between the style choices we make and the things that affect our mental health. These two topics may seem unrelated, but from my perspective they align seamlessly. Recently, I have touched on the concepts of Mannequin Styling and Label Worship. There are always reasons why we do the things that we do, whether we choose to admit them or not. Our style choices are never totally random.
The next Element of Style that I’m discussing is one that a lot of us have probably dabbled in. I often incorporate some components of this element when I want my looks to leave a lasting impression. I’ve heard of it being called ‘peacocking’ but in my opinion, Shock Value Styling is a more fitting term. Shock Value Styling can be plainly described as stopping at nothing to making style choices for the sole purpose of gaining the attention of others- be it negative or positive. The fastest way onto someone else’s radar is invoking their sense of shock. When a person is feeling overlooked or deprived of attention, dressing in a visibly shocking way can quickly fill that void. The issue with trying to solve internal issues with external solutions is that these effects are only temporary.
Like all styling techniques, use of Shock Value Styling in moderation can make for an exciting and memorable archive of looks. However, when a client’s focus is only on garnering the attention of others, their ensembles become less stylish and more costume. Even if a client has a high profile image to maintain, it is important to keep in mind that there is a thin line between having a signature and a gimmick. Signature styles, if done well, are able to withstand the test of time while gimmicks fade like trends. As I have stated in many previous installments of EOS, without risk, there is little chance of reward. To dive deeper into that concept, it is imperative that said risks be purposeful. When you dress theatrically, expect an audience. Once you get everyone’s attention with your outlandish look, what do you intend to do with it?
When people dress with Shock Value Style techniques at the forefront of their looks and are upset about the attention that they are receiving, as a stylist I see a disconnect. If your pieces are bold, sexy or flashy, it is only logical to expect reaction and commentary. I think that it is of vital importance to be able to dress for yourself despite the opinions of others. However, I find that it is even more important to be introspective enough to trace your motivation behind the pieces that you’re selecting. Are you ready for the potential attention that you may receive? If you aren’t, maybe it’s time to ask yourself what your motivations were when you dressed yourself. Are you trying to get the attention of someone specific? Are you trying to project an image that doesn’t quite align with your actual values? Are you trying to rebel against a person or an institution that feels oppressive? There may be other ways to accomplish these things that are less consuming than altering your personal style.
Using extreme styling techniques like deliberately disobeying dress codes, wearing super revealing pieces, or camouflaging yourself completely are all ways of making others stare. Shock Value styling can temporarily alleviate feelings of anonymity. For some, the attention gained from a shocking look may feel like a sufficient substitute for love and affection. Relying solely on the effects of Shock Value Styling techniques and not doing any work to build yourself internally is the equivalent of putting a Band-Aid over a bullet wound. Regardless of your personal style, at the end of the day we all have to take our clothes off at some point. I want my clients to make sure that they see the value in what’s underneath their clothes.
If you take anything from this installment of Elements of Style I would like it to be the fact that we are all different, and that we’re all navigating our way through life in totally different ways. What unites us is that the way we choose to express ourselves with clothing is reflective of what’s on our minds. I think that one of the most beautiful parts of the human experience is observing how we repurpose our pain. With great suffering can emerge even greater artistry. That artistry can present itself in the form of a strong sense of style. My main intention of highlighting mental health within EOS was to show commonalities between our feelings and our actions when it pertains to personal style.
Taking some of these seemingly negative Elements of Style and creating a collage of your own techniques is all a part of carving out your own brand of self-expression. As long as your look Fits, Flatters and Fascinates simultaneously, it doesn’t matter how you achieved it. If you’re unable to clearly express yourself with your style and look good while you do it, you may benefit from the guidance of a professional stylist. Sometimes it takes a nonbiased party to help you see what you may be subconsciously projecting through your personal style choices. Remember that there is great strength in asking for help when you need it.