Remotely, Seen

FALL 2020: CLASSY COMFORT x DISTINGUISHED DISTANCING

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NEW YORK — The pandemic has us living in a remote world. A virtual universe where comfort is queen and our homes matter more than ever. The spaces we occupy, the people we interact with, the select places we go; all having an even greater significance than before. Increasing the levels to which we cherish them.

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Model: Julia Jiao | @realfashionomadic

If anything, this time in isolation has proved that as humans, we truly do wish to feel seen and heard, across the board; emphasized by the just criticisms and outcries from communities who have long been silenced and disregarded. Communities deserving of the right to be noticed. To want to be seen, is to be human. Even remotely, even in the slightest. A thing everyone deserves.

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This wish to be seen is something that can manifest itself in an infinite number of actions, words, and creations – large to small. From being physically motivated to join in demonstrations for positive change, to sending and signing up for emails (colorofchange.org), to supporting diverse storytellers, to the clothes we choose to wear. It’s important to always remember the wide variety of actions we can partake in to achieve our own, as well many other’s, desire and right to be seen.

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When it comes to daily style, these days it’s easy to throw on a button-up and wear sweats beneath. In March, this even seemed like a blessing. (Maybe it still is for some – you do you). But for those who crave a complete ensemble or the creativity put into a full streetstyle look, this lack of a reason to dress up is proving a bit disheartening. Because clothing is just one of the thousands of ways we can feel seen. And confident. It’s one reason t-shirts act as a form of raising awareness for brands and causes. We notice them.

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It might feel strange to wear an entire look if your only plans are for jumping from one Zoom meeting to the next (in which 33% of your body is seen, heavily pixelated) or your only form of travel is to the refrigerator or to longingly stare out your living room window. (Who thought we’d miss public transportation…). If this is the case, feel strange. Embrace it. Create a complete new style. Experiment with it. Or find a balance between comfort and class. A mix between, “I’m binge watching Normal People for the 24th time” and “Let’s walk down the block like it’s the 60s.” If it helps you feel inspired and motivated to dress nicely, do it. If it adds more sense of creativity to your daily life, do it. You aren’t alone and there is a creatively connected community out there that feels the same way. Virtually and spiritually. All seeking the restorative powers and imagination that wearing eclectic clothing can bring. Even just once or twice a week.

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Whether it’s classy-comfort for another day of working from home or switching it up and going full-formal for a stroll in your local park, do whatever adds a sense of normalcy or vigor to your life, no holding back. Think of it as “distinguished distancing.” It might help you feel seen, sure. But it might also just make you feel great, at least momentarily. In the current, relatively idle world, any sense of effort and movement can have a big impact. So hold onto those moments. Make them count.

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Feeling heard and connected is more important than ever. In fact, it’s critical. So support this human mission through actions big and small. Authentically spread word of current causes and organizations on social media, vote, donate, chat with friends and family, dress up, create new looks (fall is the perfect time to do so), get creative, watch Netflix (or Hulu or Peacock or HBO or Disney+, you get it), meditate, read, go for walks. Just do it safely and proudly. Even if, for you, it involves carrying a pink, vinyl purse for a 10 second trip to CVS, or wearing layers of soft fabric or patchwork, or sporting a stand-out baseball cap from your favorite team. Maybe it’s just a preferred pair of sneakers or a t-shirt you like. Anything goes.

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Stay true to your roots, your personality, and your humanity.

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It’s okay to want to feel seen. Because at the end of the day, it’s not a narcissistic need, but a human one.

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