My family moved to Dallas for a short time in the early 80s. I was so little, I don't really remember much, but my mother tells a story of when she went to the grocery store there for the first time: She was still unpacking, and with so many little kids at home, she made a dash to the grocery store for some items, but hadn't unpacked her "going out" clothes. So she made the trip in early 80s 'round-the-house fare, some tan slacks and a button-down blouse. She said later she'd never been so mortified and humiliated in her life. This is a woman who, born in the early '50s, didn't begin wearing pants - on her parents' FARM - until college. She got her first pair of jeans, in college. She wore them on the mountain where her father and brothers herded sheep.
In Dallas, every woman at the grocery store was wearing a dress and heels. Now, as a teen I scoffed at this story. As an adult, I absolutely get it. We act differently based on how we are dressed.
As a 33 year old man, I look back at my 20s and can name precise moments in my life where I feel like I left respect and even money on the table (potential pay raises) because of the way I dressed.
I dressed very simple amongst high level professionals and I didn’t earn their respect.
It’s important to understand how others perceive you. And how you want to be perceived. And the gap to get there.
My family moved to Dallas for a short time in the early 80s. I was so little, I don't really remember much, but my mother tells a story of when she went to the grocery store there for the first time: She was still unpacking, and with so many little kids at home, she made a dash to the grocery store for some items, but hadn't unpacked her "going out" clothes. So she made the trip in early 80s 'round-the-house fare, some tan slacks and a button-down blouse. She said later she'd never been so mortified and humiliated in her life. This is a woman who, born in the early '50s, didn't begin wearing pants - on her parents' FARM - until college. She got her first pair of jeans, in college. She wore them on the mountain where her father and brothers herded sheep.
In Dallas, every woman at the grocery store was wearing a dress and heels. Now, as a teen I scoffed at this story. As an adult, I absolutely get it. We act differently based on how we are dressed.
Beautiful
I find the connection between inner order and outward expression fascinating.
The things we choose to surround ourselves with, wear and create often reveal the relationship we have with ourselves.
This is a fantastic piece.
As a 33 year old man, I look back at my 20s and can name precise moments in my life where I feel like I left respect and even money on the table (potential pay raises) because of the way I dressed.
I dressed very simple amongst high level professionals and I didn’t earn their respect.
It’s important to understand how others perceive you. And how you want to be perceived. And the gap to get there.
I always walk away after reading your articles richer than when I entered.