My Philosophy on Style: Dress to Express

We are what we wear. Some might argue, that we are what we eat or that we are what we think and do. Yes, this is true too. But in all that we do, or I should say, most of what we do is done behind our dress. Almost half of a day is occupied in the public realm and therefore we are representing our inner self through what we choose to put on our bodies. Living in Jerusalem for the past eight months has only proven this to the Nth degree. In one quick glance so much can be determined about a person- their religion, their social class, their origin, their personality, plus much much more. I wish I could believe that we don't make these judgments about one another based solely on the outfit a person deliberately, or not so deliberately, chose to adorn that day. Like when it's that time of the month so you just throw on a baggy sweatshirt and sneakers and without checking yourself in the mirror skip out the house, and before you even make it down the street your neighbor is wondering why you are headed to the gym instead of the office. Not to mention what theories your co-workers might deduct about your home life from your disheveled appearance. When really nothing monumental has occurred and you are just feeling slightly sluggish.

So, here we are- put on this earth with this truth. We can choose to accept it and embrace it OR not. But what you personally choose doesn't really much matter in the large scheme of perceptions based on dress, because the fact of the matter is: You are what you wear BUT how you choose to portray yourself is something within each of our own control. While most things in life are not.

Tomorrow, when you wake in the morning and stand in front of your closet, armed with your personal set of self expression tools, acknowledge the feelings you have inside and let them guide you in the direction of the person you are choosing to share with the world. If you are feeling empowered, put on your business suit- your tailored blazer or your "I mean business" boots and walk out into the streets owning yourself, your style, and your perception. Because it is not just about "dress for success" but dress to express.