Style, popularity, and what it all means.

Style. I don't understand. To me, style is something I'd rather sacrifice just to be more comfortable physically. Sweatpants or jeans and a T-Shirt is pure comfort. Sadly, in the real world one cannot wear sweats and a woot shirt to work everyday. But this really isn't about dressing professionally, it's about whats cherished outside of that realm. Fashion and style is constantly changing, designer stores create new fashions constantly so we can look better than others and they can make more of our money. But style is so much more than that simple equation to us, for many in New York it is one of the first things to be able to judge another upon. How much effort did they put into their outfit today?

I understand not looking like a slob all of the time, but I guess I think being showered and wearing clean clothes that match is putting effort in.

Could you please smile?

I'm pretty lucky that I'm not a girl, because it seems way harder to be a girl than a guy. I don't have to worry about make up, shoes, and wardrobe that fits only certain occasions quite as much. There is this image of what a person should look like, and many of us tend to listen to that image and try to emulate it as best as possible. The problem is we all look different than the models who we stare at, so we never tend to reach that ultimate goal. So we try again. And again.

Why do we keep trying? Probably because a lot of others are doing the exact same thing. Friday and Saturday nights in the city are absolutely insane. I see countless girls dressed the same, super tight, super short skirts with big heels, tons of make up, and a tan faker than Snookie's. Personally, I'm usually amazed at how much work goes into that outfit, and how the girls tend to soak up all of the guys who are staring (and sometimes yelling) at them, who are thinking about only one thing. Sex defines style on the weekends, and if you aren't participating, you probably aren't included.

I'm probably just cynical because I truly don't understand style. As much as I tend to poke fun at it, I've certainly tried to up my fashion sense a bit since coming to New York, somethings work, but for the most part the best pieces of clothes I own have been picked out by others. Whatever works, I guess.

All of this harps back to one single concept: Acceptance. Acceptance is something that everyone, whether they would like to admit it or not, strives for. Acceptance can mean doing a great job at work, having the most friends, or buying the newest car. Whatever it means, we all search for it. If one dresses like he's part of an 80's hairband everyone will think he is making one giant joke. No one can seriously get away with something like that if they wanted to. Style is part of the real world's version of popularity in high school. There may not be as much bullying, but if you've got style and some money, you've definitely got some friends. And with all three of those things comes quite a bit of power. Power is an intangible that we all unconsciously strive for, because when you've got social power you can get lots of other people to do what you want them to. You're in control. It feels good.

Maybe I'm reading way too much into all of this. Maybe style is just about making one feel better about themselves when they look in the mirror. I may think that its fickle, but its certainly a part of society that keeps some individuals in a higher place than others, just another part of the social ladder than we keep trying to climb. It's a slippery ladder though, so its a climb that is easier for those who have nice boots.

I don't know. What do you all think? Post in the comments below and give me your take. Is it important? I look forward to reading them.