It’s too big, it’s too wide
It’s too strong, it won’t fit
It’s too much, it’s too tough
Beyonce makes a great point with this song. People are often afraid of being too much. It could be anything from a shirt that’s too bright, hair that too wild or a laugh that’s too loud. But have you ever felt compelled to say, “Wow! That’s a great plain suit” or “Holy Cow! that’s wonderfully simple black turtleneck”? NO! People aren’t wowed by plain or simple. Do you know why? Plain and simple doesn’t get you noticed. You’re just the other guy in the plain suit or one of the ladies in the turtleneck.
Most of us are too insecure (or lazy) to step out of our comfort zones. We have this preconceived notion of how to dress, wear our hair and even behave that prevents us from doing things we really want to do. Think about it, when you’re on the train or at the mall or walking down the street, people pretty much look the same. How many times you been in the store and thought, “I can’t get this, it’s to bright. What will people think?” More often than not, it’s the ‘what will people think’ that pushes people away than the ‘it’s too bright’. People are so concerned and, in extreme cases, afraid of what other people will think that it scares them into falling in line with those preconceived notions.
Don’t worry about what other people think! As long as you’re not offending or hurting anyone, why not wear the neon green shirt? Now the neon green shirt is pretty bold, but you don’t have to go that far. Ladies, if you’re wearing an all black dress, jazz it up with a spicy colored or patterned shoe and bag to match. I’m a fan of animal print shoes. They look fabulous with a simple dress or jeans. That’ll take you from one of the chics in black to the girl in the fabulous shoes. Don’t be afraid to put the jeweled clip in your hair. Try that electric blue eyeshadow or yellow nail polish. Gentlemen, if you’re wearing a suit a nice handkerchief in the breast pocket is nice touch. If you’re buying a new coat or jacket try another color other than black. These are the little things that take you from nice to wow. You’re not wowing anyone with a black pea coat or black pumps.
Now, I don’t want you to go crazy on me and start wearing full length red suits or a leopard print dress, shoes and hat all at the same time. It’s all about a little bold. And bold isn’t for everyone. Some people don’t want to wow, and that’s perfectly alright. Don’t be foolish either. If you can only afford one suit or one pair of shoes, then it probably should be black. The next time you’re out think about who is making heads turn or getting a double-take. What makes them stand out? Most likely it’ll be something bold. Take a fashion risk if you want to get noticed. Most likely it’ll pay off.
Until next time, cheers to a better you.