k r o W t a h Stylis elise Wilp
Ann n (Tokyo), w o r B l a t n By Cha
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Chantal Brown The alarm goes off at six and every pleasant dream shatters into the bleary wakefulness of morning. From then on, it’s a mad rush stumbling over sheets and tripping over my own feet to get to the bathroom. The time always slips away so quickly between waking and getting ready for work. If you’re anything like me, even more precious seconds tick by retracing steps because I’ve forgotten my apartment key, or train pass—or deodorant. As an assistant language teacher, fashion and nitpicking what you wear may not be the foremost thing on your mind. Especially when dress code regulations fall on the more conservative side, it may not inspire creativity to play around with your wardrobe and try different looks. Sometimes I’ll second-guess a skirt or dress, whether it’s appropriate or too showy, but I’ll still take that risk. For me, dressing for work is more than just abiding by the rules and being professional. As with most fashion, how I dress is a statement; an expression of my style and the things I like. Bold prints, bodycon dresses, bright colors, elegant chic tops, pleated and flared skirts—even girlish garments—are important parts that make the sum of my wardrobe.
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Whenever I go through my closet, I’ll look at colors that contrast nicely, and articles of clothing that would make a good outfit. Burgundy blends well with beige and navy blue; the pleated yellow skirt with twin black bands around the waist goes well with my black, silk long-sleeved top. The process goes on and on as I set aside suits for the week. Or the month. The winter period had me donning more sweaters and heat-tech layers than I would have liked. But some days I still put together looks that made me feel good. That’s part of what fashion is for me: something that can generate positive vibes for me and perhaps those around me. There is no question that when you look good, you feel good. Your entire attitude can be influenced by how you perceive yourself and how good you feel at any moment. This is part of the reason I shopped around for bright colors in particular. Early mornings and I don’t go together, but seeing myself in flowery colors can instantly soothe my grouchiness. When you like the way you look, it can help you walk with more poise and confidence. To take it a step further, your appearance can help set the tone for the day. Everyone’s
style is different, but there is a one commonality—if it looks people will admire your style. A no-brainer is the fact that yo make an impression just by th you carry yourself.
Admittedly, I’ve never really much for fashion. I always for easier, more neutral colors blending in. But the more I ski through business and bus casual looks, I found it suite growing tastes for casual, clas elegant chic designs. Plus, fun to experiment with differen from your wardrobe!
Winter wasn’t my favorite perio rocking coats with faux fur a the collar made up for the l dressing up. Spring will see more dresses with flower patte match the blooming cherry blos chiffon tops, skirts, and the hee have been sadly catching dust shelves in my closet.
How will you be dressing this S
Chantal is a first-year JET w in Shibuya. Hailing from the t island of Jamaica, she seeks to cultural ties between her count Japan in her own way. Her spar is normally spent writing and the best eating spots around he
