Wear what you want. Why do I say this? It is not just to make you feel better but honestly it is the truth. This world is super diverse, not one person is the same. Our brains are not the same, our thinking is not the same. WE ARE NOT THE SAME. SO, no matter what you do, there will be at least one person who will not understand you, who will be curious, or who will criticize you. No one knows you like you, only you know what works best for you, only you know what feels good to you. So when you wear something, do not think about whether it is part of societal norms...
Societal norms, What is that? Well, "Social norms are the unwritten rules of beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors that are considered acceptable in a particular social group or culture. Norms provide us with an expected idea of how to behave, and function to provide order and predictability in society. (Google definition)
We live in a world where we are criticized for every single thing we do, it doesn't matter where you're from, or what you look like, you Will be criticized for something. One of the biggest things we get criticized for is what we wear. Do you agree?
We all know that there are different cultures across the world right? And that these cultures have different traditions, from how they live, eat, behave, dress, and so much more.
To people who are not part of those cultures and do not understand those traditions, it is very easy to be ignorant to them, which leads to judgments and criticisms. For example, Let's look at the people of Eswatini, which used to be called "Swaziland". This is a small country at the edge of South Africa, and also next to Mozambique. I grew up here for more than 6 years and I used to participate in their traditions, and I miss it very much.
The People of Eswatini dress very differently compared to the Western Countries. They have traditional dances which requires the women to be topless, wearing only a skirt and traditional jewelry, these dances are most times done in celebration of the King and his queens.
We obviously do not do this here in the Western part of the country, but it is still a beautiful culture to respect.
Why did I choose that as an example? I chose it because I want everyone to feel comfortable in what they like to wear without ignorant people judging them, depending on where they come from, it is normal, and should be deemed normal everywhere. Ofcourse I am not saying these Eswatini women should walk around Ottawa streets top less, but they do have a certain traditional and more clothes way of dressing in which they'd find much more comfortable wearing when they are not home. Comfortability is a huge thing for some people, to make them feel as though they are still in their home land.
To conclude I'd like to say this, there will always be trends, somethings about fashion will change, and somethings will remain the same. You do not have to ride every wave to fit in. You already fit in, because God made you perfectly the way you are. No nation, culture, color is better than the other, we are all equal and should be treated as such.
So next time you look at an outfit and think people won't like it, you better shake that thought off and show out what your mama gave you.. okuurr?
Check out some of our beautiful pieces to add to your collection:
Thank you for reading, God bless you.