Laughter is the Best Medicine
When stuck in an awkward situation, like being trapped in an elevator with a stranger, there’s a foolproof way to break the ice: ask about their most embarrassing childhood fashion moments. Guaranteed to bring laughter and camaraderie, this topic is a universal bonding experience. Who didn’t have a questionable outfit or two (or ten) during the fashion-challenged late 80s and early 90s?
The Hand-Me-Down Conundrum
Growing up, I relied heavily on hand-me-downs, which made “fit” a relative term. As long as the waist button closed and the pant legs reached my shoes, I was good to go. Shirts just needed to cover my stomach when I raised my arms, and my chest when I bent over. If an article of clothing was cute enough, I’d make adjustments to fit into it – slouching my shoulders or sucking in my gut to impress my mom. It wasn’t about looking great; it was about having a “cool” shirt in my arsenal.
The Financial Reality
Passing clothes from one kid to the next is an excellent way to save money. I’m grateful that the cash was spent on essentials like groceries and school supplies instead of expensive mall-bought sweaters. However, my hand-me-down wardrobe skewed my perceptions and took me a long time to identify the issues.
The Fear of Inadequacy
I convinced myself and others that I didn’t care about my appearance, but in reality, I didn’t let myself care. I couldn’t have the trendy clothes I wanted, so I settled for comfort over style. Thrift stores were an option, but by the time I was old enough to make my own choices, I thought I no longer cared. I hid my insecurities and buried myself in comfortable fabrics.
Social Pressures and Self-Doubt
Admitting to income disparities in junior high can be tough. Hand-me-downs become a symbol of being a “have-not,” and 13-year-olds can be merciless. The desire to fit in leads to desperation, and self-consciousness grows. But it’s not the clothes that are the problem – it’s the mentality and confidence issues that come with them.
Perspective and Growth
At 25, I’ve gained perspective and understand that my clothes didn’t define me. It was my confidence and the ideas I attached to those clothes that needed fixing. Having a closet full of secondhand items doesn’t make you a second-class citizen. It’s time to accept that hand-me-downs are just a part of life, and laughter is the best medicine for our embarrassing fashion moments.
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