Modish Matrons #34: Humor in Fashion

Welcome to Modish Matrons April Fools edition!

Comment YES if you can't imagine life without humor. 

YES!

Humor comes in so many forms and shapes, styles and flavors, tastes and traditions, that it probably shouldn't surprise us that at times we don't get each other's sense of humor at all. I pretty much always am open to any interpretation of the themes I come up with, and always ready to relax the rules simply because to me, the greatest beauty of life lies in freedom, and that includes the freedom to understand, interpret and express ideas in the way that is unique to each of us. That being said, I don't expect everyone to approve of  or even understand my vision, and I am eager to see your interpretation of this theme. 

I am also super curious to read my partners in crime BEATE und TINA's posts, 

to see their outlook of the theme.

  

Humor as a subject fascinates me. Why do we see one thing or situation as comical and others as an excuse for drama or even tragedy? Why are certain things laughable to some people and serious to others? Why do most people easily ridicule others (in their faces or behind their backs), while remaining heroic characters of their own inner story at all times? 

There are probably as many styles of humor and tastes for humor in the world, as there are styles of cooking and tastes for a certain dish or cuisine - in other words, as many as there are leaves in a forest, drops of rain in the skies. and cups of coffee in city cafes. Humor can be local and universal, dark and lighthearted, sarcastic and gentle, silly and sophisticated, dry and mischievous. What's yours?

In fashion, I believe, there are also many ways to create a humorous impression. One of the simple ways would be an unexpected accessory which put a smile on your face, like a child's drawing engraved in a jewelry piece (such as in my previous post). A more complex way to express humor would be a combination of mixed patterns, shapes, textures and proportions either to create a certain character, or to express a certain idea or feeling.  And for this post, I made an attempt to do the latter.

To me, polka dot is one of the most humorous patterns there is, especially large scale or a mix of different sizes or colors. As soon as I got this sequin polka dot top (also shown in NOVEMBER 2018), I wanted to combine it with my polka dot tulle skirt (shown earlier in DECEMBER 2017 and MARCH 2017). I knew it would not be an everyday outfit, but rather something a bit out there, a bit too much, a little out of my comfort zone, or outrageous even. I knew that I would have to deliberately brake a whole bunch of written and unwritten style and fashion rules, such as "age / shape / size-appropriate", or "flattering", or "good taste". I wanted to do it because I find breaking the rules mischievous, and when done playfully, it is precisely my sense of humor. 

Playfully make a little trouble, 

tease the sense of established status quo, 

create a nonsense just because...

that's what is funny to me.

The rest of my mischievous outfit came together rather spontaneously. A denim jacket for a light layer (and to tone down the circus vibe for good citizens of Tacoma who were rushing to meet Michelle Obama in a local venue that night). My comfortable funky shoes with colorful mushroom socks. A gallery of thrifted vintage pins and brooches which seem to make a nice coherent display (I bet that the happy polka dot woman wearing lapti, or bast shoes, and carrying a baby on her back, comes from my part of the world). Oh, and two different earrings (also thrifted) - because it was impossible to choose just one pair.

I'll be honest with you, I went back and forth with posting this outfit. I loved it, and it was fun to wear it for my photo session and trying a new hot restaurant in town, but I also felt a bit uneasy about it - what reaction would I get from my fellow fashionistas? And I've decided to go through with it and just be myself. So what if people won't approve? They won't have to, as much as they won't have to understand my sense of humor, share my dreams or live my life. 

Mural art by Chris Sharp @chrissharp3000

(2016 Puyallup Ave, Tacoma WA, near the Dome)

Photos by Justin

And now I am very curious - do you believe in humor in fashion? 

What does it mean to you personally?

Sequins top - ASOS (old)

Tulle skirt - Lane Bryant (old)

Denim jacket - Eloquii

Shoes - Dansko (old)

Accessories - thrifted

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