Style Buzz: Oh, the 90's + Clothing as Armor + Anatomy of a Castro Outfit

Ideas to Inspire Your Head-to-Toe Style

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

"We remember the cruel remarks, so clothing becomes an enemy or a tool."

A surprising number of stylists in my network have remarked that they got into this business because of being teased as a youth for their fashion sense. Obviously they've overcome those challenges to now be a style expert, but I love that they used style as a tool rather than a bitter reminder of their past. The cruel remarks are always unnecessary but (usually) clothing is not, and by realizing you can turn your style into a catalyst for power rather than a reason to retreat, those remarks will fade faster than a pair of acid-washed jeans.

 xxx rachel

Me in 1991 when Gap overalls were trendy. Luckily the hat is hiding the perm.

---

CLOTHING AS ARMOR

One of my clients booked me because she had an epiphany: she deliberately bought baggy, cheap clothes to wear to work because otherwise she drew unwanted attention from her mostly-male clientele. If you've ever hidden behind your clothes as a way to deflect attention, perhaps consider that perhaps you were getting the wrong kind of attention. It's not your doing, though. The problem lies with whomever is giving you that attention, and you're allowed to reclaim yourself and be worthy of respect. Style can help you state who you are - confident, capable, and not taking any nonsense - by projecting an image that garners at minimum, no negative attention, and at most, admiration.

Clothing has always functioned as a kind of armor. Long before we consider trends or seasons, we get dressed to face the world, sometimes to protect ourselves, sometimes to strengthen ourselves, and occasionally to disappear altogether.

We can hide behind clothes quite easily. Oversized silhouettes, muted colors, and soft, unstructured pieces often act as a visual retreat. There’s nothing wrong with that. On days when your confidence is low or energy is thin, clothing can quietly say, "Not today". Neutral palettes are proven to draw less attention while loose shapes blur the body’s outline, giving a sense of safety and anonymity. It’s armor in its most gentle form.

But when you need it to be, clothing can also be powerfully assertive. Color is one of the quickest ways to shift how we feel and how we’re perceived. Red is associated with confidence and authority, blue with trust and competence, black with strength and clarity. These associations aren’t arbitrary - they’re well documented in psychology and branding - and they influence how others respond to us, often before we speak.

Silhouette and structure play a similar role. Clean lines, defined shoulders, waist emphasis, or a tailored jacket create a visual sense of order and intention. Structured garments signal readiness and capability; they quite literally hold us upright. Even a small adjustment, like a sharper trouser or a more intentional neckline, can change how a body occupies space.

Accessories are the finishing layer of armor. Shoes ground us, jewelry draws the eye upward, bags and belts create boundaries and emphasis. They are small, but they communicate decisiveness and thoughtfulness.

The key is choice. When we understand clothing as armor, we stop dressing on autopilot. We choose whether we need protection or power and dress accordingly.

---

ANATOMY OF AN OUTFIT

This is a peek into my favorite outfit of the week where I break it down for you: why I've put it together and why it works, what elements could be swapped out, things to consider, etc.

I popped down to San Francisco last week and stayed near the Castro, such a vibrant and lively (and stylish!) neighborhood, so I just had to go dancing one evening! I needed an outfit that was not frumpy, hot, or stainable, plus easy to pack. I started with the shoes because they're keeping my feet sane these days. These black mules with a grommet detail are fabulous, especially when paired with a black faux leather skirt. It's just slightly A-line, which is good for my rectangle shape. I added a semi-sheer dark grey top with a burgundy and white floral print, perfect for an evening out but more interesting than all black. A pair of mesh hoop earrings added some texture and edge, along with a black moto jacket to keep the evening chill off. It was the perfect outfit to let me forget about being dignified for a couple of hours!

Blouse: Karl Lagerfeld for Macy's

Moto Jacket: Max Studio London

Skirt: Marks & Spencer

Shoes: Jessica Simpson from DSW

Earrings: Aldo

What a long way from the overalls in college!!