There are so many things we do on a daily basis that we don’t think deeply about, except for the fact that they must get done. Take for example brushing your teeth, combing your hair, and getting dressed. It’s such a part of our routine, that we rarely stop to think what these things actually mean to us, personally. The Thoughtful Dresser by Linda Grant (due out in the USA April 20th) takes the stance that we do care about what we wear — the significance of our choices, even if they are considered anti-fashion, still make a statement. Grant addresses the sentimentality we have to what we wear in different stages in our lives, how clothing correlates with first impressions, the ability for certain items to haunt us — as a remembrance of the past, such as the red high-heeled shoe the author saw jumbled on a pile at the museum in Auschwitz, or something you just can’t get out of your mind, yearning to be purchased and worn albeit unpractical like a pair of sky0-high stilettos or evening gown without being destined for a particular occasion.
Grant’s writing is absolutely brilliant and self-depracating; she doesn’t feign to know more about clothing than the average person, just shares her astute observations about dress and culture, mixed in with some personal anecdotes. For anyone studying fashion, fascinated by dress, or simply looking for a good read that will make you desire another few chapters once it ends, I strongly recommend you pick up a copy — it has definitely made me view and think about dress differently, and I do consider myself one of those fahsion ‘know-it-alls’.
-Julia DiNardo
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