If you had a chance to do high school over, would you? Or are you, like me, content to live out repressed high school rebellion through the current 90s revival?
The last photographic evidence of me wearing this dress was at a high school graduation party in 2001. I accessorized with a crisp tan, permed (permed! I know it was Ohio, but how was this not only acceptable, but a trend, in any high school after the 80s?!), highlighted mane and overflowing décolletage.
Perhaps it’s for the best that I went with the teen dream aesthetic though. Glammed up grunge is far more sophisticated than anything my high school self could have mustered (not to mention the fact that my parents would have had an aneurism if my hair was anything from the Manic Panic color family). My one grunge punk summer of ’97 was gracelessly executed in flannel and corduroy jackets, babydoll tees, JNCO jeans, wallet chains, platform sneakers and one particularly ill-advised camouflage dog collar.
These days at least I have the sense to stick to faux piercings and extremely temporary hair colors. Purists can judge, but I like the flexibility to change my look entirely from one day to the next. When I do get grungy, I’ve learned from experience to balance it with girly elements – like a flowered dress and lace bra. And yes, this dress is (and always was) an unflattering length and stompy boots are not the ideal footwear to correct the issue, but I’ve gained something else in years since high school – the confidence to dress however I feel. Isn’t that the ultimate fashion rebellion?
[Dress, Express circa 2001; H&M vest; Lonely Hearts bra; Aldo boots; Forever 21, Does Not Equal and AllSaints necklaces; various rings and bracelets]
This post is amazing and you look amazing. I completely agree with all of it. Loves. :)
Thanks! <3
your post is so timely in that (as you’re well aware) i just attended my 20th high school reunion where i had the boldness to wear the things i wanted to wear & not worry what others thought. confidence you definitely exude & that’s always fashionable!
You looked fabulous (as always)! Definitely stood out frim the crowd in the best possible way!
that dress looks so rad, and so much better with all the grungey details!
xo
sami
Thanks! It’s one of those that I held onto without wearing for 10 years, but I knew I wasn’t ready to give it up.
This is way better than a brick & mortar eastblishnmet.
I love this outfit! And while I’d never EVER wish to go back to high school I do love the throwback to my 90s high school days!
My feelings exactly. Especially high school today with Facebook and everything… Yikes!
Oh high school. I had to wear a uniform, so there was very little opportunity to indulge in my 90′s Courtney Love wanna-be look. I have to tell you, I am now a little crazed with the DIY hair color. It is, and I can say this with total honesty, my favorite fashion trick of the year :) Thanks!!!
I wore a uniform all through grade school. I think that’s the root of my sometimes extreme fashion tendencies. And I’m so glad you like the hair trick! Pink looked great on you!
I actually think you look amazing in that ensemble! Who cares about the length OR the boots? It goes really well with the grunge theme…if that’s what you were trying to do. I like it so much when I see women mixing feminine pieces of clothing with badass masculine highlight pieces.
Check out my trendy blog!
http://thetrendydwarf.blogspot.com/
Thanks! I’m always a fan of mixing girly and grunge.
When I was in high school, my only sartorial concern was looking “pretty.” I wanted to look good for boys and make other girls jealous. Now I’m willing to let myself try “interesting” and “edgy.” I guess because I’m dressing for myself now? Anyway, that freedom is one of the few good things about getting older. :D
Yeah… I tried the pretty thing, but the definitions were too narrow. I find “interesting” to be much more attainable, and the effect is so similar most people won’t even notice a difference.
I definitely remember the days of wearing too tight, uncomfortable Abercrombie and Fitch clothing my freshman year. Luckily, by the time I reached my junior year, I had started to dress how I wanted to and fallen in love with vintage clothing. It still took me years after that to get really comfortable with my style but I definitely don’t miss the old days of too blond hair and dresses just like everyone else.
PS- I love how you styled for you now!
So funny that you say that… I actually worked at abercrombie (the kids’ one) in high school! Whew, we’ve come a long way!
Ugh. Highschool. In NH. Need I say more? I’m sure most of my pals from them look at my blog and think I’ve flown the cuckoos nest. And that makes me happy inside. I survived the 90′s and came out the better for it;)
My feelings exactly! It would be just sad to still be the same people we were in high school. Evolution.
seriously obsessed with that bra!
Their whole line is amazing! I need more in my life! http://lonelyheartslabel.portableshops.com/
haha – I remember that high school you! and I remember one of your friends informing me that you were the trendier sister…we all know (and this blog is proof) that hasnt changed! love you and love the post…as always :o)
You have to let me know which friend that was (although I have an idea). It’s ok. You were always the popular sister. Love you!!
You know, I’ve been trying to remind myself that fashion isn’t always about what’s the most flattering – this post is totally inspiring to me. I love that you acknowledge that the length combined with boots aren’t too flattering but that you have the confidence to still wear it…and look gorgeous while doing so!
And, I would NEVER go back to my high school years. For the awkward, athletic girl who decided to shave her head, it was really not fun…
Thank you! I don’t want to wear things that look downright bad, but sometimes it’s fun to wear things you “shouldn’t” wear. The overall feel of the outfit was more satisfying than trying to give the illusion of long legs.
And a shaved head? I always admire a girl with the guts to pull that off, but especially in high school. I can only imagine what you went through, but in the end I’m sure it helped to build the confident and independent style you’re rocking today.