Sunday Chronicles: Story and Function

Investment Piece:Hitting the Ground....

You may have been able to tell, but I’ve been sick for the past week or so (I’m not trying to hide it, but as I’m still recovering, I’m not ready to chat a lot about it yet). I have had to work some, but the main activity I’ve been engaged in has been laying on the couch- and the main thing I’ve been wearing are sweats (with the occasional pj set thrown in). As someone who truly believes that our fashion and outfit choices are a way we tell our stories, having a week where I’m not dressing for anything, and more than often choosing function over any conscious story, I’ve had times where I’m sitting down and really thinking about our fashion stories and what part function plays in them.

The past week when I’ve been getting dressed I’ve solely been concerned with how comfy something is, and how warm I’ll be (it’s also been literally freezing). There was not anything I was thinking of communicating, no worrying about what I looked like, just a desire to feel better. While I’m sure you could make a story of what I was wearing, and what I was communicating, function was my main focus. What was warm, what was comfy, what would let me lay down in peace- that’s what I wanted to wear. Yes, some of my sweats were cute (if I do say so myself), but I wasn’t thinking about that at all. As I’ve begun to feel better I have begun to think beyond function- and choosing pjs that make me feel good beyond comfort in an effort to feel better. But, if function was what I needed for a week is that any less of a story than any other outfit?

Many fashion articles, magazines, sites, shoppers, advisors will tell you that the secret to a great wardrobe is to marry function with designs you love and make you feel good. If, for work or any other reason, you need suits (or blazers), filling your closet with only party clothes will be a mistake as the function you need fulfilled will be unmet. You wouldn’t wear jeans to the pool, or high heels to the gym. We know that function is a part of our stories. Is function enough on its own though?

I don’t know, even at my most well, that I have the answers. Yes, while sick I’m prioritizing function over any thing else, but I would be lying if I said that I didn’t care at all what I look like. I’ve given (even just passing) thoughts to matching, to cleanliness, to colors. And I’ve been thinking about what to wear, what stories, to tell when I’m better (yes, I’m incredibly grateful to be on the mend!). Function isn’t the foremost thought when I’m thinking about what I like, or what I want to express. However, it’s obviously needed.

How do we balance function and story? How do we use function to tell our stories? How do we manage when function isn’t always the fun part?
There’s a good chance these questions don’t have easy or neat answers, or even just one answer. Being immersed in function has made me appreciate it more, and you may see more mention of it here. OF course, once I get to dress without a thought to function, who knows how crazy I’ll go!

I would love to hear your thoughts about function and stories- how you balance them, what you choose, all of it! Let me know in the comments!

Wishing us all a week of good health and amazing shoes! XO RA

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RachelAdelicia

Actress, avid shopper, and a lover of fashion. Hoping to make the world a better place one pair of shoes at a time.

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