2. Considering what I have acquired over my time in this course, my way of looking
at things has changed tremendously. Initially, I felt that to express one’s confidence, it
could only be expressed through how one dressed themselves. Personally, I thought it
was imperative to dress a certain way for people to understand my degree of creativity. I
also concluded that because I am a plus size, African American young woman there
was a concealed rule to carry myself in a manner above comfort to maintain respect. I
tried to maintain this misconception by wearing makeup daily along with ensuring my
appearance could be considered no less than professional. I then came to the
realization that I do not have to prove anything through my dress, but through my
grades in this course. I was a much closed-minded person that felt there was one way
people “should dress” to be considered dressed and dressed appropriately. I felt that for
one to be dressed is to operate within the realm given by society.
However, my depiction of what is the exact definition of appropriate is not up to
par. I aspire to be a professional image consultant where I teach people how they
should appear in different contexts. I felt that what I had already acquired was enough,
but after taking this course, I realized that there was so much more for me to learn.
Appropriate, in my opinion, consisted of categories determined by your body type,
weight, and height. For example, if a woman is of a shorter height and heavier weight,
there is a more valued level of modestly to consider. If it is not in the shape it should be,
determined by society, it needs to be covered or concealed. If one did not cover
something that was not “flattering”, it is deemed inappropriate.
As time progressed, I began to broaden my perceptions on appropriate
appearance. It was no longer an immediate judgement on how one looks. I was now
3. considering what went into how one looks. I began to understand that it was more that
one’s attire, hair, and one’s body shape. It was one’s hygiene, where that person was
headed, and so many other elements. One’s religion is a very important element, I
learned, that might require a person to dress a specific way. For instance, those of the
polytheist religions may wear clothing that may be dedicated to a specific god. I,
personally, dress in a manner that respects my religion.
Another element that I did not take into consideration is that there is a large
amount of people who really do not care about how they look. Because appearance has
been suppressed under business and medical careers, people tend to lose respect for
the fashion industry. The common “function over fashion” is very popular among
working class citizens and the working class is the vast majority of society. The
misconception driven by the media, especially in moves, has placed those who love
fashion at almost a dream. To be a fashion expert, you have to dress and look a certain
way. This understanding quite bias. There are many artist that are not what “society”
deem appropriate, yet are the innovators to what people perceive covering for the body.
Knowledge acquired from this course has molded me into a more accepting
person overall. I am a Fashion Merchandising and Retail Studies Major, which makes
me one that takes appearance very seriously. However, taking this course has
enlightened me on so many things that will make a better profession in not only the
fashion industry, but any field. My understanding of how others view people has
contributed much to my enlightenment as well. The values of others is what I feel most
important when viewing someone’s appearance. This class has ensured me that I am in
the right field. Everyone should have to take this course because this is something that
4. everyone should experience. I no longer feel as If I have to express myself all of the
time for people to understand my talent. I do not judge people as harshly. I take much
more inconsideration before making a judgement. Though there is no way around
making a judgement, I make more positive judgements than negative. I appreciate this
course because it inadvertently showed me to lose my insecurities and blossom
because that is who God made me to be.
