Every time I visit my childhood home, it’s like walking into a mini-museum devoted to me and my sister. Every available surface, from the bookshelves to the piano, is crowded with photos of us clad in clothes that document various milestones, from Halloween costumes to bridesmaids dresses.
Since I’m in my 30s, the photos are practically wallpaper. I’ve seen them a million times before, and my eyes automatically glaze over the frames. And chances are, you do the same thing.
Here’s a little experiment. Take a better look at YOUR childhood photos — and look closely at what you’re wearing.
Ever notice how kids tend to pick their favorite clothes somewhat randomly — and then wear those favorites to death? In the photo above, I’m wearing my favorite outfit circa 1994 — a T-shirt covered in cows. (It came with cow-print biking shorts, which are sadly hidden under the table.)
I remember first seeing that cow outfit at a department store. My favorite teacher had a pair of cow-print leggings, and I was dying to somehow emulate her. I begged my mom for the cow outfit — and I didn’t take it off until it stopped fitting.
Once I actually took a better look at these childhood outfits, I had a deeper appreciation for the effortless style I didn’t even know I had. The irony, of course, is that once I reached middle school, I hated all my childhood clothes, deeming the floral patterns, hair-bows and bolo ties “corny” and “embarrassing.” I had no lingering appreciation for the fringed white go-go boots, the amethyst pendants and the loud bovine prints.
It took 25+ years for me to come to my senses.
Kids don’t care if something is “classic.” Clothing choices are fueled by something inherent — an emotion, a memory, a fantasy — instead of Pinterest. Cosmetics are limited to nothing but a sunburn and occasional face paint. And there’s something refreshing about a style that’s been chosen with no calculus other than pure instinct.
I have a little homework assignment for you. Before the end of the week, take a better look at some of your childhood photo. (Try to avoid a school photo in a yearbook — those are almost always terrible.) I bet you’ll find some surprising inspiration.
Personally, I think I need to bring cow print back. (Seriously, how cool is this?)