We’re all guilty of telling fashion fibs at one point or another. Don’t even try to deny it. From pretending to be a different size in jeans than you are, to “forgetting” where you bought your fabulous outfit just because it came from an unpopular store. And we tend to tell these fashion fibs to ourselves just as much as we tell them to other people. But why do we do it?
Well, I think it comes down to a few things: wanting to fit in, not wanting to come across as overly conceited and hiding the things that we perceive to be embarrassing. It can seem a lot easier to let a few fashion fibs slip, than to own up to whatever it is you’re trying to hide. So, let’s take a look at some of the most common little white lies we tell.
The Fashion Fibs that Stylish Girls
Tell Themselves & Others
“Oh, this old thing?”
This is one of the oldest fashion fibs in the book. It’s been used countless times by every major fashion lover across the globe. One of my favourite examples is from It’s A Wonderful Life when Violet is strutting down the street and gets a compliment on her dress, to which she replies, “Oh this old thing? I only wear it when I don’t care HOW I look!” Obviously she wore that stunning dress for a reason: to look good. So, why deny that? My best guess is that fashionable females know they look good, but don’t want to come across as knowing just how good they look. So, out come the fashion fibs.
“I don’t remember where I got it”
Hands up if you’re guilty of “forgetting” where you bought something because it was from an “embarrassing” store. I know I am, especially when I was younger and thought that brand names ruled the world. As I’ve gotten older, I really don’t care where I bought something as long as I feel confident wearing it. I recently thrifted a snakeskin wrap dress that is from—hold your breath—Talbots. Yes, the same Talbots that your grandmother probably shops at. I saw it at a thrift store, loved it, picked it up, realized what brand it was and almost put it back—even though it’s wildly on-trend! I’m so glad I didn’t.
“I’m a size 4 in that brand, I swear”
Who cares what clothing size you are? Really. When it comes down to it, does it matter? No. All that matters is that you look & feel your fiercest. I’ll admit, the first time I found out I wore an Australian size 12 I was a little taken aback, considering in North America I’m usually a 6 or an 8. But at the end of the day, it’s just a size. And if Aaliyah says that “age ain’t nothing but a number,” then I think we can apply that theory to clothing sizes too.
“I’m just not into designer shoes & bags”
Let’s face it, this one has fashion fibs written all over it. Of course you’re into designer shoes & bags! How could you not be? There’s something for everyone. For example, YSL has the fiercest animal prints bags that I’ve been lusting after for eons. But can I afford them? No. Sometimes it’s easier to just say you’re not interested in something to avoid talking about the real issue: money. Come on girlfriend, those bags aren’t an easy purchase! If you really want one, start a savings account or learn how to shop them for less.
“Ugh, yeah I feel ugly too”
This fashion fib is so toxic. If your fashionista friend is feeling gross about the way she looks one night, the worst thing you can do is try to relate to her by saying that you look bad too. This only continues the negative cycle! Instead, why not try to show her the fierce female you know she is and compliment her? After all, we need at least five fabulous compliments per day to make us feel good about ourselves. (Disclaimer: I totally just made up that stat, but five compliments can’t hurt.)
What fashion fibs are you guilty of?
All photos by Evangeline Davis.