Why do we label everyone who expresses an opinion as an "[X] Nazi"? Is this all because of the Seinfeld show's "Soup Nazi" character? He wasn't even expressing opinions. He was just overly aggressive about maintaining discipline among his customers. Joan Rivers was really more of a fashion Nazi than anyone I can think of but even she was nothing like a Nazi.
Nazism was a very evil political movement built on racism and fantasy theories that had no basis in science or good sense. Nazis use fear and terror to dominate other people and they pretend to serve some higher purpose but they are just low-life scum who squander the gifts God gave them on stupidity.
But not to dwell on Nazis, I want to make the point that people who hold rigid opinions about fashion are entitled to do so. Some of them even know what they are talking about. Fashion is not just about impressing people with your wealth. It's better described as presenting yourself in the best light possible on any occasion. I think you're overdressed if you are the most expensively dressed person in the room.
There are some people who just try to make the best of their appearance without being gaudy and extravagant. You can easily find examples of simple fashion advice that doesn't demand overbearing attire or invite ridicule. A good fashion commentary simply explains what works and what does not; I think where Joan Rivers annoyed people was that her commentary often sounded mean and petty.
One of the most interesting tidbits I have ever come across about fashion is that an old saying, "The clothes make the man", goes all the way back to Greco-Roman times. Now that is fitting.
Another fashion item that has always intrigued me is the idea that you should not wear white after Labor Day. I suppose there was a historical reason for it but I remember watching Kathy Ireland explain why it was okay when I was a kid. She was in a television commercial for something.
There are indeed people who defend wearing white after Labor Day, and to be honest I think this is an American argument. Mental Floss traces the tradition back to post-Civil War US aristocracy, who needed new social rules to make themselves feel important.
I don't know if that history lesson is correct but it is certainly interesting reading. And, really, if that is the reason why women were told not to wear white after Labor Day it was a stupid reason all along. Maybe they were not Nazis but the fashionistas who decided what should or should not be worn after a date on the calendar should have found better things to do with their lives.
That is my opinion. Take it or leave it.
A blog celebrating life and personal achievement. A place to share my thoughts and my interests.
