I’ve noticed that there’s a lot of black and dark clothing worn on the streets in Europe, and this probably happens in the colder parts of the US too. I get why this is the case. Dressing for cold weather can be tricky, and black is practical – it doesn’t show stains much and goes with everything. Personally, I often wear black when I’m in The Netherlands during winter.
But I’m curious whether there’s another reason we all tend to dress similarly. Even in summer, while there’s slightly more color, people still generally don’t stand out much.
Why do we feel the need to blend in so much? Are we afraid to stand out? This behavior starts early. I see it in my cousin, who, like other teenagers, prefers to dress just like her peers. I did the same when I was young, and many of us don’t outgrow this stage. It’s rare to see someone on the streets who really stands out.
By standing out, I don’t mean wearing something outrageous or having a wild haircut. It could be as simple as wearing an outfit that catches the eye for its subtle differences. For example, someone might pair neutrals in a unique way, use interesting textures and patterns, or mix in a pop of color. It’s about creating a great silhouette, having a distinctive hairstyle, or accessorizing well.
It’s surprising how few people stand out in their clothing choices, but the ones who do manage it through their confidence and how they present themselves. So, why do we choose to blend in so much? Don’t we want to show a bit of our personality through our clothes?
It’s possible to dress comfortably and fit in without losing our sense of style. Confidence and self-awareness are key. When we know our style and dress to please ourselves, it matters less what others think. Over the years, I’ve become more confident in my style. Even though I prefer neutral colors, I try to add an edge to my outfits – maybe a pop of color, an interesting accessory, or an unusual cut.
Do you feel confident enough to wear what you want, or do you worry about blending in and what others think? Personally, if I lived in a colder country, I’d definitely own a few colorful coats. Now that I’m over 40, I feel more daring and sure of myself. So, instead of becoming invisible as we age, let’s use our confidence to stand out and express our personality through our style. You might find that dressing with a bit more flair brings more joy and possibly more connections into your life. Let’s make the streets more interesting and beautiful together!
I’d love to hear your thoughts. Do you feel confident in your style, or do you prefer blending in?
