Quick Questions for Those who Either Are or Are NOT into Fashion

I have always enjoyed fashion and not fads. Comfort and presentable are whats important to me now.
It does depend on what I'm doing at the time.

Growing up it was pretty important to me to fit in like most teens. I did not necessarily need the certain brand of clothing, but I had my own style. I wanted to look nice. I never really tried to fit in with the popular crowd nor did I wish to dress just like them.

As an adult, I still like to dress appropriately and look nice. I want to look clean and pressed at work. I definitely think it makes an impression in the work place. They say to dress for the job you want not the job you currently have. I try to do that. It is certainly noticed by management in my company.

Hmm... When I was a teen, I had enough trouble just trying to have clothes that fit, that fashion wasn't even on my radar. Everything I had was something that was given to us, hand-me-downs. I don't think we were actually that poor, it was more mom's mentality.

Now, I have a strong sense of what *I* like and am comfortable in, and follow that, paying no attention to fashion or trends.

I tend to think people who have to frequently redo their wardrobe to match the latest fashion and judge others who don't are shallow, and unfortunate in that they haven't caught on to the fact that fashions change primarily to make money for an industry.

I am more distrustful a person in a suit than I am someone with long hair and holes in their jeans. However, unless someone is extreme somehow in how they dress I rarely notice. It's more what a person is about that matters to me.

Right now I am "bfing mom casual" - baggy or flowing tops that lend easily to nursing in public without showing skin. When I am not a milch cow, I like long flowing comfortable clothes in hippy or oriental themes. ;)

I was the rebel that went against most fashion trends... I am still a little bit of that rebel... I loved Doc Martins (black and white faces on mine) and I still wear them from time to time!!! I dress for my comfort most of the time... If I need to dress for an occassion I will dress appropriately with my own little twist... All in all, fads fade and are a waste of money... The classics stay classic..
Growing up taught me that you can take the classics and throw in a few trendy things from time to time... If people judge me for how I dress, I try not to let it bother me... Sometimes it is hard, but I am ME-wonderful, fun loving, FREE, quirky, goofy, kind, caring, and compassionate ME... So get past the clothes people-they don't have any bearing on who or what I am on the inside!!!

1. There were certain things I wanted to wear (i.e. Coke Shirts--remember those?). By the end of HS I just tried to find my own fashion way. A lot of black and vests. My parents didn't let me wear jeans to school, except for Fridays, so I kinda had to work with what I was given. I think I probably looked a bit like ducky from 16 Candles or Pretty in Pink, or one of those movies. Lots of vests and loud shirts.

2. It certainly matters to an extent. I try to buy things that will go with a lot. I still don't really wear jeans. I buy a lot on sales. I'd rather spend more, though, on something that's going to last than on something that I'll only wear for a year before it is out of style. Never pay more that $20 for clam diggers is a good rule. :)

3. I think it's about self expression. What you wear says a lot about how you want to be seen by others.

4. See above. It doesn't have to be expensive at all; but is there thought to what they are putting together, is there a sense of who they are in what they are wearing. I work in academia which is known for some true fashion disasters. I mean, run a brunsh through your hair once in a while. I have one prof that wears jeans or cords with tshirts with a sports jacket almost every day. And looks great. It's simple and it's authentic to him. But there are folks who look like they were blindfolded while getting dressed. I think they want to message to be they are too intellectual to care about the ephemera of fashion, but it also says, on some level, they don't care too much about themselves or don't have respect for what they are doing to make any effort. Tim Gunn actually wrote a great article about faculty fashion in a higher ed journal recently, very funny and right on.

5. I like fun shoes. I like layers, partially for practical reasons--heating and cooling are very unpredictable here. And clothes that fit well. There are some things that are more timeless (a good, thin, black sweater; a blue blazer; nice khakis) And there are some things that I keep for sentimental reasons (shirts that I still own from middle school; a skinny, red leather tie) that I only really break out for 80s parties.

1. I am a teen and I wear what I want when I want regardless of what others say is "in"...so do most of the people in my school. The only people really concerned with fashion are the people that others call "preps" (personally I don't like labels).

2. I still don't care much about fashion...I shop second hand most of the time and I openly admit it. The only thing I try to do is buy clothes that flatter my shape and make me look thinner. I want to look good, of course.

4. Fashion doesn't really affect my view of people...I don't really care either way. All of my friends dress in different styles and I love them all for who they are. That's why it really annoys me that my one friend is starting to get on her boyfriend to change what he wears because she doesn't like it even though some of our mutual friends dress that way.

5. I wear all kinds of things. Sometimes I like to dress up in a nice dress or skirt, even if I'm not doing anything, because that's the mood I'm in. Other days I dress down. Most days I'm right in the middle.

When I was a kid, I had to fit in with the crowd. That was of utmost importance. If everyone was wearing it, I had to be just like everyone.

Today, I do my own thing. I take some direction from trendy fashion, but not as much as the younger crowd. An occasional and cheap trendy piece is all I need. Something I can throw out later.

I may wear a suit on Monday and torn jeans on Tuesday. I love wearing my ripped jeans with sneakers, an expensive silk blouse, a jacket and pearls.

I like whatever I like. I don't care if anyone else does. I try not to judge by someone's clothes, but I think it's almost impossible not to. What one wears tells us enormous amounts of things about that person.

I like it casual. Jeans and whatever goes on top for the day. I have about 60 pair of shoes, but the majority are flats. I want to be comfortable, yet kitschy and a bit eccentric.

1. When you were a teen, were you into wearing certain kinds of clothing or not? Did fasion matter to you or were you into being a rebel, not going with the crowd, not fitting in with your peers?

Absolutely. I grew up in the era of Mary Quant, Barbara Hulaniki (Biba). Trips to London and the King's Road and Carnaby Street specifically were a real treat!

2. What about now? Does fashion matter to you? How much? Enough to want clothes that fit, are flattering but inexpensive....or enough so that you actively seek the latest trends and try to keep up?

Not the 'latest' trends, but I do keep up with fashion (for my age group) and spend an inordinate amount of money on shoes and handbags -eg Manol Blanik shoes and Mulberry handbags.

3. If fashion and being in style don't matter to you now, did it ever? What changed your opinion?
N/A
4. Do you pay attention to what others wear? Do you judge them by the clothes they wear? Does a guy or woman in dressy or stylish clothes give you a better impression than one in sweat pants or other clothes? In short, how much doe fashion affect your view of someone?

It's not fashion, per se - more a sense that a person looks after themselves and their clothes, eg polished shoes, matching colours, etc.

5. Finally, what brand or style of clothing do you prefer, if you have any?
I like well-cut, well-made clothes. The labels don't matter so much, but I like Betty Barclay, Coast and other British design houses.

Ooops, Manolo Blahnik - spelling mistake!

First off, those are not quick questions!

I will ponder and come back:)

If I hadn't had to grow up in the '80s, which has to have been the worst fashion decade in the history of clothing, I might never have come into my own style, so the horror of being in school back then has actually done me some good. I was insanely thin and nothing fit, so instead of looking fashionable I looked funky. I would've fit right into a John Hughes movie. Now I do the same thing and instead of being a weird kid I get a lot of compliments on things I wear together because they suit me well (no pun intended). I don't especially have any use for designer labels, although occasionally Lucky has some good stuff, and while I'm very into shoes (hi, Ina!), they're not designer shoes, they're usually boots. The styles that come out every year are of no use to me; I have my own look.

1. When you were a teen, were you into wearing certain kinds of clothing or not?
First, I guess that I should add that I went to an all girls Catholic school and we wore uniforms.
We were still all about fashion though. There were still a lot of options ie. what shoes to wear with that ugly windowpane skirt, etc. There were also many "free dress" days and those were always a nightmare. It was a fashion show of brand names and having just the right look. I swear, those days and the nights before them were spent in tears. I didn't really have my own style yet and my mother was no help in that area. I was always afraid that my outfit wouldn't quite measure up. I was pretty into it, but there were many that were down right obsessed with it. I remember that the only jeans that you could possibly wear were Guess and you were really popular if you had the new coordinated Esprit or Benetton outfits.
Most of us were what I would call preppies, but there was a lot more originality in the local public schools that some of my friends attended. I know that I read Vogue, Seventeen, Glamour, etc. cover to cover as soon as I got it in my hot little hands:)

2. What about now?
I have changed a lot. While I still consider myself pretty "in the know", I don't actually wear most of it. It just isn't flattering, isn't worth the expense, and I like a bit less skin showing.
Also, I have changed geographic locations. What is in in LA, just doesn't fly here on the Central Coast. We are more of a jeans and hiking boots kind of place and if I were to wear the latest Calvin, I would look like a complete Yahoo! It really isn't a dress up kind of place. I am more of a ....I don't know what you would call it.....classic dresser?? Picture Khakis and a Polo shirt or anything from the Gap and you got me.
The other thing that has mellowed me out a lot about fashion is the sizes and fit. I have a really hard time finding clothes that fit little own are in style. I am tall, but skinny, yet have a pretty good size bust and just finding size one or zero long jeans is a big challenge. For the past few years I have resorted to buying really unflattering boys Levis' for example. (and those aren't much easier to find, you try finding a 26X32!)


3. If fashion and being in style don't matter to you now, did it ever? What changed your opinion?
I sort of answered some of this above, but I will add a bit.....I was super obsessed with fashion during my early to mid 20's. I was a Liz rep at Macy's and let's just say that my wardrobe was vast!

4. Do you pay attention to what others wear?
I think that I do pay attention somewhat to what others are wearing. It is by no means, my final judgement on someone though.
I notice the obvious, someone call the fashion police, errors and snicker when someone is over dressed. I think the thing that I notice the most though, is when an older person is a little to into it and has lost all common sense. You know the ones, the 50 year olds that are wearing halter tops design for a 17 YO or something like that.


5. Finally, what brand or style of clothing do you prefer, if you have any?
My family has been called "The Gap" family on a number of occasions. I like the plain, classic, fully clothed look:)

Thanks for this, it was fun to go into the way back machine a bit. I know that what instigated this was your teen. Be assured, she is completely normal and honestly, to a teen, having the latest can really make a difference.

i enjoy fashion

got no use for it for me.... it mattered to my kids when they were teenagers though.... and I guess still does to some extent

Growing up, fashion was important to me. I had to have all the designer and en vogue clothing.

Now, I could care less about fashion. I think growing older different things become important in your life. Obviously when you are young, being hip and with it are extremely important. Those things just don't matter in my life now.

Well, I do pay attention to what other people wear, yes, but some of those outyfits, which look fabulous on someone usualy would look crappy on me. I think some styles are not ment or are not flattering to all people. Know what I mean? As an example, while those low riding hip jeans might look great on a friend of mine, I would look absolutely horrible in them. Plus, I would keep pulling my pants up all the time cause they would feel like they were falling off my butt.

With that said, I typically don't judge a person by what they are wearing, but in a professional situation what you wear DOES matter. You know what they say... dress for success. I do believe people respond better to a well dressed person than a frumpy person in this regard.

I think the best way to describe my personal clothing tastes now is laid back. I love loose, comfy clothing. LL Bean, Lands End and Coldwater Creek usually have a lot of styles I like nowadays.

Hope I answered all your questions. Don't forget that you were selected as a PW this week. So was I BTW :)

fashion has never been important to me, comfort is important.

1. never into trends and fashions. Flannel shirt and jeans, of basic dress shirt tie and dress pants...
2. As long as it covers my body they are fine, Walmart reduced rack, Goodwill, and yard sales.
3. Never mattered at all.
4. Depends on situation. I do not judge people by the clothing but understand at times we should follow social standards like in court wear your best, at a funeral the widow most likely should not wear a red bikini, and suntanning in a raincoat has a bad result.

Also when your at work, you represent your employer, at times you might wear an uniform and represent a town, state, school..then you should be aware of what others think of your dress and actions.

Cyber= My mother is 63 and works out. If she feels like wearing a haltertop I say go for it. I enjoy seeing older and heavier people not be ashamed of themselves because others discriminate. 400 pound female in a bikini..let her go for it! 98 old in a pink minidress-why not?

(wow-answered that without even thinking about it)

Fashions are also fine, you can get quality name brands without paying an arm or leg.

not into fashion at all never was never will be - it is kind of a waste of money to buy trendy then you have to keep up what to do with all the fashions from last week?? no not my style!!!!

Marianne - I LOVE Coldwater Creek. I don't know if it is fashionable clothing or not but the styles really look good on me and I get a lot of compliments when I wear them.

My answer would be about the same as Nancy O. I never saw the sense in wasting money on clothes that would change with the weather and political climate. I like practical and comfortable. Same when I was a teen. My teens feel the same way. We're fine with hand-me-downs and donation stuff, Goodwill, garage sales, etc. I do like clean and neat, though.

Bev- My teens enjoy name brands and trends. However, on there own dollars. That has made them check the cost and seek cheaper outlets. Clearence sales, yard sales and internet specials. My son recently paid 140 for a pair of workboots which run about 230.

When I was a kid in the thirties and forties, wore cothes made by my grandmother out of flour sacks and they were beautiful, never knew the difference

I dressed well on my first jobs, because I worked in NYC, where during the forties you went with white gloves and a hat, or you didn't go there

When I had kids, I always looked nice as I sewed most of my own clothes, mostly because it was cheaper for us, but also because I enjoyed it very much

When I went back to work I wore one particular brand of clothes sold by the better department stores, a designer brand, only because they had tailored separates that I could mix and match and wore them for years, never went out of style, and bought them on sales so I could afford them, and now after being retired for 19 years, still wear a lot of them

Now in my senior years, I still like to look nice and wear the same designer but not as tailored, I wear very good shoes to keep my feet healthy and fit, I don't wear any heels now, no need to, and around the house I wear nice looking tees and slacks, who knows who might knock, lol.

I'm out of fashin I know as I fart.

Richard - I'm still pondering the depth of that statement but I can't quite get to the end of it....

1. When you were a teen, were you into wearing certain kinds of clothing or not? Did fasion matter to you or were you into being a rebel, not going with the crowd, not fitting in with your peers?-----------------

I DID GET INTO certain types of clothing around age 12. Back then (and in my city) it was name brand jeans, Nike tennis shoes & Vans.
Later I combined several styles and make them my own.

2. What about now? Does fashion matter to you? How much? Enough to want clothes that fit, are flattering but inexpensive....or enough so that you actively seek the latest trends and try to keep up? -----------

NOW....LOL.....I like some things that you could call "in style", but seriously combine that with comfort and what I LIKE....(and only me) rofl



3. If fashion and being in style don't matter to you now, did it ever? What changed your opinion? --------------

My opinion changed when I stopped caring about being cool. It was a realization
that I am cool the way I am. ( and being unique is fun)

4. Do you pay attention to what others wear? Do you judge them by the clothes they wear? Does a guy or woman in dressy or stylish clothes give you a better impression than one in sweat pants or other clothes? In short, how much does fashion affect your view of someone?------------------

Sometimes I pay attention, sometimes I do not. I don't judge. Some people look good in the clothes they wear. Their personal style fits them. This goes for guys too.
Fashion does not effect my view of someone, although it seemed to as a teen.

5. Finally, what brand or style of clothing do you prefer, if you have any? If you are into all sorts of styles, maybe you don't have a particular favorite. For me, that would be my jeans that fit and flatter and are great for everyday wear when I have a nice sweater and shoes. THey go with both athletic shoes and heels and boots. -----------
I do not prefer any one style, store or brand.
I like something thats pretty & comfortable. Jeans when I am in the mood. I like to pair them with dressy tops.
I like to combine skirts & casual shirts. It all depends on mood & of course, where I am going.
Great questions!

A few days late and a few dollars short but here are my answers:

1. When you were a teen, were you into wearing certain types of clothing or not?

I was a fashion queen. Having lived in Europe off and on in between my high school years (74-77), I was ahead of my time in style and fashion and was ALWAYS the first to wear the newest stuff!! It didn't hurt either that one of my good friends owned a clothing boutique back then and he would give me clothes to refer friends to his shop.

2. What about now? Does fashion matter to you?

Now fashion is not as important to me as is showing a classic style and dress fashionably and not faddish. I do keep up with the newest looks in styles particularly in footwear, handbags, hairstyles, particular colors for the particular seasons or particular years.

3. If fashion and style don't matter to you now, did it ever? What changed your opinion?

Fashion isn't as important to me as much as style. I have my own style and do not follow what everyone else is doing. I have my own unique way of dressing which can never be mistaken for not being in style.

As for anything having changed my opinion, the only thing that has changed is my age and my figure is no longer a size 5...lol!

4. Do you pay attention to what others wear?

Yes. But, not in respect to what I wear or do not wear. Only in the respect that if someone is wearing something not particularly flattering I may think of something privately but then I think of some of the "wild" things I used to wear when I was younger and then I think again...

5. Finally, what brand or style of clothing do you prefer, if you have any?

I don't think that brand name is important. I used to only shop at Neiman's or at Sak's and used to only wear Karen Alexander dresses among so many other designers (whose dresses are still in my closet) but, that is no longer important to me. Its a matter of style and finesse and the way in which you carry yourself which is more important to me. Being classy comes first and foremost to me now.

I don't believe that clothes should be dictated by age, I believe that it should be in how you feel about you and not in what your attire says about you.

Thanks.

Egads! When I was a teenager all the girls were trying to do the Madonna thing. I just hated it and gave up. I prefered the Joan Jett look, but didn't even really do much there, either. Other than leather pants and tight concert t-shirts I wore to drag race in (and sneak into bars in), I didn't really try that much. Did I even own a dress? I don't remember. I think I might have had a couple of skirts.

My current job is centered around the nursing home construction industry. I have primarily been on one job for several weeks now. The painters were a bunch of young guys (much to the delight of all the female CNA's). None of them wore painters whites. I didn't care for it because nobody knew who they there. My point is, dress for the occasion.

To see somebody falling out of her blouse at work is in poor taste. We need to dress for where we are at. An evening out is the time to flaunt, not at work. We can look sharp without paying an arm and a leg. Good thrift stores can provide some very nice outfits without having to take out a loan.

To fork out huge dollars for clothes which will be "out of style" next year is foolish. I have a few friends whose closet resembles a store. They give the expression 'clothes horse' a whole new meaning. For what?

"Fashion" should never matter as much as your personal fashion. Just because everyone's wearing low-riding jeans and tight T-shirts doesn't mean you should if you weigh 300 pounds. Never let fashion override common sense.

I was really fascinated by high fashion in my teens--read Vogue, Glamour, Mademoiselle, Harper's Bazaar--but I didn't dress like that. Those clothes were for women over thirty. Once I went to college I wore skirts and sweaters and pumps to class, but on weekends I wore 501s and boots. Someone else mentioned the bad clothes of the 80s--I remember those pleated pants with tiny ankles, satin tuxedo blouses, lots of pink and black, and tiny polka dots. And the original Candies, my first spike heels.

Now: I live in Dockers, and nikes/reeboks/adidas/new balance, except when I'm wearing my converse all-stars. Sorry, Clinton and Stacey, I'll choose comfort over style any day.

Fashion...plllttt.
JK love the Clinton and Stacey referance.
School early 90's...t-shirt and jeans, a flannel or leather over it. Keds or Chuckies(but not the name brands of either)
After high school I did try for a time, spent a bit on name brands for work cloths. Prego with my son went back to t-shirts and jeans.
Now a decent assortment. Jeans still a few capri's cause it gets to hot for jeans. T-shirts and a few button ups. And a few more leathers than I probably need. Important to me, always comfy and look at least modern.

I would love to say I don't judge people by how they dress...but when a female walks past me with her clevage or bottom hanging out I want to smack her and tell her to put on some cloths. Same with males and the pants hanging at their knees.
I'm lucky to have a husband that if I ask do I look ok in this he is fully honest. A very cute short jacket the other day...he says doesnt look good on the waist, I put it back and found one a few inches longer...much better.
I actually love faded glory have since I was a teen...not a major name but like it nonetheless. I like TommyGirl perfume, it's probably my one true weakness for something expensive though I normally go for knockoffs that are so close in smell. I do love my Sketchers as well, first running shoe I owned and I even bought a pair for my son, his first name brand, new of anything.

Thanks, folks, one thing I wanted to add is my own dilemna about price and quality. I have some older clothes that still look new because they were so well-made. With few exceptions, I can not find long-lasting clothes below a certain price range, except in thrift stores, where brand names can be found that were made VERY well, better than many clothes today.

Anyone else feel this way?

Stacy - One pet peeve is "muffin tops" you know women who aren't even fat but wear such tight jeans that they have these "muffin tops" of skin hanging out, NOT an attractive look.

I always enjoyed what is not in fashion...I like to wear which is over...I love to go against the latest trends and that's I call fashion..I don't get afraid of using bright colors...I don't pay much attention the fashion but I go for what wiil look good on me..

I feel for the best outfit ...inner fashion shouldn't be ignored...:)

Inner fashion - good point!

LOL, I have never heard that term! Muffin Tops!

I see these all of the time on my BF's 19YO! I can't help it, it makes me wonder why she is wearing such an unflattering style. To me, it makes them look fat, when you are falling out of the top of your jeans.

I just bought a pair of Gap jeans at the thrift store last week. They are the low waisted ones that have a tendency to do that. They don't on me, but that is because I am under weight. The minute I see a muffin top, they are getting donated back!

See Jane and I'm not small and I have some tighter jeans, that's where the longer jackets and shirts are nice. I will keep my "muffin top" to myself.

Nothing makes me smile more then someone who isnt into what everyone else thinks. Women who have extra pounds and wants to show her "muffin top" should. Heck if she wants to sprinkle some sugar and spice..call it a scone..then its upto her and others should not make judgements.

Unflattering to one person might be very appealing to another. I know men who enjoy looking at larger women and perfer a woman of size.

Think it doesnt matter the size of the female, its the self confidence to wear what her hearts content that matters.

I also see no problem with someone falling out of the top if they work in sales with men. I know a car sales lady who uses her "assets" with men, and she slides on a sales coat with speaking with couples and women.

Fashion is an opinion

lots of diverse opinions here!

1. When you were a teen, were you into wearing certain kinds of clothing or not? Did fashion matter to you or were you into being a rebel, not going with the crowd, not fitting in with your peers?

No I didn't care what brands I wore...Fashion LOL My parents didn't know much & so therefore I didn't know much haha! And yeah I dressed ok, but not really...

2. What about now? Does fashion matter to you? How much? Enough to want clothes that fit, are flattering but inexpensive....or enough so that you actively seek the latest trends and try to keep up?

Nope I have 2 kids under the age of 3 & I seriously should be on the show WHAT NOT TO WEAR lol! I am worried I need to go shopping again cause my clothes are not fitting right... haha

3. If fashion and being in style don't matter to you now, did it ever? What changed your opinion?

Nope...I think because my parents didn't care then I didn't care. I mean I like to look nice at times, but since my kids are so little it is hard for me to even get dressed LOL!

4. Do you pay attention to what others wear? Do you judge them by the clothes they wear? Does a guy or woman in dressy or stylish clothes give you a better impression than one in sweat pants or other clothes? In short, how much doe fashion affect your view of someone?

Yeah & if someone is wearing something cute I will notice & be jealous LOL! Of course someone that dresses up is gonna look nicer and more presentable...

5. Finally, what brand or style of clothing do you prefer, if you have any? If you are into all sorts of styles, maybe you don't have a particular favorite. For me, that would be my jeans that fit and flatter and are great for everyday wear when I have a nice sweater and shoes. They go with both athletic shoes and heels and boots.

I do love Union Bay pants, but don't own any cause I am poor haha. I used to love Mudd jeans too...

When I was young, my mother either picked out my clothes or got them secondhand. As she is certifiable as someone with the 10th level of bad taste, I got laughed at alot. Fortunately, my nature puts popularity out of my reach, so it only bothered me a little (except when she insisted I wear this "Indian" jumper that looked like maternity wear - ugh!).

For a short time in college and post, when I had exceptional legs, I occasionally wore heels and short skirts, enjoying the attention I'd never had before. I spread however and heels were ALWAYS torture (my hats off to those gals who can wear them everyday). Jeans were tough on my knees since I have a weird knee defect. During my first pregnancy, I learned love soft knits, wear comfortable shoes. I try to wear clothes that suit me in colors that look good on me, but I don't give up comfort. Life's too short to chafe in uncomfortable places (Can you chafe in a comfortable place?). Fortunately, there are stores that provide comfortable clothing at reasonable prices. I don't pay more than $30 except for something extraordinary and, often, it's under $10.

Recognizing the way people dress and preen themselves is part of who they are, I do take note of modes of dress, etc. But I don't worry about designer and, in my case, where the quality of the work I do is what matters, rather than the way I interact with others, people who dress up all the time are less apt to impress me. People who are in the public eye (lawyers, etc) should be dressing nicer than regular people, in my opinion, and sometimes I'm critical, more if their clothes look bad on them than what's written on the label.

In general, I wear comfortable knit pants in dark colors, a large comfortable shirt in rayon or knit (preferable in black or a bright color), with T-shirts and shorts on the weekends. I wear sandals on the weekends and loafers at work. I don't wear makeup and don't get my hair done. My hair either hangs natural (free of gel or spray), is braided or pulled out of my eyes, depending on whether I need a haircut or not.

And that works for me.

1. When you were a teen, were you into wearing certain kinds of clothing or not? Did fasion matter to you or were you into being a rebel, not going with the crowd, not fitting in with your peers?

No, I came from a very poor abusive family so I was lucky to have decent clothes at all. A lot of clothes I had were donated to us and I was always thankful for them.

2. What about now? Does fashion matter to you? How much? Enough to want clothes that fit, are flattering but inexpensive....or enough so that you actively seek the latest trends and try to keep up?

Even today, fashion does not matter to me. I buy things that I think look good on me and I go for clothes that I find to be comfortable.

3. If fashion and being in style don't matter to you now, did it ever? What changed your opinion?

No, it hasn't ever mattered to me.

4. Do you pay attention to what others wear? Do you judge them by the clothes they wear? Does a guy or woman in dressy or stylish clothes give you a better impression than one in sweat pants or other clothes? In short, how much doe fashion affect your view of someone?

I can admire someone who I think dresses nicely or has something on that I like. I try not to judge people by the clothes they wear though.

5. Finally, what brand or style of clothing do you prefer, if you have any? If you are into all sorts of styles, maybe you don't have a particular favorite. For me, that would be my jeans that fit and flatter and are great for everyday wear when I have a nice sweater and shoes. THey go with both athletic shoes and heels and boots.

I don't really have a favorite brand name.

When I was a teen, like a lot of teens, I was desperate to "fit in." I knew that I never would--but as much as mom would let me, I would try to wear the trends of the time. I made a lot of my clothes then--and it was cheaper than buying in those days.

These days I have something of a daily wardrobe: pants, cotton or linen blouse for the summer--wool pants, sweater or silk blouse for the winter. My weekends are strictly jeans/shorts and t-shirts. Much to my mother's dismay, I don't really care what I look like anymore. I like to tell her it's her fault because she wouldn't let me start wearing makeup when I wanted or to start shaving my legs. Makeup is not an everyday occurence for me--I like to save it for special events--like my blow dryer and curling iron.

Let me add that I love What not to Wear and rarely miss an episode. I definitely know what I should be wearing, but I don't. I don't wear pleated pants anymore, though. And I have bought a couple of cute A-line skirts that I refer to as my Stacy London skirts.

1. Fashion has always mattered to me from the time I was 2 years old until now! LOL! Just ask my mother! I am 27 now and I think it will always matter to me. When I was a teen, I dressed up more than my peers did, and I kind of did my own thing.

2. Fashion still matters to me, but I don't follow every single trend there is. For example, I don't particularly like skinny jeans. I want to look my best always, and BTW, I am a major sale shopper! No buyer's remorse here! :0) Let me add that while fashion matters to me, I do believe in finding clothes that flatter and it's important to be modest. I want to honor the LORD with how I dress.

4. I LOVE fashion, so yes, I do pay attention to what people wear, but judging someone's personality or character on the basis of their clothing is superficial. With that said, I still think it's a good idea to put your best foot forward in all situations.

5. I love clothing from Express, The Limited, and New York & Company! I find at those stores the clothing flatters me. I have a hard time finding pants that fit, since I am kind of on the tall side and thin, but if I go to one of those stores, I can always find something to fit me. However, I find myself shopping more at New York & Company because the prices are less expensive. New York & Company has very classy clothes and they're priced just right. They have the best sales on earth, as far as I am concerned. I love the fact that they have pants in a variety of different lengths. As for my favorite clothes to wear, I love wearing my running shorts, tank tops, or warm-up suits, since I am always in training for a marathon or some other race. I do love my Levi's Bootcut or Flare-legged jeans. I also love capris, bermuda shorts, palazzo pants, and fitted t-shirts. Whenever I wear jeans, I dress them up. Yes, jeans are casual, but I always dress them up! :0) I NEVER wear jeans and sneakers together! I probably dress more like the French do! I only reserve my athletic clothes for when I am working out!

Sending a 10 your way!