Don’t you look beautiful today?
Don’t you look beautiful today? She asked and nodded appreciatively as she passed me on the aisle at work. I was on my way to fill my water bottle and start my day. Since the days are warmer and I feel the lightness of Spring in my step, I usually tend to wear clothes that are brighter, lighter and vibrant. Think Indian.
Attired in a bright red bandini style kurta paired with an off white salwar, I never really gave much thought to how I would be perceived by others. For that matter, how much clothes make a person. It was nice to be complimented first thing in the morning, but I can’t help wondering for every person that thinks it looks nice that there are a few people who feel it is out of place. Or even unprofessional. The place I work for does not have a dress code that is enforced. It is common to see people in shorts and sleeveless tops come Spring. While it does not bother me much, there are times when I have felt a dress code would have been nice.
It is any wonder that we struggle to assimilate and become mainstream? I wish I could be comfortable in my skin as is. To not have to pause a minute to think if I should stick my bindi on or not. To wonder what color socks would work for that indeterminate color pant I am to wear for the day. Growing up in an environment where anything was passe’ this new rigor of trying to conform takes its toll at times. And I wonder.
Email This Post | April 23rd, 2008 | Tags: Bindi, Blending in, Desi, Dress code, Immigrant, Salwar | Category: Desi, Inner Voice, Life, Musings, People, Ramblings, Routine, Social, Spring, US, Work, reflections |
10 comments
Oh ya.. totally agree. I watch all the ads on Sun TV, and miss the colorful outfits. I am so fed up of wearing black trousers and light colored shirts to work. Even more bored of black trouser socks and those stupid black shoes.
Aaaahh! The wonders traditional Indian clothes can do! :–)) I was taken aback the first time a girl said I looked pretty at Church. I realized it was bcos of the Salwar I was wearing.
@Rekha: Absolutely with you on that! Stupid black shoes LOL :0
Compliments does do wonders to the pysche.
@SK:
Salwar gets you compliment. alright! I guess people are bored of seeing the same colors and patterns - any change is good
Somehow I never wear salwars to work, although I do wear Indian-style kurtis.
agree with you all..man..bored of all the tops/T shirts here. It is so hard to find one that is different or unique. Akay, me too - no salwars to work..coz I am the only Indian..as such deserted socially.Indian kurtas go well with any pants.jeans..so I like them.
I love your concluding thoughts. This dilemma does show its face in different ways too (not always to do with attire).
On another note: I wish you a wonderful Spring!
(We’re into Autumn here in OZ,.. althought the weather is still warm and sunny,. .we know that cold days are just around the corner….). I’m ready.
oh I love clothes, with the four seasons, I think we have plenty of choice here in the west…a style for every season…east or west, i am a shopaholic when it comes to clothes
‘Growing up in an environment where anything was passe’ this new rigor of trying to conform takes its toll at times.’
Hey, I’ve so noticed it with my husband’s family … they really don’t care much about clothes … however, my family always has been particular about the ways of dressing. It’s quite interesting to see how my grandma remarks to my husband that he should wear close toed shoes because sandals are for the uncivilized.
He doesn’t agree of course. Gradually, I am making him agree too. He no longer is allowed to wear sandals unless it’s with casuals. 
Thankfully so.
As I’ve mentioned million times before but you might’ve forgotten, he’s telugu and i am not.
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