Uniforms
On styles that endure — like it or not
“If you had to wear a ‘uniform,’ what would it look like?”
My friend Allison (you met her a couple weeks ago!) shared an Instagram video in our group chat recently that made me seriously question the “evolution” of my style.
While I didn’t own that (godforsaken) owl pendant, the long statement necklace has had a hold on my style for at least the last 15 years. I owned this look in the early 2000s — I wore long necklaces with everything from vintage tees to sexy minidresses — but I’m still werking it today. I mean literally today — right this minute I’m wearing a turtleneck sweater with a long pendant necklace that my husband says looks the tooth of a sabertooth tiger.
So while I wouldn’t say I’ve ever had a “uniform,” the long necklace is the element that’s endured most in my personal style history.
When I was looking for photos to illustrate this essay I even stumbled upon this picture I took of barbell necklaces (probably for my very dear friend who is a personal trainer, though much more of a short-necklace gal).
I think the thing about a long necklace, for me, is that it can perform such a wide variety of tasks — it can add a little fun, it can break up a solid color, it can add dimension, and it can pull an outfit together. The main thing, though, is that my necklaces just make me feel good — even when I’m exhausted and have dried food on my clothes and my hair needs desperately to be washed. They give me a little more oomph and confidence as I present myself to the world.
When I started looking into the history of pendants, I learned that ancient Egyptians, Greeks (hello to my ancestors!), and Romans wore charms and pendants to ward off evil. In their earliest forms, pendants — or talismans — were worn for protection. And in other eras, they symbolized power and authority. While I’m not trying to channel any imperial/colonizer power with my chains, I do feel a certain sense of “I’ve got this”-ness when I wear a long necklace.
The added bonus now is my son really likes to grab and chew them. Style + mom-ing = the perfect accessory.
What’s your “uniform”?