Essays
Aging, but Make It Fashion
The fashion industry’s fascination with older models doesn’t impress me, a 55-year-old woman, very much.
The Death of the Plain Preppy Sneaker
As colorful, hypebeast-y sneakers rise in popularity, not all men’s shoes are enjoying the same surge.
Navigating the Intensely Gendered World of Hair Salons When You’re Queer
Companies like You + Sundry are trying to make the experience a whole lot less harrowing.
Searching for Souvenirs at Dollywood
The Dolly Parton theme park in Tennessee has more knickknacks, clothes, and commemorative trinkets than you can imagine.
How My Sister Found (and Lost) My Wedding Dress
"If there’s ever a good reason to buy a wedding dress, it’s because your little sister told you that you wouldn’t."
Why Do We Photograph Wedding Dresses on Hangers?
It’s a somewhat eerie trend that’s only growing in popularity.
Who Cares, Make Yourself a Gift Registry
They’re perfect for breakups, birthdays, and any time you want to tell the world exactly what it should buy you.
An Interview With the Woman Who Sold Me Her Wedding Dress
More brides than ever before are buying secondhand wedding dresses — including me.
Beyoncé and Jay-Z’s “Apeshit” Video Shows Black Bodies in Art — and in Control
The couple took over the Louvre, and in doing so, took over the narrative.
Saying Goodbye — and Thank You — to Kate Spade
A tribute from a former employee and forever fan.
I Love Fashion, but Fashion Doesn’t Love Me Back
The power of dressing and self-expression is often denied to women who wear above a certain size.
This Is the Coolest Engineering in This Year’s Met Gala Gowns
Events like the Met Gala showcase the inextricable relationship between fashion and science.
Everyone Should Own a House Party Hosting Outfit
Practicality is NOT INVITED.
The Encoded Racist Messages of Skin Care Marketing
When what’s being sold is "brightening," it can sound suspiciously like "whitening."
The Unexpected Confidence Boost of a Burlesque Costume
The magic of burlesque isn’t in what you don’t wear; it’s in what you do.
Shopping Is Still Segregated
As gentrification spreads in midsize cities, the divide between shoppers grows even greater.
I Made a Massive Spreadsheet of All My Clothes
The real numbers behind my wardrobe.
Frida Kahlo, All the Cool Girls, and Me
The Mexican painter’s image has been appropriated for style, but not her politics.
What It’s Like to Shop When You Can’t Shop in a Store
It’s a lot more complicated than simply going online.
How ‘Jersey Shore’ Killed the Guido Aesthetic
Soon after Snooki and the Situation made the rest of the country aware of the tri-state area look, it started to disappear.
Everything Could Use a Sweater
Even beer bottles, books, and rocks.
The Glitzy Evolution of the Age-Old Irish Dance Dress
I grew up wearing ornate velvet to my competitions, and barely recognize some of the designs today.
Ear Piercing Wasn’t a Coming-of-Age Ritual for Me
Pop culture has mostly ignored that many girls of color get pierced as babies.
The Top-Rated Sweatpants on Amazon Made Me Feel Less Alone
During a particularly dark time, I turned to the hive mind of online reviewers to make decisions for me.
How Many Pairs of Jeans Do You Really Need?
Now that I can buy jeans whenever I want, how many pairs constitute a proper wardrobe, and where does my collection cross the line into hoarding?
I’m a Male Model, and I’m Coming Forward About Bruce Weber
My experience with the famous fashion photographer was similar to that of many others.
Androgyny Shouldn’t Just Be for Thin People
A step forward in body diversity makes it all the more noticeable when yours is the shape that’s still not being served.
Vintage Olympics Merch Helps Connect Me to My Roots
As a child of South Korean immigrants, I’ve gotten addicted to collecting kitschy gear that commemorates my parents’ country.
I Can’t Shake the Guilt of Buying Expensive Things
No matter how much money I have (or don’t).
Courtney Love’s Versace Makeover Felt Like Betrayal
At least to me, a 12-year-old Nirvana and Hole fan figuring out who I was.
I Grew Up Poor, But Wanted to Dress Like I Wasn’t
The unspoken codes of social class aren’t taught to everyone.
I Was a Dress Historian Who Couldn’t Get Dressed
While in recovery for an eating disorder, I found myself drawn to the academic side of clothing.