I’ve Never Gotten a Compliment on My Outfit
December 4, 2022
Writer: Brooke Edelman
Editor: Ava Tomlin
To be frank: fashion is not my thing. I never worry about what I’m wearing in the morning until moments before I leave my room, and typically, my biggest concern is ensuring I don’t have visible sweat stains, not if the outfit matches or if it aligns with the latest fashion trends.
For context, my entire wardrobe consists of lounge wear. When shopping, I gravitate toward the comfiest sweatpants rather than the statement pieces, and when I’m with a friend, we instinctively split up at the doors of the store: they go straight to the hot new styles, and I head for the first pair of sweats I can find. No amount of sweatshirts or sweatpants is too many, right? Well, I’ve learned that the answer to this question isn’t always “yes”. As my mom always says, “It doesn’t hurt to have some real clothes.” People take pride in their real outfits since looking put together builds confidence. It’s the old adage: when you look good, you feel good.
I tend to think the opposite: when you feel good, you look good. Do I appear like I’m ready to conquer the day in an old sweatshirt and sweatpants with my hair tossed up in a clip? Probably not. But I do know that I’ll be much happier and more confident in a pair of yoga pants than in any pair of jeans.
For my fashionable friends and peers, I both admire and appreciate how you own your more-than-loungewear outfits and radiate confidence. I am grateful for the effort you put into your style because just by looking at you, people feel inspired. And boy, do I appreciate you! Although I may not do it for myself, I’ll let you pick out an outfit for me anytime. If I ever do receive a compliment on your outfit that I’m wearing, I will refer it back to you in a heartbeat.
Thanks to the fashionistas that surround me, I get to give compliments that have meaning. If you compliment me in my sweats, I’ll be flattered, but I’ll also promptly dismiss it. Those compliments can never compare to the ones that people truly deserve. I’m not sure that throwing on an oversized sweatshirt is worthy of your attention, but the outfit you have carefully created deserves the spotlight. I find joy in letting people know that the extra effort they put forth is worthwhile because not only do they look great, but their vibe is great, and that vibe is wonderfully contagious.
Even though no one is “obsessed with my outfit", I still walk on the runway of life with my head held high. I’ve learned that there is a certain beauty in giving — rather than receiving — compliments. Giving compliments sends a notification to someone, different from the ordinary: you are seen. I don’t know how your day has been by the time I let you know I like those jeans or that sweater, but I know that for that one minute: all is good. You may have had a bad day, but at least one thing went right. When I give a compliment, I am fueling someone else's soul: I bring a smile to someone’s face. And, I’m happy to do it in my sweatpants, sweatshirts, and smile.
