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Fashion and Film Collide: Reflection Essay
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Now that my externship at National Geographic’s “All Roads” Film Festival has ended, I want to briefly reflect upon what I learned from my project, “Fashion and Film Collide.” I just spent five days documenting my outfits, from head to toe, and have a few comments to make.
Like previous projects, such as “Eleven Weeks in Eclectic Elegance” or “Adventures on Two Feet,” this project heightened my awareness of my personal style. More than ever, I am acutely aware of my preferences in terms of fashion. Luxurious fabrics and interesting details work for me. In an age where numerous styles are available—from surfer to preppy to punk rock to romantic Goth to neo-Victorian to Emo to Afro-centric and so many more—it’s important to learn how to discriminate. After all, you can’t buy everything in sight (and even if you had that much money, you shouldn’t spend it so frivolously.) I did notice how quickly my hair frustrated me; I wasn’t especially creative about styling it and am seriously set to cut it after I finish my latest student film (the character I am playing has long hair, just as I do. Since the movie is already half-way shot, I can’t go out and cut it. Talk about what a major continuity that would be.)
Knowing how to look professional in today’s increasingly casual world requires time and consideration. I tried to mix a healthy dose of both as I dressed for my externship this week. I chose my outfits the previous night so I would not rush the next morning and select an ensemble I would later regret. I also ensured that I had back-ups in case I spilled food or toothpaste on my clothes before I headed out the front door of my house. But I still question some of my judgment during this past week. A few of my choices were probably better suited for outside the office. I wonder, for instance, if the blue-green boots I wore on Tuesday were entirely appropriate for a work environment. They aren’t exactly subtle shoes. The only reassurance I received that the shoes were fine was when a receptionist complimented me on them. Somehow, I did not feel entirely convinced. I know that in a more formal office, the boots would not have been acceptable but, thankfully, “All Roads” exudes a creative atmosphere.
This project has also made me more observant about what looks superlative, whether you have that coveted corner office or a cubicle. My best advice for dressing professionally is this: groom yourself, honor the rules of modesty, choose flattering fits and colors, tone down the accessories, let your personality shine through, and wear shoes you can walk in. On several occasions throughout my experiences as an intern from places such as the Smithsonian American Art Museum to Washingtonpost.Newsweek Interactive, I have seen people who simply did not appear clean. Others, not quite as extreme, looked too frazzled to concentrate on their work (of course, they may have been looked frazzled BECAUSE of their work, but not many bosses want to hear about how overwhelmed you feel, either.) Always remember to brush your hair, floss your teeth, and clean up stains on your shirt or pants to make a good impression. As for all of my other suggestions, my ultimate point is to look presentable while feeling comfortable.
Before I finish this post, though, I would like to thank my sisters, Nina and Helen Stoddard, for taking photographs for this project. As I am sure many of my readers agree, the visual aspect of “Fashion and Film Collide” showed what my words failed to paint. I would also like to thank everyone who followed this project; I hope that it entertained and informed you in more ways than one.
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