Like most people in this day in age, I subscribe to multiple social media accounts. Social media is an easy way to share thoughts, ideas, and quotes. This past year, I’ve seen peers share quotes on Twitter and Facebook where they compare their style to people without homes.
I’ve also seen girls post pictures of themselves without makeup on Instagram, more than once I’ve seen the captions say, “Sorry I look homeless,” or something similar, hoping that someone will comment, praising them for how brave they are for posting a makeup-less picture for the all the internet to see. What a brave soul they must have.
There is something unnerving to me about these types of statements. When girls are referring to their style as homeless they generally mean an oversized, yet stylish plaid shirt, white Converse shoes that cost about $35 to $55 depending on where you’ve gotten them, and some leggings from Nike or Victoria Secret. Also, note that these clothes are clean due to access to an automatic washer and dryer and an abundance of laundry detergent.
Chances are, your average homeless teenage girl isn’t looking to be chic from her choice of clothing. The clothes on her body are meant for survival, not a statement of fashionable comfort. So, to the girl who refers to her style as homeless, I’ve come up with some alternate, yet accurate statements that you could use.
1. I either look like a glamorous reality star or I look like a lumberjack who hasn’t cut down a tree in their life. There is no in between.
2. I either look really made up or like a 2012 hipster. There is no in between.
3. I either wear plaid or don’t wear plaid; there is no in between.
4. I either put make up on or don’t put make up on. There is no in between.
5. I either have clothes on that fit, but they make me uncomfortable or I wear oversized, comfortable T-shirts. There is no in between.
6. I either look like I got ready at my house or like I got ready at someone else’s house. There is no in between.
7. I either wear my clothes or my dad’s clothes. There is no in between.
8. I either fixed my hair or left it how it was when I woke up. There is no in between.
9. I either look like an actress who was dressed by her own personal stylist or like someone who pretended to go camping, but really just had an indoor sleepover. There is no in between.
10. I either look like I have an 8 a.m. class or a 1 p.m. class. There is no in between.
These statements are simply suggestions. Feel free to add your own creative spin to them. Regardless of what you choose, make it as accurate as possible, and unless you don’t have a home, don’t call yourself homeless.
