As girls, going out is a lifestyle, and a monumental dilemma in the female life. We let it define us, and classify our entire social life. If we don’t go out enough, we are boring. If we go out too much, we are sloppy. If we wear too much clothing, then we don’t photograph well, but if we wear a collection of crop tops every weekend, we appear 'thirsty.' How does one find the balance between, “Wow she is so fun, I want her life,” and “She always looks so great when she goes out, I need her closet?" This, indeed, is the true struggle: how do I achieve the perfect night out in 20-degree weather?
As crazy as it may seem, dressing in cold weather is difficult for the female race. We don’t like to feel heavy or suffocated by our layers. We don’t enjoy being uncomfortable, and will not tolerate a single bead of sweat to stream down the beautiful Revlon portrait we have constructed on our faces. How are we supposed to show off the outfit it took us three hours and seven quick changes to put together underneath a knee-length parka?
What I am really waiting for is that the whole concept of coat checks to come back into style. There is no way for me to set my coat down somewhere safe. Setting a coat or a scarf down symbolizes defeat. We have succumbed to the pressures of the hot and crowded bar scene, and taking off a layer means you are willing to lose it forever. There’s no saving a discarded jacket from the grasps of the intoxicated youth or the common inconsiderate human.
What if you and your jacket go way back? What if you have shared an unbreakable bond since sophomore year of high school? It’s leather, and from Macy’s, so it’s constantly coming back into style. You don’t want to risk the idea of losing it, even if the meteorologist predicted snow flurries tonight. You just can’t. So, like all women in their twenties, you feel that simply going without a coat is a logical and completely reasonable option. It’s not that cold out, you tell yourself. I won’t want to hold it later -- you try to give yourself a small pep talk before opening the apartment door to the frozen tundra that awaits.
In reality, we just cannot afford to have an arm or a hand occupied when we go out. Holding a jacket could hinder our ability to properly pose for pictures, or hold both a drink and our phone at the same time. It is simply just too much for us, and we just cannot allow ourselves to get stressed out on a girl’s night. In the end, all girls will ultimately neglect logic and rely on the opinions of other girls, which can often lead to their downfall.
So, next time you are driving downtown this winter, don’t be surprised when you see many females turning a pale shade of blue while attempting to attractively brave the cold.
