Let’s Dress to Express (Not to Impress)

Eid appears to us with all the desire to look beautiful and feel beautiful from both inside and outside. We see fashionable clothes at every marketplace. These are mostly impressive and trending. Sometimes, we feel the temptation to buy these clothes and fit ourselves in them. Then we pose for the photos and upload the most beautiful ones on social media with a hashtag caption (for example, hashtag Mastani Eid dress).We are the proud hashtag generation!

Our primary purpose to invest our money and effort in Eid dresses is to “impress” others and become objects of desire in other people’s eyes. How can I forget the craze “Pakhi dress” or “Anarkoli dress” had once upon a time! Forget ordinary people like us. Even international celebrities like Kim Kardasian and many other TikTok and Instagram influencers drape in dresses to impress their followers.

Model: Meghla Mukta
Styling: Syed Ruma
Photo: Abu Naser
Wardrobe: Anzara
Jewelry: R by Ruma

Unfortunately, the moment we construct ourselves to impress others, we start losing our essence. Then at one point, we feel lost and yearn for self-discovery in so many ways. Let’s begin the self-discovery process with the attire we will choose for Eid. My dear readers, this Eid, dress to express yourself and your own unique personality. Know yourself and dress accordingly.
People say, “Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication”. They say it and I mean it. When we wear dresses on a regular basis, we focus more on our comfort. We choose materials that suit our skin. We choose colours that go well with our complexion. We style our clothes in a way that beautifies our body type.

Model:    Alisha Islam, Mium Khould &
   Kanis Mahabub Anamika
Styling:    Syed Ruma
Photo:    Abu Naser
Wardrobe:    Kathgolap
Jewelry:    Girl's Paradise

However, when any festival approaches, we unconsciously become conscious of buying the trending ones that look good in others’ eyes. Sometimes, we fear the judgments people would make about our attire.
So, we pay close attention to what people would say and think about our choices. Maybe you like traditional clothing but do not want to hear from your relatives that your choices are “outdated”. You wear heels and walk uncomfortably. You dress to be like someone but you. Trust me, these are all consumeristic traps.

Model: Tabinda Hossain
Styling: Syed Ruma
Photo: Abu Naser
Wardrobe: Kathgolap
Jewelry: Kathgolap

Let’s put a pinpoint there. Fashion is all about comfort. To be comfortable in your own body, you need to choose the right attire for your personality. It is not about body type, complexion or even gender. Human beings are a mesh of both sexes.
There is a subtle femininity in the masculine body and a pinch of masculinity in the feminine one. Only you will know how your hormones are feeling in your body. So, feel comfortable dressing to express yourself. Forget all the stereotypes.

Model: Mium Khould Hossain & Kanis Mahabub Anamika
Styling: Syed Ruma
Photo: Abu Naser
Wardrobe: Thoi Thoi
Jewelry: Girl's Paradise

Personally, when I was given the voice to talk about my choices, I would choose something that I could carry in my body with confidence. For a reason still unknown to me, I do not remember feeling comfortable in salwar kamiz. Maybe the abusive comments about my “orna” still haunt me unconsciously and make me feel uncomfortable. So, I have always preferred wearing saree.
I do not buy saree based on the conventional idea that Eid dresses are to be glittering. I feel comfortable and confident in traditional saree. So, my preference is always Manipuri, Jamdani, Khadi and Tangail cotton. In my case, I embrace my femininity. And I dress to express it through my attire.

Model: Alisha Islam
Styling: Syed Ruma
Photo: Abu Naser
Wardrobe: Daisy Do
Jewelry: Girl's Paradise

Overall, let me tell you the truth. There is only one “you” who is unlike others. You can carry any fashionable attire when you choose to express yourself, not to impress others. So, readers, be you! Be unapologetically confident and most comfortably YOU!