AVID READERS OF A-LIST get their fill of art, culture, and entertainment every time they pick up an issue. I’ve been thinking about the word “culture” in reference to Aberdeen and the people that live here. What we wear is a direct reflection of our culture, what we value and how we see to fit into our little niche in the Midwest. Our location directly affects our “fashion.”

    Contrary to those that live in bigger cities, such as New York, Los Angeles, or even Minneapolis, we do not have a suffocating need to be on the cutting edge of fashion. For Aberdonians, fashion is more a sense of expression, as it is anywhere. But by looking at what we are wearing, we are presenting to the world our autobiography. I spent some time “fashion watching” while about the town.

    First thing I saw was the turtleneck. Ladies sporting the turtleneck were in their mid- to late-thirties and beyond. The wearer is obviously a sensible lady who works to avoid certain elements of the weather. She layers her colored turtleneck with a thick bulky sweater that you know she’s had for at least five years, if not more, and calls it good with a pair of slacks or denim. At this point in life, there are better things to do than freeze and impress the surrounding public. Walking or sitting beside “Ms. Sensibility” is “Supermom.” How do you spot a mom? She is a person that is probably wearing windpants or some type of sportswear, coupled with the all-famous hoodie or whatever else was clean and easy to put on. She may have little to no makeup, glasses on, or a ponytail. Her job in life requires low maintenance for self and she holds many medals in multitasking, errand running and transportation management. She is on-the-go.

    The career person is rarely seen other than around 12 noon, scuttling to lunch, in trousers, a nice button down shirt with a sweater over top. Go into any office between 9 and 5 and you will find some of the best dressed Aberdeen has to offer. Trench coats, cashmere and couture: right in our backyard. Well, almost. These are those that strategize, create, manage, and network to bring home the bacon and keep our economy on track.

     College students are a large part of our community. They live, work, learn and play here. During this formitive stage in their lives, the college student is busy. Unless it is definitely necessary to dress up, the college student defines himself or herself by having a extensive collection of…dun, dun, dun…hoodies. Hoodies offer many options that wearing different articles of clothing don’t possess. For instance, the hood comes in handy when it’s cold outside and the drawstring is there to pull it tight when it gets really windy. The pocket offers cargo space for hands, an Ipod, cell phone, a can of pop, candy bar, or whatever else accompanies the student around campus or town. I mean, is there anything better than the hoodie? Many college students think not. They are as necessary as underwear. This definitely pertains to freshmen who are still confusing college with summer camp or vacation.

    What is left is the small percentage of Aberdonians who experiment with different style trends and definitely attempt to bring big city home. Fashion for them is life and their bible is Glamour, Lucky, and Vogue. “Fashionistas,” as I call them, are high-maintenance and love to shop. These people have specific things they’ll splurge on whether it is a handbag, tube of mascara, vintage tee from Salvation Army, or a brand of shoe. This is what defines them.

    I’ve pondered the question of ‘Fashion vs. Function’ for a while now. After much deliberation, as far as Aberdonians are concerned, the person’s life forms their fashion, whether it’s up-to-date or out of date. Fashion to us is a whole new meaning. It’s definitely all about perception and what beauty is to the beholder.