Like the wardrobe of so many other cultural cliques today, the storied “nerd look” — which would have once brought about a torment of wedgies, swirlies and all other manner of school hall pranks — has been appropriated by the reigning league of hipsters. In their evanescent cool, they have claimed buttoned-to-the-top collared shirts and shrunken, ankle-grazing slacks for their own.
The result, as I learned while on an arts-bent journey across the city one night last week, is the conundrum of assembling a serious and scholarly-looking outfit without lacing it with the ironic scent of the hipster.
Managing an evening agenda that consisted of stopping by the 32nd annual International Festival of Authors (which ended this week with Joan Didion interviewed by Margaret MacMillan), popping into the launch for Awake But Dreaming by self-published author Maya Chendke at the downtown presentation center for Living Shangri-La and catching the Grange Prize Awards for international contemporary photography held at the AGO, if there were ever a right time to wear a cord blazer, that night would have been it.
Perhaps more burdensome than getting dressed for a cocktail party, where one at least knows the parameters of their expected wardrobe, is dressing for an event that seems to have an unspoken dress code, as suggested by the assimilated appearance of its patrons. When attending such an event — be it a reading or a gallery opening — and yours is an attempt to achieve the semblance of appearing bookish and cultured, I like to opt for a ensemble that looks as much like it belongs in a dollhouse as it does a library, so to soften the severity of the dour “intellectual” look while also avoiding going too literal — that’s when you begin treading into hipster territory. See Saved By the Bell’s Maxwell Nerdstrom, then see his twin at a fashion boutique opening on Dundas West.
When curating an outfit that reads sweet and prim, a Peter Pan collar dress is a smart and simple option. European label Scotch & Soda, the brand behind the downtown Eaton Centre’s latest store opening, has the ideal piece for this look in its winter 2011/2012 Maison Scotch collection: a short-sleeved black dress with polka dot Peter Pan collar.
Pair the petite dress with black tights, grey ankle socks and classic black Blundstones dress boots (perfect for the wet and cold weather of late), and then off to the reading room you go.
For those looking for a more low-key, independent, spirited look, pay a visit to The Shirt Bar at the new Ben Sherman store on Queen Street West. Try a tailored men’s shirt (their mod fit sits as nicely on a female frame), such as the laundered indigo polka dot shirt, under a cropped boat-neck knitted sweater (Scotch & Soda has a good crop). This is another look that pairs nicely with tights and socks (maybe a subtle dash of colour) peeking out of classic Blundstones.
While this is all an easy enough plan of attack to follow when priming and prepping for whatever cultural event you plan on attending, its always useful to recruit the help of an expert for added advice. And so, in this case, I turned to author Maya Chendke, fresh from her first book launch, to share her own five-step style and beauty ritual to lead us by example.
Dressing 101, according to Maya Chendke
Step one: Safety
I get really overwhelmed with shopping, so I like to keep at least one dress I can pull outta my closet to avoid last-minute desperation buys. Have something that's your "safety," even if it's a well-used favourite. And make sure it's ironed and ready to deploy in a pinch.
Step two: Choice
Always do a dry run. It could look great on a hanger, but unless you try it on and get a second opinion, you might end up with a surprise come event day! For my book launch, Topshop's Lindsay Bell styled me and helped me find something I was comfortable in. She helped me interpret my “quirks” (I showed up in running tights and a Red Wings T-shirt) into choices I could wear without feeling too mannequin-like.
Step three: Hair
Diamonds are a girl's best friend. Wrong. Her hair stylist is. Best secret weapon: get a blow-out.
Step four: Make-up
Stick to what you know on event day. You don't want to bomb on your face by having an allergic reaction to that new mascara. I keep things simple because I hate removing it after.
Step five: Supplies
Band-Aids are the best boob accessory. I like a lot of backless styles, and these do the trick. They also double as blister saviours for unruly heels. And lastly, always floss before you leave the house. Tartar build up will never be a must-have accessory.
Toronto-based writer Jennifer Lee is the editorial director of FILLER magazine, an online fashion and culture journal. She is also the co-editor of Hardly magazine, an arts-centric online teen publication for Canadian girls. Her column, The Dressing Room, appears regularly.