How to Wear Pigtails Without Looking Childish
Wednesday, September 16, 2015
Letting the trains roll through the hills, I can feel the wind rush out from under the spinning orbs, beating my face and whipping my braids backwards. I feel free.
Peasant Blouse purchased on Groopdealz
Denim Cutoffs: Free People
Hat: Anthropologie
Socks: Free People
Over the Knee Boots: Free People
The other day I saw a list of things grown women should never wear and I was kinda surprised. I'm not really one to say who should or shouldn't wear what, but I was really disappointed to see braided pigtails and knee socks on the list. Then I thought about it some more, and thought who are we to tell anyone what can and cannot work for them? I mean, I braid my hair all the time and knee socks are kind of my fall staple. I would also like to consider myself at least somewhat grown up. All that aside, I do somewhat understand what the author may have been going for: no one wants to look like Pippi Longstocking when they're closer to 30 than 20. Sure, I do understand that way of thinking, but if you're a lover of all things braided (like me) you don't have to give up your pigtails to be a grownup! In fact, pigtails are really quite easy to "grow up," so to speak. Are you ready for the secret?
Wear a distinguished hat. Even better, go for a western or country theme. Think back to visions of western living and Native American tribes. No one looks like a 6 year old girl. I mean, even Willie Nelson rocks the western braids! If Willie can rock braided pigtails as an old man, I can rock braids as a 28 year old woman. *ahem* Back to the original point though... If you were to do braids while sitting around in one of your favorite frilly dresses having a tea party then it might make you look a little young, yes. On the other hand, throw on a peasant blouse, some cutoffs, your favorite rancher hat, and a pair of smoking boots and you have one grown up bohemian look perfect for exploring Kentucky* or taking midnight strolls downtown. In colder weather go for dark skinnies and riding boots to add a warmer touch to your blouse and hat. Own those braids and wear them with confidence. After all, you're having a more fulfilling life experience than the sticklers not braiding their hair because they believe you can grow too old to have fun.
To add to that matter, I would like to take this moment to give the best advice I could ever give anyone regarding styling. Never fear fashion. Don't give up something you love because someone else said you were too old, too overweight, too skinny, too busty, etc... You have one life. Own it, live it, do what you love. Make it work for you and others will accept it. If they don't, you don't need them. So get out there and rock your braids with pride.
*speaking of exploring Kentucky... you know why I'm pointing in picture number 4? There was a snake on the tracks. It was the size of an oak tree and I almost died. (It was actually a tiny garter snake.)
