A smart look from Anthropologie
The "It" in question is Fashion, and the article tries to understand why it is that fashion is often considered the bastard child of "culture"; why fashion is often regarded by intellectuals as a wanton display of vanity and consumerism—and can therefore be dismissed or even scorned.
We have certainly experienced—and even fallen victim to—this disregard for fashion, especially in academia. Serious instructors and students aren't expected to pay attention to what they wear, just what they think.
But, as the article argues, what we wear most certainly reflects our ideas—clothes are both a personal expression of our identities as well as a tool for analyzing everything from politics and history, to arts and - yes - culture, throughout the ages.
If you disagree about fashion's far-reaching importance and value, well then, we're awfully surprised you're still reading this blog (here's a link to take you back to The Huffington Post.)
As we see it, smart people can and most definitely do enjoy fashion. In fact, we think there are many designers out there today who recognize the intelligence of their customer, and seek to outfit her in the smart, stylish dubs she so desires. Just check out the latest lookbook at Anthropologie.com called "Smart Looks for Smart People." With outfit names like "Trigonometry," "Biology," and "Writing," it's brilliant marketing, sure, but aimed at one educated group of gals.
i'm suspicious of people who say they don't care about fashion. that's usually an excuse for dressing badly. he he he. aside from that, people who dress a certain way to prove they don't care really do care, since they go out of their way to make that statement, right?
there's also something about being the best you can be, and dressing well is part of that picture. my dad never had a lot of money but he always looked elegant because he's incredibly neat and dressed correctly for the occasion. he's still that way. he always says 'i can't afford to dress cheaply,' meaning he doesn't have money to waste so what he buys is good quality and versatile. he and my mom are my fashion gurus.
It's brilliant (and would make an excellent tagline... )
We should have made it more clear that the article was specifically talking about "smart" people and their relationship with fashion, not "celebrity brand pimps" as they so-aptly called them
Anyways, while this isn't the sexiest conclusion, we think it's about balance: Enjoy fashion for what it's worth, and don't let it consume (or define) you.