What is it about the last day of October that brings out the kid in so many of us? Some of the costumes are obvious fantasy or meant to be humorous while others are professions such as a nurse or a doctor. Doesn't it seem strange that an accountant dressed as a doctor is in costume, while an actual MD can wear scrubs nearly every day without being considered in costume?
Don't we all wear a costume everyday when you think about it? We dress in the way we want to world to see us and we expect them to interact with us according to our attire. If we were pulled over by a police officer in jeans and a Nike t-shirt we would wonder what was going on. If we saw a lady in a housecoat remove letters from our mail box we would not even consider that she might be a postal worker. Fast food restaurants have uniforms as do football players.
I often notice the group of uniforms without focusing on a single person. Uniforms create anonymity.
Today at TGI Fridays I noticed a group of business lunchers. One man was perfectly groomed in a suit and coiffed hair. His attire said something to those who were interacting with him. Another woman was also wearing a suit but appeared less stiff and more comfortable in her skin. Within moments she commanded the discussion and it was easy to see that she was the leader. I watched the group for a while and tried to picture them sitting there in sneakers and sweatshirts, which was nearly impossible.
It occurred to me that a child could wear any of their outfits for the upcoming Halloween celebration. They were all in costume. I was there to meet my friend for lunch. She arrived in jeans and a dressy blouse which suggested that although it was her day off she was still concerned with her appearance. Two female diners sat nearby with a small baby in a car seat. The new mother was wearing sloppy clothes and had her hair in a messy updo. She was sending a message that said "I don't care and don't bother me. I'm tired." Message received.
While we are sending a message with our clothing choices we also tend to adjust our behavior accordingly. When you are dressed up you carry yourself in a more proper manner. Can you imagine eating chicken wings and pizza in a cocktail gown or tuxedo?
Some Halloween costumes are pricey but when we compare them with the price we pay for our everyday costumes perhaps they are a bargain? When I consider that I am selecting a costume each morning I feel a little embarrassed that I would spend so much money on a brand name item. What am I trying to convey? What do I want people to perceive about me?
As soon as I get home from work each day I can't wait to rip off my business attire and get my earrings out. It might be psychological but for some reason my earrings start to feel very heavy when I get to my bedroom at the end of the day. I have not noticed them all day but when I enter my room I am suddenly unable to bear them for another moment. I am ready to shed my costume and I throw on some comfortable sweats and a soft cotton t-shirt. I feel like I can stretch and move. I can relax. I can be ME. So who was I being for the rest of the day if that wasn't me?
