Seventh grade is only painful in retrospect. I had shockingly high self-esteem for someone sporting clashing red and green braces. But now that I’m older, with nothing but a permanent bottom retainer to remind me of my dark dentistry days, I cringe at the thought of my Christmas themed orthodontia. The only thing that has embarrassed me more than memories of headgear and having a half-baked personality is my past affinity for Uggs.
Now, I’m secure enough in my aesthetic to admit to such a mortal fashion sin. I was a misguided youth just trying to keep up with style icons like Paris Hilton. There is no reason why any Southern California native would ever need sheepskin-lined boots. But who could blame me? 2008 was the perfect storm: middle school dances and the peak of Flo Rida’s popularity. Every girl wanted to be the shawty with the Apple Bottom jeans and boots with the fur getting low in the gym decorated with twinkle lights.
I traded in my Uggs years ago to suit my sleeker, monochromatic (read: all black, but, like, not in an emo way) look. But, alas, as Rhode Island began to resemble the tundra, I needed to find suitable footwear. As it turns out, you can’t wear sneakers with cuffed jeans in negative temperatures after all. So, naturally, I turned to the Internet to solve my boot dilemma.
According to Vogue, everyone at Fashion Week 2014 was trying to get their hands on Sorel boots. I’m certainly not hip enough to keep up with the hottest trends of SS16. There’s too much risk involved with being on the cutting edge. But, two years after Sorels were hot with fashion pioneers and Nordstrom started carrying them, I figured it was time to buy into the hype.
I was very content with my purchase. Sorel boots have kept my feet sufficiently cozy during rain, snow, and any other unpleasant weather Providence has tried to throw at me. But then it hit me. These are just the same boots with the fur I was unfortunately rocking years ago, but rebranded as a chic snow boot. Try as you might, Sorel, but I can see past your weatherproof utility and cute little polar bear logo. At the end of the day, you’re just a recycled version of Uggs.
Despite my realization that I was reverting back to my old Ugg wearing days, I couldn’t help but continue to wear my Sorels. They’re just so goddamn fuzzy. And Jennifer Lawrence wore a pair in the Hunger Games. So that means they’re guaranteed to be the perfect, hyper-calculated, market-research-approved combination of being quirky and relatable, right?
I’ve reconciled living with contradictions and my own hypocrisy. I still wear my Sorels despite their similarity to Uggs. They’re practical and, as of now, remain in the good graces of the fashion police. Maybe one day I’ll nostalgically criticize myself for my affinity for fuzzy boots, but right now I’m too comfortable to care.
great post 🙂