#annnnd were done
[Note: This post is a part of a series analyzing self-expression, fashion, aromanticism, and how they interact with other parts of identity. For full context please read the whole thing!]
My personal Aro Fashion Sense Speculations:
And now, we get to the most fun part. My personal, somewhat uneducated speculations! (Half-joking). Okay, but seriously - take everything I’m about to say with a grain of salt. This is no more than a little guesswork probably coupled with my own biases on fashion, and really I’m just throwing this out here to start a discussion. Feel free to let me know your own thoughts on where all of this might go!
First, with the influence of digital spaces on small screens, and algorithms on fashion and design, the nerd in me expects that specifically bright, flat green colours, potentially with bold silhouettes may do well within Aro Fashion of this century (flat colour blocking is overall popular for these reasons).
Another direction that aro fashion could develop is to play off the idea of connection with nature. I think this fits well with the ever-popular cottagecore aesthetic (which I do enjoy, although more casually/don’t really incorporate within my wardrobe), and perhaps many aros already like this aesthetic! I know at least two of my aro friends do.
The other way that this passion for nature could be interpreted is adopting an aesthetic more fitting of a scientist or a naturalist. Also, since that aesthetic tends to be less romanticized or seen as “attractive” (science overall has associations with a life devoted to career, which could be thought of in the stereotypical sense as a romance-free lifestyle), this aesthetic would also work well with the idea of subverting expectations within amatonormativity.
I’ve also noticed that there are popular archetypes that aros tend to resonate with - the archer in relation to the greek goddess artemis, for example. Personally, I’m not too familiar with the details surrounding this particular archetype, but I believe it may be possible that development in aro aesthetics can also be inspired by this figure.
And of course, all of this is not to forget symbols and signifiers within our community that already exist, such as the white aro ring,and the general prevalence of green in representing the community overall.
Conclusion
So … in conclusion, there’s a lot to talk about in terms of fashion, self-expression, and different factors that can provide other forms of pressure into presenting a certain way. A lot of these are Not Good because they reflect the ever present problems of society, patriarchal and other discriminatory beliefs. These should be acknowledged, and part of the discussion surrounding aromanticism and self-expression moving forwards.
But at the same time, as I have stated before in a different comic - these are exciting times to be Aro. For the first time on a major scale, our community is able to interact and communicate and keep records of developments, and it’s exciting to think about where all of this may go, and what subcultures and culturally significant means of expression may continue to emerge.
Finally, I hope you all aren’t tired of me re-iterating this anymore, but please. Wear what you want, and please don’t feel you need to dress a certain way. Obviously there are times where you have to do something to be safe (so prioritize your well-being over all else), but I think that those factors aside, it’s so important to express yourself how you feel comfortable.
I hope you’ve all found this essay interesting! I’m always happy to hear feedback, so feel free to let me know what you think and your personal experiences with any of the subjects I’ve described here!
