Dressing Like the Elder Sister
In the birth order dynamic, no one can beat the eldest daughter when it comes to fashion. Don’t believe it? Well just look at her younger sister who can’t seem to stop taking clothes or shoes from her closet. Or her younger brother who comes into her room waiting for her approval. The oldest sister is typically the Anna Wintour of her parents. No one can leave the house happily for an event with her say.
But what makes the eldest daughter so fashionable? From the time that they shot out the womb, the pressure to be great, to be a leader, to be an example, and a nurturer was placed upon them. This led to their no bs attitude and their guards to be up. But truthfully under all they are highly sensitive and empathetic. They reflect more on the decisions they make and how it will affect others. They notice more and pay closer attention to details. After all, the role of a queen is usually given to the oldest. They are easily overwhelmed and self-critical towards themselves. They really believe that they can handle and fix all the problems that come their way.
All older sisters don’t dress the same, but there’s a persistent cohesiveness, a tendency to dress based on their emotions and identity and with a sense of reflection and intentionality in the way they do it. Think of the bohemian legend herself, Stevie Nicks. You can always catch her wearing lace, velvet, sheer or fringes. The way she layers all of those textures to provide a mystic look is something else. Layering takes a certain amount of skill to do. It can easily turn out to be chaotic. It has to be done by someone who understands balance and feels. The mind of the oldest daughter has been trained to feel more and notice more. From taking the role of second mother to being first to experience life’s teachable moments.
Image Courtesy: Herbert W. Worthington / Bella Donna by Stevie Nicks
After living a restricted life with her mean grandmother, Nana Osaki took back control of herself when she left for Tokyo. A newfound freedom and independence was gained and reflected much through her punk style. Her style consisted of paid skirts, bold patterns, chains, safety pins, collar, combat boots and leather jackets. Her style is formed by the connections she feels through music and by the people in her life. Started by rebelling against her grandma, it ended up being her way of expressing the many emotions she faces but chooses to show carefully. The tension between her stoicism and vulnerability is what make her style so appealing.
Image Courtesy: Touchstone Pictures / Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures
Is she really the oldest if she isn’t sarcastic? Sarcasm just shows intelligence and when you have younger siblings who act oblivious to everything it's hard not to lose it. A style choice that brings calmness and grounding is that minimal and earthy tone that Kat Stratford from 10 things I Hate About You, had. It was mixed with a bit of edginess at times but it never failed to remind us how she went about her life being the girl boss that she is.
The style of the oldest is unique because it tells the story of girls who are layered with deep emotions and strength. They possess a drive to be great and that shows up in how they dress.
Strike Out,
Johann Jonassaint
Boca Raton
Johann Jonassaint is a content writer for Strike Magazine Boca. A true Venusian who can never get enough of being wrapped in cozy sheets, listening to video essays or daydreaming. When she finally leaves her sheets, you can catch her writing at the library, the only place she can actually get work done. Feel free to contact her at jjonassaint2023@gmail.com or @jojoeva_ on Instagram.
