This writing is in response to the episodes, “What is Style?” and “The end” from the podcast American Ivy, created and narrated by Avery Trufelman.
Summary
Trufelman begins the end of her series by introducing the modernization of ivy. There is a shift where American companies begin to produce their clothing in Japan, as it seems they have perfected the ivy style. We see the emergence of Ralph Lauren’s Polo as well as the Tommy Hilfiger line. As ivy continues to grow more branches and stem out, it seems to be able to adapt through all generations.
What I Have Learned
Clothes have monumental amounts of power, but at the same time hold no power at all. What matters is the intent. It just so happens that ivy has been used in almost every facet imaginable, portraying different messages in different eras in different parts of the world. Ivy is accessible, but in some subgenres, it is not. Ivy is so malleable. That is why it has stood the test of time. There is an essence of reliability. You can rely on this style, and you choose to rely on it because of how you have seen it portrayed throughout history. Throughout these 7 episodes, I have learned the power of what is in my closet. I also have learned that what I wear can be interpreted in many different ways. Trufelman has reinvigorated my excitement to wake up in the morning and carefully pick out an outfit based on how I wish to manifest my day.
My Take on Ivy
My ivy outfit includes a gray sweatshirt, vintage blue windbreaker, brown pants, and white and blue sneakers. I incorporate two types of style in my attire: vintage wear and athleisure. This outfit in particular is a vintage themed one. Every piece involved was actually thrifted aside from the sneakers. I see thrifted clothing as a subgenre of vintage ivy. I chose to pair the sweatshirt with the golf windbreaker to counteract the preppiness if the windbreaker were by itself. I find myself sharing similarities with Trufelman in that I grew up around very preppy clothing growing up. Being around it so much made me want to dissociate with it. The pants’ “earthy” essence really appeals to me. I think that the monotone colors that match so well allow me to stand out quietly. I’m not being outrageous about the outfit, but I feel that it still manages to draw attention.
Overall, this outfit represents me as a person in a great way. It amazes me how much I actually embrace ivy league style before I knew it. I love the concept of working hard to show carelessness. My clothing is a part of my identity, and to see where that part of my life originated from has been very enriching.
Works Cited
Trufelman, Avery, narrator. “What is Style?” American Ivy, season 1, episode 6, articlesofinterest.substack.com/p/american-ivy-chapter-4
Trufelman, Avery, narrator. “The End” American Ivy, season 1, episode 7, articlesofinterest.substack.com/p/american-ivy-chapter-5