#12 The Style of the Taiwanese

My TAIWANESE addiction #12 The Style (and the skincare) of the Taiwanese. 

"Style is a reflection of your attitude and your personality."

The word ‘style’ can mean many different things, even to one person. In a literal sense we often think of style as fashion, clothing, accessories, but also just as importantly, how one carries themselves. To me, having style also refers to the manners and poise of a person.

In Taiwan, the variation of clothing worn is immense and extremely diverse.  What I love about the choice of style in clothing here is the freedom in it. Any fun, cute, unique, odd, interesting, colorful, obtuse, radiant, little thing you could imagine could be worn here and no one seems to mind.  They are not offended by it, they are not eye-googling over it, and as a former teacher (Michael) once said, there’s no ‘slut shamming’ in Taiwan. A 60 year old woman can wear short shorts and four inch heels through the night market and no one bats an eye. 

Apparel for Taiwanese can be simple and classic or wild and youthful. The young women typically show off their legs, long slender legs everywhere. But the upper half of their bodies remain fairly well covered. Midriff is acceptable, but due to their bodies types this doesn't present as a problem. I appreciate that the Taiwanese dress for comfort and true to themselves. Most students have a uniform and if you want to wear some fake bling on the city bus, grams- do your thang. 

Get your glam on, granma!

The Taiwanese enjoy cute things also (an understatement). If the clothing has a cute cat, rabbit, monkey, or bear to go along, it’s worn and adored by people of all ages. Stickers, pillows, cups, stationary, bags, earrings, and an endless amount of gifts- just slap on Cony & Bear, MyMelody, Hello Kitty, or a Power Puff Girl and you've got a hit. This isn't just the Taiwanese, Asians in Japan, Korea, Singapore, and Hong Kong as well, seem to lose their marbles for Disney characters and memorabilia. More so than Westerners it seems as of late. If you heard and wondered why Mulan will be the next real-life Disney Princess movie to be made... There's your answer. 

Owls and Bunnies ^^

In the winter, it's all about the layers.

 And the hats.

Days in the pool require a swim cap, it'll usually match your suit too. 

Cuteness.

A woman heading into work wearing tennis wedges
 (silver with the bling on top) and a short flare skirt.
There is no way this would be acceptable in a workplace in USA. 

 I've also noticed many women who've comfortably chosen to express a “butchy” or “tomboy” look, at any age-it's very common, that me even mentioning it now seems odd. Just the same, young guys are not turning necks if they want to wear something ‘less’ or ‘feminine.’ Having said that, to begin describing what I've seen in Taiwanese men and woman being accepted and thriving as their own 'gender identity' would venture into a whole other post. In summary, Taiwan is above the times as far as the large scale acceptance of people being true to who they are. (Also the first country in Asia to embrace same sex marriage.)   The young men and woman here have impeccable style. Often staying well groomed, sharp, and not to mention perfect skin.

While there is a huge promotion to fake contact lenses and lashes,
what they do really well is their market in skincare.

Night Markets provide for inexpensive fashion and even more unique looks. 

Shoe boutiques usually out pour with top club hits. Shoes can start from just $5USD.

Obsession with socks in Taiwan
should not be taken lightly. 

Maybe it helps that the Taiwanese are much less aggressive- or maybe it's their seemingly pore-less skin – but they are truly beautiful people.

Spending the last five years in a culture where a majority of the people feel free to express themselves without judgement-to just be, has made a huge (positive) impact on my own outlook and style.

The brutal honesty of shirts in Taiwan.

Or a random bar order printed on the back of a jean jacket.
Cause Why Not?

You're guaranteed to find some inspiration. 

One of my absolute favorite cuties at work. ^^
Sabrina was my co-op teacher my first year, (and since then has also risen to an admin.).
Her adorable style and manner is a perfect example of why style in Taiwan made this #top12 list.

Dogs can be stylish too. ^^
This photo was taken from a foreigner who also enjoys Taiwan's cuteness. 

Dogs deserve fancy haircuts,
and sometimes pushed in strollers.

A few other things to mention;
-Taiwanese never go out with wet hair. 

-Protecting your skin from the sun can often seem more important than brushing your teeth. 
- You'll always find more independent boutiques and shops versus chain shopping centers, whether in the night market or department stores. (I love this since it means the outfit I'm buying is usually not going to be made in large quantities.) *Also supporting locals ^^ 

What would you name your boutique?

I could have easily put skincare in a post itself with how much I have learned, how often I use it, and just how prevalent it is in this country.  One of the biggest perks is that it is affordable to the average person. Every weekend at department stores you can learn something new or participate in some skin treatment if you like.  When you enter a department store, or a shop, they are full of people at counters having discussions. Back in the USA, these areas were either ignored, avoided, too expensive, or frankly, the people were just rude. Not only will the clerks patiently spend their time to answer your questions, you learn the proper routines to take care of your skin daily without feeling ignorant to what it takes to do it on your own. This is essential. 

Tutus, rainbow tights, & high tops. 

As for me personally, the range I've been able to express with, and encouraged to try, has led me to bloom in confidence of my own personal style. I am not claiming to be the Next Top Model by any means, but I can assure you I'm no longer afraid experiment, mismatch, or wear a piece that may look like it time traveled to my closet.  

Whatever style entails, the Taiwanese have got it.
-K