A 90’s Vibe

By Tori

My name is Tori (she/her) and I’m from Austin, TX currently residing in Denver, CO. Growing up, I was “always outside running around with the boys” so I typically wore athletic clothes. Brands like Nike, Adidas, Reebok, etc… I preferred wearing shorts and a tshirt over wearing more “girly” clothes, as my mom would put it. I didn’t feel comfortable in girls clothes and I don’t

think a dress would’ve allowed me to be as free as I felt in my athletic clothing, especially when playing against the boys.

When I got to high school and had a job where I could buy my own clothes, I used 90s fashion to express myself. Since middle school, I’d listen to 90s r&b and hip hop and watch old school

movies. I was intrigued by the colors and patterns of the 90s. My clothes began to exemplify that as well. I’d buy acid wash jeans, wear retro Jordans, and the brightest colored and patterned tshirts I could find. I’d get compliments from old heads on how they use to rock what I was rocking, and it would make me smile.

Now, I tend to still dress in what’s comfortable. Those clothing items are often from the “men’s” section. I pivot between subtle 90s inspired fashion, matching Nike or Adidas sets, sports jerseys, etc… To be honest, it wasn’t until my adulthood that I began to understand the concept of gender norms and how society tells us how we should act or what we should wear. Girl’s vs Boy’s section in malls felt limiting as a child but now I understand that the clothes don’t make the person, the person makes the clothes.

I’d say my clothing selection has translated into how I have begun to view my own gender identity and preferred pronouns. I’m often misgendered and I know it is due to the clothing I am wearing. Some of the conversations that stem from being misgendered due to my clothes are valuable and I enjoy reflecting on them and growing from them.