A Brief Word About Coveralls
I will never try to tell you what to wear, but hear me out
I’ve been thinking about Croning for quite some time. What I want this zine to be has evolved over time, but what I do not want it to be has remained constant. Croning is not about antiaging products or practices. It is not about conforming to patriarchal standards of what women should look like. And it is very much not about suggesting shit to buy. But I really feel I would be doing a disservice to my intended audience if I did not put in a word about coveralls in what might very well be the golden age of coveralls.
Fans of science fiction such as myself may have worried about a future in which everyone is supposed to look great in a form-fitting jumpsuit. That’s not what I’m talking about. What I’m talking about is a one-piece garment that is roomy and comfortable and utilitarian, but with a bit of flair.
As I write, I am wearing the garment depicted below.
You can’t see it in this photo, but the pinstripe is rainbow variegated thread and it is so cute.
I fucking love these coveralls. I strut when I wear these coveralls. I feel like I own the place when I wear these coveralls. And this is how I feel whenever I wear coveralls. Even my little sister, who has PUBLICLY MOCKED my overalls (similar, but different, story) has spoken admiringly of my coveralls. NOT THAT I’M LOOKING FOR COMPLIMENTS. Having said that, I will also add that women stop me on the street—and in Target—to compliment my coveralls. Do I need the affirmation? No. Do I enjoy the affirmation? Obvs.
Here is what I think about coveralls: They are extremely comfortable. They make getting dressed very easy. They exist so far outside fashion norms* that they create their own aesthetic category, one far beyond the reaches of the male gaze.**
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*I live in Michigan. I am talking about Midwestern fashion norms. Don’t @ me if your Gigi Hadids and your Kendall Jenners are wearing coveralls.
**Having written that, I will add that I know that talking about fashion and the male gaze is complicated. What I’m trying to get at, I think, is that coveralls are neither “sexy” in any conventional heteronormative kind of way nor acceptable as “modest” female dress in cultures that require that. What I’m getting at, I think, is that wearing coveralls makes me feel free.