5 Things You Can Learn from This Disabled Man’s Essay on Style
Style is crucial to wheelchair-bound writer Alex Taylor. Here’s why it should be to you, too.
Alex Taylor’s recent essay in The Telegraph details his battle to stay stylish while living in a wheelchair. Though he mentions a number of physical challenges that he faces, he says he takes particular issue with the perception that his “main focus should be on surviving, not living well and looking good.” It’s an argument many in the disabled community and the fashion community are rising up to challenge lately. Recent runway shows have featured disabled models, including amputee Jack Eyers, and RJ Mitte, of Breaking Bad fame. In these shows, disabled models have championed the position that style can be transformative and life-affirming. In Taylor’s essay, he offers a number of reminders about the keys to dressing well that anyone—disabled or not—could learn from.
1. Fit Is Key
“An appreciation of proportion is central to solving the puzzle [of dressing well in a wheelchair],” says Taylor. The same can be said for everyone.
2. Everyone Needs a Good Tailor
When buying suits to wear in a wheelchair, “the only solution is bespoke tailoring.” We couldn’t have said it better ourselves.
3. Always Look Your Best
“When I go out, I know people will be looking at me more due to my chair, so I am keen to look my best and show them who I am.” While this might not be fair to those in wheelchairs, it’s a good reminder that you will be judged, and dressing well can help make a good impression.
4. Embrace Who You Are
Amputee model Eyers explains, “I used to hide my leg and wear two pairs of trousers so people couldn’t see it, but now I live in shorts. I like to think of my leg as a fashion accessory!”
5. Style Can Make You Feel Happy and Dignified
Fiona Jarvis, stylist to the disabled, explains, “your body may be beyond your control but your sense of style isn’t, in fact it becomes more meaningful and essential in retaining your dignity and happiness.” Dressing well can truly make you more confident.
(Didn’t know I was a stylist….but hey I can do that!)