Words by Raffaella Migliore
Wisdom for a more enjoyable drive
Ah, the car- in recent months it’s more of a novelty, but not long ago – and soon enough again- when we’re in the thick of day-to-day mundanity, some days your car moments are the only opportunity to show the world how snazzy you are. Whether it’s climbing out an uber like you’re arriving at the Oscars, or changing lanes down the highway with action-movie-like precision, there are ways to lock down a look that’s sure to earn your spot on the “10 coolest people I saw in their car today” list that we all secretly keep. The key to looking cool in your car is to go with a stereotype that tells the whole story in a glance.
Mom.
Yes, “Mom” is a look. In the car, every aspect of your actual personality falls away and you are merely “Mom.” The most important component for this look is a pair of those Victoria Beckham early-2000s-style MASSIVE sunglasses. If you don’t look like a fancy fruit fly you’re obviously not a mom. Pair the sunnies with chaos. The style of chaos is up to you- whether it’s a minor disappearing for a swift second to pick a toy up off the floor or supervising an outfit change in the back while half helping with homework in the front and also on the phone. Complete the look with a musical accompaniment of kidz-bop you know all the words to or K-pop your teenager insists on. The perk of this look is that people are less likely to swear at you, and you might encounter some compassion on the roads. Score.
Boss.
Girl or boy- doesn’t matter. You’re busy, you’re important and you’re taking no prisoners. The most crucial component of this look is a stern expression. You do not smile. No time for that. Your serious look is sexy and you play into this with equally sexy hair: tight, pulled back, in place- this is hair that has everything under control. Just like you. (if you don’t have hair simply apply the sternness to your beard). To complete the look, throw in a very important business call (Bluetooth of course). Your key accessory – a large take-away coffee in your cup holder. You need coffee because you are so super busy. The one major con to this look is that people might not feel kindly about giving you a gap in traffic. Your stern (but sexy) expression just doesn’t scream “hey man, help me out.”
The Give-me-a-gap look.
You sly damsel, you. The angle to this look is hot-mess-deserving-a-small-act-of-kindness. Think messy hair, and, most importantly- a big, but slightly panicked smile that says “attractive person in distress, please let me in – my hero?”. The key component to this look is silence in the car because you’re too stressed to switch on the radio and people need to hear you shout “thank you!” Complete the look with something dangling from your review-mirror (think dream catcher, anything fluffy or rose-quarts).
For the Singles
Hey, the car is a great backdrop for your hotness and can totally be a true-love magnet. You don’t need to be “hot” per se, or next-level genetically blessed to nail the hottie-in-the-car look.
For the guys: It’s all in the arms. Rest one elbow on your open window and steer with one hand. This gives you a sense of ease that’s almost as attractive as reversing with your arm resting on the back of the passenger seat while you look out the back window. We don’t know why this is cool, it just is.
For the ladies: It’s all in the smile, babe. Again, it’s not about looks, it’s about your vibe. The trick is to look like you’re having the time of your life. It’s chaos out there, but here, in your car- it’s a party and nothing can touch you. You’re laughing, you’re singing, you’re dancing. The perk of this look is that your great mood might get you out of a fine or make a stranger smile- that stranger might be shamelessly laughing at you, but you feel cool and that’s all that matters ok?
The Mask
Not an ideal look, but a real one. But hey, there are options to make it look good and find your signature style. In South Africa, we have all kinds of cool and colourful fabrics to brighten things up and also support small local business. If you want to make it seriously slick, you can go designer. In fact, Vogue has done a whole designer style guide for the mask– check it out and get some inspo.
So there you have it: the life changing wisdom of looking good in your car. Hold it in your heart, pass it on to your friends, and bring your own personal touch to it.