Fashion is definitely part of life in Colombia. Wearing sweatpants or dressing sloppy is just not "bueno". This I understand being from New York. I was taught that you get dressed properly before leaving your house, sure once in a while I leave my house with unwashed hair in a ponytail or without make-up wearing giant sunglasses. This too is acceptable to an extent in Bogota. Backpacker "chic" is not however "fine" in Bogota.
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| Woman in Heels on a Motorcycle in Bogota |
Maybe I am more like a Colombian than I realized while in New York. I gasp with a bit of distain when seeing grown women wearing pants without zippers and/or buttons; come on, we are no longer 8 years old when pants with elastic waist bands and drawstring pants were acceptable. Furthermore, before Bogota I also thought if you wear your yoga/gym clothes out in public at least have the decency to pretend you just came from yoga class and carry your mat. Colombians seem to embrace this ideology too, except on Sundays when participating in Ciclovia.
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| Botero Painting |
As a female wearing HIGH heels seems like a requirement here in Bogota, and no kitten heels are not going to work. Thus, fellow females, when coming to Bogota bring your HIGH heels, or at least buy a pair upon arrival. You can always take them off when out dancing, just be careful about who your dancing partner is.
Many Colombian women (and Colombians in general) are shorter than people in the U.S., so even in heels many women are still shorter than their male counterparts. In heels I feel as if I tower over the men here, and I am only 5'2'' (1.57 meters). Yet, this did not seem to be a problem, I still fit in due to my high heels (6 inches).
Heels are not the only aspect of fashion in Bogota. Women are beautifully dressed. Curvaceous bodies are embraced. Accenting boobs and butts is appears pretty common, especially when going out. Yet, if you don't have such curves (and even if you do) being svelte is encouraged. Yet, those who do have "good bodies" according to most New York standards, still dress rather revealing (or scandalous).
In addition to the clothing Bogota women take care of themselves in general. Manicured nails (and toes) are prevalent. It should be noted that a manicure can range from 6,000-20,000 pesos, and last for over a week.
Basically, ring your A-game, preppy, hipster, punk, whatever your style is, just make sure you look like you have your stuff together. In a city with so many malls it is not surprising that people pay attention to fashion.
Many Colombian women (and Colombians in general) are shorter than people in the U.S., so even in heels many women are still shorter than their male counterparts. In heels I feel as if I tower over the men here, and I am only 5'2'' (1.57 meters). Yet, this did not seem to be a problem, I still fit in due to my high heels (6 inches).
Heels are not the only aspect of fashion in Bogota. Women are beautifully dressed. Curvaceous bodies are embraced. Accenting boobs and butts is appears pretty common, especially when going out. Yet, if you don't have such curves (and even if you do) being svelte is encouraged. Yet, those who do have "good bodies" according to most New York standards, still dress rather revealing (or scandalous).
In addition to the clothing Bogota women take care of themselves in general. Manicured nails (and toes) are prevalent. It should be noted that a manicure can range from 6,000-20,000 pesos, and last for over a week.
Basically, ring your A-game, preppy, hipster, punk, whatever your style is, just make sure you look like you have your stuff together. In a city with so many malls it is not surprising that people pay attention to fashion.
