They say people can tell a lot about you from the way you dress and for Soji, this is true but you have to be really looking to see him…all of him through his dressing.

We live in a society, (nah scratch that), we live in a world, where you are approached based on the way you dress. And if we are being honest, it does make a lot of sense. I would personally not walk up to a man who looks unkempt to strike a conversation with him. He could be mad; and I could become the object of public ridicule.

There are different fragments of us as human beings that make us who we are. The way we dress is a major way to reveal a part of a person's personality.

A woman who wears heels every other day, prioritizes style over comfort. A  man who rocks his sandals every other day of the week gives the impression of not trying hard enough when it comes to fashion. A girl who loves to dress up in jeans and tee is a girl who prioritizes her comfort over style.

SOJI

Soji is a 29 year old man with an unusual fashion taste. All his outfits are sure to attract a few stares and even glares but he seems determined to dress up for himself regardless of the society's perception of him. 

I had a mini interview with him and since you’re here, you can read it. Slowly…take your time.

Kindly Share Your Experience With Us As A Man With An Unusual Fashion Taste In A Country Like Nigeria

‘’To me, fashion is an art form, a canvas on which I paint my emotions and thoughts. But for the world around me, it seems that conformity is the only acceptable language. The unwritten rulebook of fashion dictates that we must all adhere to certain standards, that we must blend in, look like everyone else. And I refuse to conform to such a narrow definition of self-expression. I refuse to surrender my individuality in pursuit of societal approval.

Everyday that I step out of my house, I operate on anxiety. Today for example, the stares I got from people were ones mixed with confusion and then disdain from the moment I set foot outside my home. 

I’ve always been the guy to attract attention with my dressing. A lot of people would classify my type of dressing as tacky and disorganized. A lot of people have told me I give off the impression of a person who dresses like I am rushing off to a place.  And in a way, I quite agree with them.

Now look, it's not that I don't care about how I look or because I lack fashion sense. I do care. That is why I dress for myself. My outfit each day is chosen with deliberateness. 

Each time I make my way through crowded streets, I feel the weight of their eyes on me. Their mocking whispers follow me, sometimes a giggle, most times just a look. 

They are unable to comprehend why someone would willingly dress in a way that defies societal norms. But what they fail to understand is that my appearance is an extension of my soul, a rebellion against conformity.

Every morning, I stand in front of my wardrobe, carefully selecting the pieces that will compose my unique ensemble for the day. While others may spend hours poring over perfect outfits, I deliberately choose the outfits that clash. In so many ways, they’re perfect outfits too. Perfect for me.

When people make fun of my mismatched socks, my rumpled shirt and the clashing patterns in my trousers they don’t realize that the very thing they mock me about is the very thing I base my strength in. There is something powerful about not bowing to the expectations of society.

But sometimes, as strong as I want to be, their words cut through my shield armor and stings me. Sometimes they make me question if it is truly worth it to  continue down this path, to endure the constant judgment and ridicule. It would be so much easier to blend in, to conform, to become just another face in the crowd. But then I remember why I started this journey in the first place. I remember that it is a small price to pay for self authenticity.

How Did You Get To This Point Of Fashion Freedom? 

Growing up, I always felt suffocated by the pressure to fit in, to mold myself into a version of myself that was more likable to others. I saw so many people sacrificing their authenticity in search of acceptance, and I vowed and told myself that once I grew up, I would never become one of them. I realized that true happiness lies in embracing who you are, in celebrating your uniqueness, even if the world fails to understand it.

What Does Your Dressing Style Truly Reflect?

It is an expression of the chaos trapped inside me. It is an expression of my individuality, even though it is one that seems to be a constant source of amusement and mockery for others.

My dressing style is also a perfect representation of my spontaneity and the way I choose to express myself. Every outfit I put together is a canvas through which I showcase my unique personality and perspectives to the world.

Being spontaneous is an important aspect of my nature. I embrace unexpected ideas, adventures, and opportunities that come my way. Hence, my wardrobe choices are fashioned and tailored to reflect that personality trait.

They are rushed, like I rush into ideas. They are free, the same way I live freely. I don't stick to a rigid set of rules or conform to societal norms when it comes to fashion. Instead, I allow my spontaneous nature to guide every single  outfit choice.

I love mixing and matching different elements to create unexpected and unconventional outfits.  I'm daring enough to experiment with different styles, colors, patterns, and accessories. Fashion is a form of self-expression, and I use my outfits as a means to communicate my thoughts, emotions, and individuality. 

My dress sense is a platform for me to showcase my multifaceted personality and an invitation to others to see the world through my eyes and appreciate the beauty of embracing individuality.

How Do You Plan To Navigate The Resentment Aimed At Your Fashion Going Forward?

I will continue to walk with my head held high, rocking my mismatched, loud, colorful attires and they will serve a testament to my unfettered resolve to remain genuine and authentic to myself.

I refuse to let the ridicules and jeers dampen my spirit. I am reminded that people often make fun of things they do not understand. It is their ignorance; it does not define me.

Even when others see my outfits as a fashion flaw,  I wear them like a badge of honor.

In this bottomless river of conformity, I am a stand alone. I want to be able to remind people that it is okay to challenge the status quo and embrace their uniqueness.  The road may be deserted and lonely at times, but,  I find solace in knowing that I am being true to myself

My Thoughts

As someone who has listened to Soji's entire conversation, I find it completely fascinating how our dressing styles can serve as a powerful medium for self-expression. The way we dress is a lot more than just wearing an outfit we think looks cute. 

It’s okay if you only want to dress for the sole purpose of looking gorgeous. But our fashion sense can be much more than that if we want it to be. It  can be an amazing form of loud expression. It can communicate aspects of our personalities, values, and even our spontaneity.

It's inspiring to see how an individual like Soji embraced the opportunity to express himself through his choice of clothing. By breaking free from conventional boundaries and embracing his unique style, he challenges societal norms and encourages others to do the same. 

Whether we choose to be spontaneous, bold, minimal, flashy or understated, our dressing styles have the power to represent who we are, to inspire others, and to encourage the world to embrace individuality in all its beautiful forms.