Some years ago, I received a text from Geneva (best friend). Roughly, it said, "HAVE YOU WATCHED NEW GIRL? YOU ARE JESS."

And, especially at that time, Geneva was right. Jess and I did have a long, long, list of similarities. I dressed just like Jess. I had bangs and long hair. I taught children. I loved rosé and making up songs on the spot. If caught off guard by a cute animal photo, it was likely that I would cry, just like Jess. I could continue, but it would get monotonous.

Most of my Jess similarities still persist, but one has not: my Jess wardrobe. If you don't watch New Girl (?!?!?!), here's an overview of Jess' style: A typical Jess outfit is an above-the-knee fit and flare dress in either a bright color or whimsical pattern, typically paired with black tights, ballet flats, and, often, a cardigan. As a big-hipped, small-shouldered woman, this silhouette was my bread and butter. (I also like wearing tights, which, I'm just learning, isn't common!?)

So, why'd I let it go? When I dressed like Jess (and like me! I dressed that way before New Girl premiered) I often wasn't taken seriously. Frequently, I was called "cute" or "adorable" (trigger words for anyone who was given the kid's menu until they were sixteen) and then whatever point I had been trying to convey was ignored.