An Ode to Fit Pics

Armand Manoukian

Armand John Manoukian is a senior earning a dual degree in journalism and political science. While most of his experience is in political journalism, his big passion project is Clout Chasing, a fashion podcast he hosts with his good friend Carter Farnsworth. Through Clout Chasing, he's discovered a love for clothing and the people who make it.

I don’t know why I get so nervous every time I do this.
I’ve done it dozens of times before.
They know I am going to do it again.
There’s nothing to be scared of.
There’s nothing to be scared of.

“Hey, can you take a picture of my outfit?”

I got dressed this morning knowing I wanted this.
I wore pants with the slightest crop so my shoes would be on full display.
I wore a white t-shirt under my statement piece so that pit stains wouldn’t show.
I know how to pose so that my watch shows, even if my hand doesn’t.

I want this.

I don’t know why I do. Ever since I got into clothing,
Ever since I started tracking cool designers and brands,
Ever since I decided to will myself into being “in the know" about fashion,
I like that my Instagram feed is mostly fit pics with a dash of life accomplishments.
So of course my friend says yes,
There was never a reason they were going to say no.
I hand them my phone,
“Where do you want this?”
“Oh, I don’t know.”
I’m lying. I know exactly where I want my photo to be taken.
That’s why I asked when I did.
I walk to the background that will ensconce my outfit on social media in about a half hour.
I put one foot forward so my shoes show,
And so my jeans look better, pressed against my knee.
The other knee I slightly bend,
So that the fabric is stretched out and looks like it fits perfectly.
(It usually doesn’t actually fit perfectly.)
I take off my mask, but keep it in my hand for the photo,
Because I want my face to show, but I don’t want anyone to think I’m, like,
A psychopath.
Soft smile.
My friend snaps a few. “Is this good?”
It’s perfect. Thanks. Another chapter in my personal style locked in.
Don’t know why I got so nervous to ask for this.