I don’t know how accurately this comparison will fit, but if my partner Evan and I were superheroes, I’d be Robin to his Batman.
When it comes to style, holy rockin’ it, Batman/Evan always looms larger. In the Batmobile, Robin/I always ride shotgun. Yes, I’m the sidekick.
This comes as no surprise. On our first date, Evan talked of his most recent date, before which he told the guy how to dress. “That won’t be me,” I said. “I dress as I dress.” And yet, holy inchworm, Evan’s style sense has gradually entered my closet.
Even with his style influence, Batman will always shine over Robin/me. Just look at the characters in the old TV series. Batman dresses in classic black and silver, with a full hood and golden accessories. Robin, by contrast, is a bit of a mess. Is he an elf, clad in red and green? What’s with the clashing yellow cape and underwhelming goggles? Even Batman’s chest-centered bat logo has more flair than Robin’s unimaginative “R” on the left pec.
If Batman is GQ, Robin is Highlights magazine for children. Batman is primetime; Robin is “Sesame Street,” with Big Bird and Oscar the Grouch as influences.
I’m acutely aware of our Batman/Robin roles when we travel. I pack decent clothes with comfort in mind. Evan packs to be a statement, practicality be damned. From his swoopy hair to his snakeskin cowboy boots, he has a complete look whereas I sometimes come off as promoting an adult line of Garanimals. I have lots of nice, pricey clothes but most everything would be characterized as understated.
We spent the long weekend in Taos, New Mexico, a town of characters, the men sporting slicked back hair pulled into a ponytail, modest t-shirts and faded denim jeans. Wherever we went, Evan’s cowboy chic garnered compliments. Holy shadow lurker, I didn’t even register.
Our looks suit our personalities. Evan is outgoing and, yes, likes attention. Compliments immediately lift his spirits. I’m an introvert who prefers not standing out. Let me go about whatever I’m going about without having to engage in chitchat. I am proud to stand by my man, but I’m relieved not to put so much thought and work into my look. In many ways, we’re an opposites-attract couple. And, holy Fashion Week, it seems to work.
