That line about shy people dressing to conform or blend in with the people around them is so stinking true. I could look like any other college/high school girl (its super hard to tell my age just from my appearance) out there, I don't wear anything flashy or too bold. I like my clothes to be blue, purple, or green, not just because those are some of my favorite colors but also because it stands out a whole lot less than red or yellow.
I'm actually a very artistic, creative person but most of the time you can't tell that from what I wear. I mean, I can't afford to buy the clothes I'd like to, but even when I get something fabulous (as a gift or on sale, usually) I end up not wearing it because
oh god what if people want to talk to me?? I'm comfortable being a wallflower.
On gaia I can represent myself better, I can dress in the delicate, feminine styles I love, and I can have a fantasy flair to my outfit without someone giving me weird looks. When I'm more confident with myself IRL I tend to dress almost elven, like if LOTR was set in modern day. I've gotten some weird comments. My mom calls some of my outfits "artistic" which is her politically correct way of saying I don't look like a normal person. But usually its just jeans, random graphic tee, cardigan if its cold enough, and flats (can't do heels, more height means more attention).
Fantasy is a humongous part of my life, so my avis tend to reflect that better than my IRL style. I grew up reading fantasy books (except, randomly, my grandma thinks fantasy = devil worshiping, so instead she gives me holocaust books?), watching fantasy movies, making up fantasy stories. My barbies were never just barbies, they were wizards and elves and princesses and adventuring women in fabulous clothes. So many of my avis take on a fantastical bend.
Other random thoughts: I've had blue eyes on my avi since I joined, I guess I wish I had more interesting eye color? My mom and brothers have blue eyes and I used to be quite jealous - I had to be stuck with the boring genetics. Also I really like having blue hair, at one point I wanted to dye (some of) my hair blue or purple, but everyone basically said that's too weird, I'd stand out too much an not be able to get a job teaching. Speaking of that, I put off piercing my nose because of that hanging over my head, but I'm really glad I did it finally, its like a tiny burst of confidence in the form of a sparkly blue diamond. And I'm not going to teach, because hell no, but also I can't do the professional thing - its too stuffy. I hate slacks and button-up blouses and pencil skirts and conservative shoes. I mean, I can't even work at a desk! Oh another part of the reason I stick to the jeans+tee combo is because stretchy t-shirts are like the only thing that will fit me. I have a tiny frame, but big-ish boobs, making it impossible to just willy-nilly buy something from the store (and extremely difficult to find a bra). Most of what I'd love to wear I'd need to custom make it for myself (part of the reason I'm learning how to sew) or heavily modify something store bought. And I just don't have the time or ability to do that right now, or the money to pay someone else.