Yes, I'm Overdressed On Vacation—And What About It?

When I was younger, I'd stand in front of the mirror in a new outfit—maybe something a little louder, trendier—then stay frozen in my bedroom, unsure if I had the guts to walk out. I'd be scared someone at home would say "Uyyy, san ang lakad?" or throw in a teasing comment that made me instantly regret trying at all. It wasn't always mean-spirited, but it was enough to make me shrink. Maybe it was the introvert in me, or maybe I just wasn't confident enough yet.

Recently, a tweet went viral saying, "Fight me, but Filipino travelers are overdressed when traveling. HAHA."

And honestly? I felt called out, LOL. But then I started thinking—what even is overdressing?

Overdressing usually means rocking clothes that are fancier or flashier than what's expected for the scene. Like when someone shows up in heels for a quick coffee run or full glam at the airport. But here's the thing: what counts as overdressed really depends on where you're from, who you're with, and how you see yourself.

And I carried that with me. Even as I got older, I felt like I needed an excuse to try something bold—something that felt more like me. A birthday. A special event. 

The first time I ever felt truly free to dress up (and I'm using that term loosely, because everyone has their own standards) was when I lived in New York for a while. Everyone was too busy minding their own business to even take a second glance at me. Even my most stylish, trendiest outfit—put together by my naturally basic b*tch self—won't turn heads on Fifth Avenue.

Who cared if my long, tailored black coat was paired with barely broken-in heeled ankle boots, perfectly cropped trousers, and a minimalist leather bag slung over my shoulder?

Before that, the only time I gave myself permission to get creative with my style was when I traveled. There, I didn't have to worry about "uyyy" comments or anyone calling it out. Nobody knew me. I could just be.

And that's why I get it—why so many Filipinos "overdres" when we go abroad. We wear the outfit we've been saving. We go all out, from the shoes to the bag to the walk. We take photos like it's a full-blown editorial. (After all these Cosmo shoots, I would know, lol.) And yes, sometimes we do give Heart Evangelista on the streets of Paris or Pia Wurtzbach in Dubai vibes.

But, contrary to what your algorithm would make you think, some of us aren't doing it for clout. We're doing it for us.

Because let’s be real: back home, a lot of us grow up playing it safe. Whether it's because of money, strict family dynamics, or just the pressure of being perceived too much, we learn to shrink ourselves—our personalities, our style, our voice. Even weather gets in the way (hello, 35°C with 80% humidity). So when we finally get the chance to step out of all that, of course we show up fully!

It's not even necessarily about fashion. It's about freedom. It's about finally feeling like yourself without having to explain or justify it. When no one around you knows you, you start to wonder: What would I wear, say, or do if I wasn't afraid of being judged?

And just like that, you start answering the question.

You don't even have to travel abroad for this. Dressing up for a weekend in Tagaytay or an LU beach trip? All the same.

So, yes, we take our travel fits seriously. But it's not for show. It's for my inner child who didn't want to wear that pretty pink dress or those faux leather pants because I knew it wasn't what they expected of me. It's for the version of ourselves we're still learning to get to know—because we didn't get to when we were younger.

Let people think it's too much. Let them give the side-eye while tapping through their IG Stories. Let them whisper "grabe, ang bihis naman" under their breath.