9 Times 'The Middle' Nailed Indiana Style Sense

If you've read any of my previous posts, it's not a secret that I live in a small, rural Indiana town, laden with corn and TV generalization, like The Middle 's fashion choices. And I love it. Sure I dream of the big city skyline and meeting Nick Jonas in West Village, but for now? I'm happy where I am.

The Middle, for those of you living under a rock, is a TV Show on ABC that features Patricia Heaton (aka Ray Ramano's wife). The show is not about anything in particular, just a family trying to "make it" in a small town. Sometimes it relates to true Indiana things, like fun afternoons in Nashville, Indiana, or packing up an afternoon to go hiking in Brown County State Park. Sue learning to drive was basically identical to my first experience behind the wheel. And one thing they do get right more often than not is the style sense of Indianians.

This past summer, I interned in New York with many lovely girls from all over the country. I met them all individually, and the first thing each said when they learned I was from Indiana was akin to, "But your style is so cute!" I had to laugh at each response and explain that Indiana, like their own state, did in fact have malls. Many of us do have some sort of fashion sense, despite what The Middle and Parks & Recreation might indicate. As an avid watcher of The Middle since its first airing in 2013, I have to admit there are some times when the show gets it right.

1. The Cheerleading Uniforms

This simple, blue ensemble is actually identical to my first cheerleading uniform — minus the knee pads.The dancing is oddly spot-on, too. I will admit, the uniforms got better the older I got. Sometimes we even had a fancy little bit of silver on the neckline!

2. Getting Glasses

Getting glasses was THE BEST thing that could happen to you in fifth grade, not matter where you live. It was like accessorizing without much effort. Looking back, it made my awkward stage that much worse, but I lied to my optometrist nearly every visit to get those plastic frames. Judge me if you want, but I still like them. Lupita Nyong'o seems to agree with me.

3. Putting On Perfume

This was exactly how I was taught to put on perfume. I saw both my mom and sister apply their "smell-good," as we called it on our house, so I started. And I still apply it like this. It seems to work, I still get compliments.

4. Boys Getting Dressed

I'll admit, I don't have a brother. But I just know this is how some guys in my high school got dressed. While us girls were complaining about how early we had to wake up to get ready, boys were bragging about how they woke up five minutes before the bell rang. This is probably because they wore typical outfit: T-shirt, jeans, and Chucks. Every day.

5. "Pajamas"

Ignore the crying Frankie Heck here. My pajama drawer is filled to the brim with oversized T-shirts. Some with holes and some with paint-splatters. Free T-shirts are ABUNDANT in Indiana, for some strange reason. I think I've had to get rid of more than I currently own.

6. Plaid. Every. Single. Day.

Yes, I am aware this image has been digitally altered, but it still describes a typical Indiana wardrobe perfectly. There is probably at least one member of my family wearing plaid on any given day. And we're not even mad about it. It's warm. It's comfortable. And it can be washed with any color.

7. Feathered Bangs, Because They're Still A Thing Here

It's unfortunate, but true.

8. School-Issued Gym Clothes

I didn't realize this was a thing until that dreaded first period gym class my freshman year of high school. My name was called and I was given and a pair of synthetic read shorts and an XL shirt with the name "Goode" on top of its previous owners. I immediately gagged and thought of ways to get out of gym.

9. Brightly Colored Jeans

I'm convinced the only reason bright colored pants are still in stores is because of Indiana. We really, really, really fell for this particular trend. In fact, we just like color in general, and tend to pick one shade to wear from head to toe. When we aren't in plaid, of course.