less of more
September 5, 2016 § 9 Comments
This past year I had the luxury of dressing in humble, leftover staples of comfort. Long walks with our dog and errands afforded me an unexceptional excuse to recycle my wardrobe in varying combinations of unintelligible shades of largely, shapeless neutrals.
In moving I intentionally packed light; making a conscious commitment to a minimalist mindset that inspired an unintentional exercise in creating a capsule wardrobe. Most days I could have dressed safely in the dark and there was a certain pleasure in the elegance of less.
As I prepare to work outside our home I recognize there is a need for a more structured series of basic interchangeable pieces. I’ve no desire to shop trends or splurge on seasonal whims any more than I want to invest in poorly tailored objects that might fall apart with moderate wear.
Yesterday I spent hours drifting between storefronts, exploring the cuts and colors of borrowed style in search of a familiar self. Tempted to shape myself into an image of something predesigned to escape the exercise in choice, I was slow to recognize the work of self-expression.
I marveled over how quickly we can conform an idea of self by the offerings of cleverly marketed offerings. The fleeting confidence of finding my size in someone else’s image doesn’t allow me to move authentically through my days.
I want my clothes to continue to serve as a background for my thoughts and actions, an understated expression that requires less burden of extravagance. To move seamlessly among my threads.
scribblechic 
I’ve always worn very neutral colors to blend in…but for some reason I have had the urge to be my truth, in how I dress…and I’m still not sure what that is….yet 😀
As for most women, it must be a difficult choice for so many occasions to be that truth, as your upbringing or society has kept you in a state of change from moment to moment. I do not know how you survive it 🙂
I’m glad you can appreciate the philosophical context of my curiosity over the superficial language of dress. You raise an interesting point, gender and stereotypes/social norms.
It was one of those moments when someone commented on what I was wearing…so I said, whether I’m in a suite or shorts and sandals, ‘am I any the different as a person, dressed in either way’.
They said no… so I now dress for me (with respect for the occasion). Even I wouldn’t turn up at a celebration looking like a ‘hobo’.
But is that just the social conditioning still kicking in…am I the result of my upbringing and the ‘styles’ of this time.
Maybe it’s just about finding my balance…after finding ‘my’ comfort zone 🙂
Great post Marie, it tests the thinking that we ‘have’… or is that conditioned too 😀
Mark, your questions are a little “chicken or the egg.” We could probably talk circles about social conditioning, but whatever came first, your mindfulness is delightful.
Thank you kind lady…and if it makes you smile….just do it 🙂
Can’t beat that, regardless if your a chicken or an egg 😀
Oh, self expression via clothing. Sigh. Fashion designers don’t make it easy unless you’re 5’10” with few curves. And, unique is not necessarily easy to find. I vote for fewer options more carefully curated. Have you tried Stitch Fix?
I have tried Stitch Fix, but it was a poor fit. My only “keeper” was a blouse I have yet to wear.
I had a little success this weekend, but the experience was exhausting; countless stores and discouraging choices at exorbitant costs. For now I’m clinging happily to my new finds and hoping to channel a timeless look with a limited wardrobe.
I am about to try stitch fix. But I must be honest, I am skeptical. I have had friends who have had great luck but they tend to be far less picky than I am about clothing :-).
Stitch Fix is a great concept and I’ve had friends who were very pleased with the selection and service provided. For my part, I am extremely picky and budget conscious. Maybe unreasonably so.