Thoughtful Outfitting
A pair of a pants and a shirt does not count as a look
Now that we are well into March, I feel it is an appropriate time to review the value of my New Years Resolution: to not wear any outfits that are just bottoms and a top.
First, let me explain why this was even a resolution of mine at all.
I love to get dressed. I don’t ever wake up on the wrong side of the bed, I get dressed on the wrong side of the closet. That is to say, nothing starts my day on a better note than an outfit I’m proud of–and conversely, there is no bad omen worse than a bad look. To me, this concept goes far beyond just “looking good” in the eyes of others. When I put together a good outfit I like to think about it. How does this leather blazer play with the texture of these jeans? Do my yellow sneakers attract enough attention in relation to my green shirt… maybe I should add a belt? And ultimately, the true indented audience of every outfit I put together is actually myself.
In short, when someone sees my outfit I want them to stop and think, '“what?” and then after that marinates for a second I want them to think, “Well of course!” or perhaps even “God no.”
I never want someone to see my outfit and then just mindlessly move on to the next thing. I want them to stop and think. Even if those thoughts are negative.
Of course, there is nothing wrong with you if that is not your outlook on life. But I’m me and it’s my outlook. After all, I spend 75% of my paycheck every month on new clothes, and shoes, and hair clips, and socks, and belts, and scarves, and so on. Going into 2023, I had to make sure I put all of those pieces (and all those dollars) to use.
As per my new years resolution, top + bottom ≠ outfit.
Instead top + bottom + tights + jacket = outfit. Or dress + belt + headband = outfit. Sometimes even just layering two shirts on top of each other will do the trick.
And not to pat myself on the back, but boy was that a great resolution. Instead of meaninglessly grabbing two pieces that “match” (which I think is a dumb concept anyways, but more on that another time), I take a moment to think. And most importantly, each morning I take some time to play.
Playing is so important. Why do we stop playing when we get old?
My playground is no longer the sandbox or the dollhouse. My playground is my closet, my intimates drawer, my jewelry chest, and my accessories shelf. I get to play with shapes, textures, colors, and more each day when I wake up. And because of this, each of my days gets to start with a lot of creativity and a lot of fun.
I pride myself on my interest in fashion and culture and the intersections of all things human interest. I suppose in this way this Substack is my playground like my closet is.
This has been the most worthwhile New Years Resolution I have ever created. Far more meaningful than some fad diet, some goal to go to the gym four days a week, or anything else I’ve tried before. Don’t get me wrong, those goals have values too but (for me) this Thoughtful Outfitting has bred far more mindfulness and self expression than any low-carb lifestyle ever could.
I like to think. I like to play. I like to try new things. These days, getting dressed has become an exercise in all of my favorite skills.
Please comment if you have something to say too.