Has fashion and our relationship to it, gotten too serious? I have been thinking a lot about this lately, and after some of the comments I have received, decided I would delve a bit into this topic, especially as we enter a holiday season of celebration. Many of us, myself included, and even some of the younger “serious fashion influencers” out there (so I’m not sure it’s an age thing), have been embracing a “uniform aesthetic”. This is for many reasons: 1) creating a succinct wardrobe hones one’s style, 2) a wardrobe that isn’t a revolving door of new purchases is better for the planet, and 3) it is far more cost effective. I’m behind it all the way. We need to be conscious consumers.
With all of that said, however, are you still having fun with what you wear? Or, have you whittled all the pleasure out of getting dressed? As with everything, I am a fan of moderation. While I lean in heavily to having a solid, timeless wardrobe, I also want some zing now and then. I want to dress up, even if no one else is, I want to feel feminine, or sexy, sometimes even a little “did-you-see-what-she-was-wearing?!” And I hope this desire to have fun with fashion doesn’t have an age limit. Why should it?
But having fun with getting dressed doesn’t have to translate into a lot of “stuff”. Our wardrobes today are vast compared to what people had 50 years ago. So I think it’s about carving out a small niche of special pieces and then having the chutzpah to wear them sometimes in place your standard go-tos. Practical most of the time? Sure, but a puritanical devotion to being on the straight-and-narrow at all times? I’m not having it. Sometimes it’s good just to enjoy something for the flush of whatever emotion it gives you and not feel guilty about it. Life’s too short. Celebration and dress have been intrinsically linked since the beginning of time. So I hope you find a reason to celebrate, throw more caution to the wind and find the joy in getting dressed!
Jennifer, this was so timely for me. I’ve totally bought into the buy-less-buy-better ethos, sustainability and craft, the concepts of capsule and uniform dressing, neutral colors, classicism, and all the rest. In some ways, I’m happier with my closet and my style than I’ve ever been. But with the holidays and [some] relief from COVID restrictions on the horizon, I also want a bit of fun – even joy – in the mix. For me, this will probably take the form of shoes, jewelry, and maybe a sparkly top (I do love a good sequin). And I agree it’s an ageless idea. Thanks as always for the inspiration, and happy holidays!
What I call “personality pieces” are important for my sense of fun in my wardrobe, but I’ll always get great joy out of pulling on a well-made black wool overcoat.
A pair of dark floral velvet flats with a big rhinestone embellishment looks spectacular with jeans, a white shirt and a black blazer. Add sparkly earrings and you’re done.
This is timely and so true. Joy is something I receive when I walk out the door excited about my appearance. Like most I have put together a curated wardrobe , the fun comes in with my accessories! Vintage silk scarves, and jewelry. Lots of color and pattern.
You read my mind! I guess it’s about making the effort, always harder when it’s cold and rainy and also in recent Covid years, being out of practice. I am determined to ‘dress up’ for any restaurant or party that I am going to for the rest of this month.
Clothing should give us joy, make us feel good and serve and inspire us to feel all we want to be at each moment. That’s my motto and my design ethos. The right new piece, the one that does all the above, makes life easier and more fun. Sometimes it’s just a pink scarf!
I like your thinking Jennifer! Always am inspired by your posts. Please give us a few examples to inspire us for the holiday season!
What Denise Brady says!
Yes to this! My closet mostly contains timeless high quality classics, very much like your edits. However, I also make sure that I have pieces in my closet that I can have fun with, but still fit within my style. The latest edition is a classic metallic silver Paco Rabanne disc skirt that I’ll be dancing in throughout this holiday season