a sustainable wardrobe in times of flux

Lots of changes + uncertainty here right now. There is so much to think about + to be honest the last thing I'm thinking about is my wardrobe. But why not have a diversion for a minute, right? :) Stress, jobs, weight changes, body image, budget concerns, the weather...they are all impacting my wardrobe. Maybe gaining some perspective over something that seems a little bit more in my control will be good for me. 

We can all go through some of these changes at some point...hopefully they happen a little bit more one-at-a-time...but maybe we can come up with some perspective on keeping these changes manageable + sustainable at least in the closet.

Job ::

• Whether my job requires a uniform or not, I think the idea of a uniform can be helpful. It's mostly about perspective + numbers for me. A uniform allows me to be ok with wearing a few pieces over + over again.
• Looking through my closet for anything that fits the dress code is my first step. Wearing my own clothes makes me feel the most like myself + I will take any comfort I can get in those first days on a new job. 

Weight changes ::

• Wearing what I have is the priority as my body shifts. I know don't need a whole lot, so I will try to make what I have work for as long as possible.
• Pants don't fit pretty quick with weight shifts. I'm considering trying to alter one pair of pants + embracing the slouchy look in a couple of others at the moment.
• Thrift stores are probably the best option here. I don't know how long I will wear a pair of pants, so I can drop them off to be resold when I need a different pair.
• Elastic waistbands, dresses + jumpsuits can have great flexibility.

Body image ::

• I am no expert on this or anything else, but I did choose (and let myself keep) a pretty dress for my birthday. I actually had a moment the first day that I wore it when I walked past a mirror, stopped + the thought came to my mind, "You are actually really pretty." I don't want to advocate for things giving us value...but this soft, beautiful dress allowed me to see myself a little bit differently in that moment. Choosing pieces with an eye toward softness + beauty is in my thoughts now.

Budget concerns ::

• Wearing what I already have...refashioning or altering things already in our house...and generally making-do...are my go-to thoughts when our budget is tight. These are also great for the planet.  :)
• Thrifting is also a great option...in-person thrifting is often the cheapest, in my experience. Flea markets sound just dreamy right now.

Weather ::

• This refers to that quarter-yearly shuffle that involves digging out the shorts one day + retreating into the wool jacket the next. I'm trying to find an organized way for it all to be out at once...and considering alternative systems.
• These days make a case for having access to everything all the time + just putting things into cloth zip bags right in their designated, accessible drawers when they become "out-of-season". Maybe accessible under-the-bed storage would accomplish this. (Still need a bed frame.)

Hope you are enjoying a sunshine + warm breezes mindset today. 

Love,
​Jane