Today I got to thinking about what the most basic, functional, good clothing would be for me. ("Good" is such an underrated word.) What would those pieces be, if I were to have to start over from scratch (because of a house fire or natural disaster...like so many have)...if I were to be on a very tight budget (which I am)...or if I wanted to just exist in the most basic, functional, good space (which I usually do). What pieces would do their job + make me feel good day to day + all year long?

This may be a good way to start thinking through our wardrobes...whether we are simply doing a clean out...a curation...or a reassessment. Even if we don't want to live with such a small number of basics, this could be a good jumping off point for adding in other pieces + personalized touches. I like the idea of a small wardrobe because it helps me to live within my means, to consume what I need rather than over-consuming, to produce less waste that ends up in the landfill, and to choose fair when I need to consume.

It was surprisingly easy to come up with a sort of system for these pieces. My everyday outfit would consist of: pale, soft jeans + an oversized, oat-colored pullover. In order to help these pieces function in any weather I'd add a long-sleeved tee, sweatshirt, short-sleeved tee, + tank. All of these additional pieces would be white or cream.

My outfit that would function well in the more formal settings I find myself in (but also for everyday) would be: black pants, black silky tank, black pullover + flats. In order to allow these pieces to function in a broader range of circumstances, I'd add a short-sleeved tee, sweatshirt + long-sleeved tee. All of these pieces would be black accept for the shoes.

Lounging would call for black leggings or soft shorts + the above tops. All of the pieces could mix + match. Chosen with care, these pieces could function as athletic wear (leggings + tank) + sleepwear (soft shorts + tank) as well.

My basic, functional, good pieces ::
-pale jeans
-black pants
-leggings
-soft shorts
-pullovers: oat + black
-sweatshirts: cream+ black
-long-sleeved tees: black + white
-short-sleeved tees: black + white
-tanks: black + white
-footwear: flats, trainers, boots, sandals

Add some socks, underwear, a jacket, a tote bag and I imagine that these pieces would see me through most situation year round. I'd need to work up to having all of these pieces, if I were truly starting over. Seasons would spread out purchases + multiples could be put off. In theory, this could work. In practice...my mind + finding exactly what I want could get in the way. 

We are transformed through the renewal of the mind. I'm working at it.  :)

What would your most basic, functional, good pieces be?

Love,
Jane

Struggle is a common word in this space. It's an honest word when it comes to parts of my journey toward simple, fair, compassionate living. One of the main things I've kept in mind from the beginning is that moving toward "fair" simply involves one choice at a time. I don't need to tackle an entire shift all at once...I move toward a fair wardrobe one choice at a time. I move toward zero-waste one choice at a time.

It is in these choices that I sometimes encounter struggle. As I address needs in my wardrobe, for example, the choices are not always black + white. Sometimes I can't find a fair + affordable version of exactly what I'm looking for. Sometimes one piece can't address fit, comfort, presentability, uniqueness, affordability, + longevity all at once...and I have to prioritize. Sometimes my desire for clothing to mask my imperfections + to say something about me too is just too much to ask.

This summer I struggled to assemble a collection of clothing that consistently felt like enough + like "me"...was presentable + appropriate + comfortable...wasn't too many pieces. It's been a couple of a years since I've felt such unrest in this area.

Learned :: Where there is struggle...the path to rest often involves some sort of surrender.

In regards to my clothing, one or more of the following could be surrendered:
1. want...I can't have everything
2. the desire to look a certain way...thin, young, hip...
3. less...I might need a few more pieces
4. the perfect fit
5. the idea of the perfect piece
6. dollars
7. style...I could just choose to give in to what can be found thrifting
8. the fairdare...I might not be able to find a completely fair version of something I need
9. materials...I might find that plastic fibers work best right now for some items
10. the desire for the perfect, simple collection of pieces
11. "need"...maybe I can uncomfortably do without

Sometimes it can be difficult to decide what to surrender...but I've found that at least sometimes it must be something. My values (fairdare, natural materials, budget, less) definitely provide some guidance. This summer after struggling to "fix" my wardrobe, I opted for somewhat uncomfortably doing without. 

The dress above was one I carefully planned to purchase. When it arrived, I just felt unsettled. Yes, I think it's fair...and it's fun (+ I am worthy of some fun). It felt like the perfect thing to wear the day it arrived + on an upcoming vacation. But I couldn't think of a way I'd like to wear it as the temperatures dip...I wasn't completely convinced that it was flattering on me...and it's quite an investment piece. But I love the colors + the weight of the fabric... + it's fun! 

Today I packed it back up to return + I instantly felt more at peace than I had the entire day before. Surrendering my "right" to own that beautiful dress + returning it was the right decision for today. The peace of mind confirmed it.

Also :: Perfect is the enemy of good. Perfection is always a good candidate for surrender.  :)

Love,
​Jane

It seems like we often gravitate toward simpler + simpler shapes + colors as we move toward simpler wardrobes. People who share their small wardrobes online often recommend a collection of black, white + grey pieces in classic shapes...a few tees (one striped), a couple of button-down shirts, a sweater, a jacket, black pants, jeans, a black dress, trainers, flats, heels. There is ample opportunity even within this formula to choose individual shapes + fit. It's a great basic collection that would serve almost any daily situation, + we seem to tire of these simple shapes + colors less quickly. 

Some simple wardrobe wearers inject a signature color or two for each season. This approach also requires restraint. Different people like different things, however, + I'm sure many have found their ways to more colorful, simple collections. I'm interested in exploring the possibility of building a small collection of a little bit more adventurous pieces...and to observe the speed of tiring of these pieces. Autumn colors invoke feelings of cozy rather than dread of the cold that is to come. ​They always call my name, so no doubt that has something to do with these thoughts...but not everything. I imagine that I'm not alone, as a wardrobe of paired down basics can get a little bland for some.

So anyway...here's a little collection of pieces that I imagine could make me quite happy in the season to come. I know that I often say something like that in a post like this. I'm aware that part of that comes from the fact that all of these pieces would be new to me...and I don't think that buying all new pieces each season is at all ethical or sustainable. So...obviously simply adding a less ordinary piece or two to my existing wardrobe is what I've really been exploring lately. What I'm struggling with a little bit is that I'm not used to seeing myself in pieces that aren't a bit more on the quiet side...and I'm wondering what's really "me"...or what I really want to wear. I'm still deciding.  :)

Love,
Jane

I made a list of everyday wardrobe items a little more than a year ago. My goal was + is to have a sort of system that helps me to know what I need + to stick to "enough". Less resources consumed. Less wondering what goes with what, because the goal is for everything to mix with everything. Less to mend + repair + care for...making it more manageable to do so. Less searching for second hand, sewing, or investing in a fairly made piece...again making it more manageable to do so when necessary. I'm not prescribing this list to anyone else...we each have our own needs, desires, circumstances + climates to contend with. This has simply been a personal process of experimenting + observing...and for some reason I find it quite interesting.  :)

I'm happy to report that the list has worked very well this year. It gives me a bit of a thrill to know how few pieces are really necessary. I have long ago forgotten the aversion to wearing the same things day after day. I will not say that I have never been tempted to expand the list...but its existence has kept me from doing so. I know that the items on the list, when chosen well, are "enough" to keep me clothed appropriately for the vast majority of situations + weather in which I find myself. Straying too far from this list might signal that I've let my wants get a little bit out of control...or that I might want to take stock of what state my mind is in. Of course this is very personal...and I am gentle + kind with myself...while striving for restraint as well. I'm a work in very slow progress.  :)

A few of the ways this list has been positive this year ::
-I like my clothes. Each piece serves a purpose + I know I'm prepared.
-This list is now tested (for my current life). I haven't encountered a situation this year for which I was unprepared ...clothing-wise.  :)
-The list slows me down. I really need to consider if a new piece is better than what I already have...because something has to go to make space for something new.
-I know that I have enough...or that replacing just one worn out thing will still be enough.
-There aren't too many combinations to think through, when I want to make sure a new piece will match everything.
-I have a more cohesive, well thought out wardrobe.
-It keeps spending in check. Even if I were to replace a bunch of pieces in one season...there just wouldn't be that much to replace.
-I don't end up with things that I never (or seldom) wear.
-I've found my personal basics + that mixing in a few sprinkles keeps things interesting.
-Making fair choices is a little bit easier. Less to replace means I can spend a little more time thrifting or sewing...or a little more money buying something that provides fair wages.
-The guilt about using more than my fair share of resources is lessened.
-I feel like this is a system that helps me to live in tune with my values. Less. Enough. Fair.
-Laundry is easier. Less to wash. Things were worn more often before washing. I don't let the pile get too big, because I need my clothes back.  :)
-My closet feels spacious + organized.
-I can get my seasonal wardrobes set early in the season + then just get on with living.
-Most of the year, I didn't think about shopping! This is huge for me + I want more of that!
​-It has strengthened my faith + trust in "enough" elsewhere in my life.

Needless to say, I'm keeping my list...with a few tweaks...based on the things I've learned this year. I love learning.  :)

Love,
​Jane

I've been asking myself for years if I could (or wanted to) wear a uniform. I've sort of had unintentional, seasonal uniforms at different points which simply reflected the silhouettes I loved at the time...a striped tee + jeans + cardigan...just dresses...a tank + shorts...jeans + a top. When I think of a uniform loosely like this, it doesn't seem very intimidating.

When we moved to London, we were taken shopping for Jo's school uniform. She was to wear a white button down shirt, blazer, skirt, tie, socks, black shoes, + black coat. I'd never worn a school uniform + neither had my girls. We didn't have access to a washer or dryer at that time...and when we finally did, there was only a washer (no dryer). Under these circumstances, I would have bought a number of tops + skirts...but was told that 2 tops + one skirt would be enough. And...it pretty much was...even with the added drying time in that damp climate!

What if I didn't just think of uniform dressing as a series of similar tops being worn with a series of similar bottoms...but as just one or two tops being worn with the same one or two bottoms? What would even be the benefit of such thought? I'm wondering if it would get me to the point of wearing out my clothing more often instead of moving on from it before it is finished being worn. I don't have any problem with passing beautiful clothing on to be worn by another...or wearing wonderful secondhand clothing for a period of time before passing it on again. I have, however, had a little trouble lately with the reality of this scenario. 

So...I would love for my enthusiasm for a piece of clothing to endure for that piece's wearable lifetime. I think lavishing all of my love for a certain style on one (or two) pieces rather than spreading it over a greater number of pieces in that style could be a step in the right direction. 

Which brings me to this pair of pants that (I'm sorry) have shown up around here quite a bit. I suppose they were a sort of uniform for me this summer (my favorite pants for sure). When I found this (giant) hole in them...I found it a bit strange to actually be feeling a sort of happiness. I know that I can no longer find any more of this fabulous fabric (I had already tried). But...I find it so exciting to have loved a piece of clothing enough to have (almost) worn it out. My wabi-sabi patch job will allow me to get a little more use out of these pants (because new patch on very thin fabric will not last forever...and this is a weird sort of visible bum patch). And then, I can move on to a new uniform without guilt. 

Love,
​Jane

A few of my surprising (good) discoveries:
-Four tops are enough :: I still don't really know how this works, but that's the magic of it. With four people to do laundry for, I always have a clean top to wear!
-I don't have to wash my tops after every wear, even though it's hot. Thank you, deodorant.
-The clothes that I already have (+ think I don't love) are usually better than the clothes that I think I want.

Some other (not so positive) discoveries:
-Shorts that I feel good about wearing in public are hard to find...but would be so beneficial.
-Finally found some more comfortable sandals...and then never wore my clog sandals again.
-Online shopping sometimes (really) stinks. This summer brought out all the worst in my hopeful online purchases...vintage with undisclosed issues, sandals that made me feel like I have crazy feet, and all the things with unpredictable sizing.
-Sewing doesn't always yield what I want to wear. (Although 3 of my pieces are last year's makes.)

​Switches I'd very much like to make/made ::
olive shorts out (too big) :: would like a pair of high-waisted, comfy, good looking shorts
voile tank out (only matched olive shorts) :: would like a top that makes shorts wearable out
clog sandals out (not comfortable for walking) :: comfortable sandals in
​
What did you learn from your relationship with your wardrobe this season?

Love,
Jane

P.S. If I don't say this often enough, I apologize. I want to be clear that there is no perfect number of pieces of clothing to own...there is no race to the least number of pieces possible. What I share here is just my own journey toward finding my personal sweet spot of enough.  :)

I visited a thrift store the other day which held multiple matching tops hanging in tandem with their matching skirts, pants or dresses. My grandmother used to purchase her clothing this way, + it seemed like such a luxurious way to shop. Whereas in my closet, I might have struggled to pair a particular skirt with just the right top, she would always know exactly what to wear with her skirt. She always looked so put together + polished.

Today (then too), I appreciate being able to put most of my tops together with most of my bottoms. One-pieces like dresses + jumpsuits...when chosen with an eye toward layer-ablilty...can offer even more creative options. Since choosing to have less in my closet, I've particularly come to appreciate this ability to make multiple outfits with just a few pieces. It's just my personal preference.

As the summer wears on, I've been trying not to lose sight of the fact that my limited number of pieces are enough. I spent the past month attempting to "fast" from clothing lust...trying to sit + marinate in "enough"...making space to be grateful for what I have. I'm not sure how well I did with all of that...but my awareness was keen + I tried to maintain focus. 

Part of this practice is to keep my eyes on my own paper (wardrobe)...maybe diving in to my appreciation for individual pieces that I already own...rather than obsessing about a piece that I'd like to make mine. Trying a couple of different ways to wear a piece can renew my appreciation for it. This jumpsuit from Lacausa has been a surprisingly versatile piece for me during these (very) hot months. It is extremely lightweight + just about the breeziest thing I can imagine wearing. It doesn't bind at the stomach (glorious during certain times of the month). The straps were shortened slightly in order to raise the neckline + minimize the need to adjust. A few of my favorite ways to wear it...along with a few ways I can imagine wearing it...follow ::

-My favorite way to wear this piece is under a top...like a tee, muscle tank or long sleeved button down...and I'd love for the weather to be cool enough to wear it under a sweatshirt. Worn this way, it looks like a swingy pair of shorts...not too long + not too short.
-I wear it on its own..but only at home, because it feels just a little too bare for me otherwise.
-It would be cute with a longer cardigan or kimono.
-It would be great as a swimsuit coverup too.
-I think of using it as a slip under under a sheer dress.
-It works as a top...tucked into pants, shorts or a skirt. The lightweight fabric makes it ideal for tucking + stuffing without bulging.
-The choice of shoes can change it up as well...casual or dressy sandals, cute trainers, or flats.

Sometimes an exercise like this is all I need to truly treasure + appreciate the pieces already in my (small) wardrobe. Try it?  :)

Love,
​Jane

My personal basics comprise the bulk of my simple wardrobe. It would not be an overstatement to say that I could function well with only a small selection of my personal basics. Chosen with care, these pieces could take me into most of the everyday, indoor situations + temperatures in which I find myself. 

And yet...I've been wrestling these past few months with that just a little.

Over the past number of years, I've worked toward a more minimalist wardrobe. I haven't really subscribed to any rules. I've just been trying to feel my way to my sweet spot with the amount of clothing I have...a very personal sweet spot that lies at just the right point between too much + too little.* For years, I've been able to slowly reduce...reduce...reduce...as I've found "enough" in less + less.

And now...I've gotten to a point where I can function with a very few pieces (this is relative, obviously). In the past few months, however, I was feeling the loss of some of the joy of getting dressed. I'd reduced my pieces to a very few items in a very narrow color palette. Almost every piece was either black or white...and that was never intentional. I found myself feeling like I didn't look good in colors...shying away from patterns that I might get tired of quickly...choosing safe shapes for their versatility. 

Yes, I could get dressed + feel good + appropriate...but I wasn't having a whole lot of fun doing it. I started to wonder if I'd pushed minimalism just a touch too far...and concluded that this just depends on my ultimate goal.

Is my goal to fit my entire wardrobe into a backpack so that I can travel the world? Is my goal to see how few pieces I can function with? Is my goal to curate the perfect capsule collection? Is my goal to find a sort of system I can use to keep my wardrobe manageable, functional, fair to farmers, garment, workers + the environment, and a joy to wear? There are many worthy goals that could involve using minimalism as a tool in the wardrobe, but for me, that last one is most in line with what I'd like to achieve.

I've decided that the recognition of my personal basics...combined with my knowledge of how few pieces I can dress with...has given me the freedom to add in a few wild card pieces to my functional wardrobe...like sprinkles on my unicorn toast. These pieces may not be strictly necessary for "enough"...but they do provide joy!

*It's always a good idea to remind myself here that this is a very privileged thing to be able to spend my time thinking through. The vast majority of people on this planet do not have the opportunity for any such luxury. They will never experience the tipping point toward "too much" or perhaps even reach "enough". It is with this knowledge that I am partly fueled to assess the amount of things that I hold away from others...the amount of resources that I take...the levels of harm + waste that my consumption produces...the quality of wages that my possessions provided.

Compassion, "enough" + a few sprinkles for all of us...that's what I'm after.

Love,
Jane

Summer is definitely in full swing around here. It's in the 90s F every day. The fireflies + bats are flying. The tomatoes + cicadas are growing. We have to rise early to catch a little coolness on a morning walk. 

I've searched for a few additions/switches to my simple warm weather wardrobe, but have had some difficulty (fit + flatter issues). So...rather than waiting until I've assembled the "perfect" collection (which likely will never happen)...I'm just going to go ahead + share the pieces I've been wearing for the past 9 weeks of hot weather here. They have been working well enough...and I'm always amazed by how little I really need.

As I assemble my pieces + assess the holes in my wardrobe each season, I list the activities that I need to do...the silhouettes I'm drawn to...and a color palette. I would love for all of my pieces to have the ability to interact with all of the others (more outfit options). I need to work with what I already own + consider modifying a piece or two. When it comes to my (very short) shopping list, I'll thrift locally + online before considering making my own or shopping for fair options.

As I said, this is not my perfect collection of pieces...some get more wear than others...but these are all of the pieces that I have worn since the beginning of May (along with a very occasional layering piece). Some of the pieces are more appropriate as loungewear at home + don't really get worn in public. Ideally I'd like to find a pair of more comfy sandals for walking longer distances (right now I just wear trainers) + to find/sew a comfy, but lovely dress or jumpsuit. There is time to add those, if I come across just the right one(s).

My summer simple wardrobe (for now) ::
4 tanks
tee 
short jumpsuit
shorts  
2 sarouelles
clog sandals
+ black pact tank

also:
1 pj's 
2 workout tanks 
2 workout shorts
socks + trainers

Photos via links. Unlinked photos, mine.
​
Love,
Jane

Tees :: 
Short-sleeved: A short-sleeved tee feels a bit more covered up than a tank.
Preferred shapes: The Everlane cotton crew + the Lacausa Frank tee are both fitted, but not tight. I also like handmade box tops made from my own pattern.
Long-sleeved: Great for layering over + under.
Preferred shapes: Boxy with slimmer sleeves or lightweight + slim for wearing under sweaters.

One-piece ::
A dress or a jumpsuit that works for various occasions + seasons.
Preferred shapes :
Dress: not too restricting...not too much fabric.
Jumpsuit: slouchy but fitted, not too tight + not too loose.

Making this list has allowed me to see that some overall recurring themes have emerged :: Not too loose...not too tight. Body skimming. Works for multiple occasions. Not too flashy...not too boring. Flattering proportions. 

I would find it so interesting to see other people's lists of personal basics! I love that we all get to choose for ourselves. Even some of my recurring themes would be interpreted entirely differently by different individuals. Celebrate individuality even in the basics!  :)

Love,
Jane