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'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
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