I have never been someone who understands fashion.
I wear what is comfortable and what works for my body. I have never understood the latest fashion trends or how to put together the perfect outfit.
For years I kept collecting clothes, thinking that one day I would be able to put together an outfit with some kind of style. But as I have gotten older, I have realized that I have my own sense of style that is removed from what is trendy and that is ok. I do not need to fit in. I just need to be me.
I slowly started decluttering and getting rid of clothes that I owned because someone told me I should. I would take the advice of the salesperson at the store selling me something trendy. I would go shopping with a friend who would tell me something would look great on me. I have also received clothing as gifts - whether new or hand-me-downs. I think people wanted to try and make me fit a mould, even though I resisted.
I started getting rid of these clothes. I donated so many clothes that had barely been worn. Sure, they were cute... but not on me. Or even if they did flatter my body shape, perhaps they did not resonate with my artistic soul. Clothes with tags still on them filled bag after bag.
My wardrobe is now very minimalist.
I have a few pairs of pants - mostly comfy yoga pants but I do own a single pair of dress pants. I have a handful of t-shirts and tank tops. I have 3 skirts and a few fancy shirts for when I feel like dressing up. To make my wardrobe stretch across seasons I have a bunch of cardigans.
Its funny, I never knew what my favourite colour was until I completely minimized my wardrobe.
My closet is now full. It is full while being almost empty. It is full of teals and aqua with a few neutral greyscale items thrown in. It is full of clothes that make me happy. My closet is full of items I actually like. My heart is full.
My mind is not weighed down with clothing decisions I do not know how to make.
People, my husband especially, try and convince me to go buy some new clothes since I got rid of so many. I do not need more clothes. Clothes do not make me who I am. Clothes are only a reflection of who I am.
I love my minimalist wardrobe.