Twice each year, in spring and autumn, I go through my wardrobe and have a major clear-out.
I take the previous season’s clothes out of the closet and replace them with those stored out-of-season in my cedar chest.
I also try on clothing to see it still fits or is in style and, as I pack a bag for a local charity shop, I note new items to shop for.
Enter the pandemic…
The last time I wore anything that could remotely be considered stylish was at a “Local Author Showcase” at my local library in late February 2020. In my jersey dress, heels (remember those?) and (I hoped) artfully tied scarf, I strove to be both ‘casual chic’ and approachable.
Although I don’t know if I succeeded, I remember what I wore because it was my last outing in what I now think of as the “before time.”
Since then, and apart from forays to the grocery store, bank, dentist and walking Floppy Ears, I’ve been at home in sweatpants (joggers), T-shirts and slippers.
As such, a central tenet of my seasonal fashion transition, letting go of items I haven’t worn in over a year, no longer applies. If I took that approach now, more than half my wardrobe would be going to charity and I’d have nothing to wear when more “normal” life finally resumes.
Similarly, and because clothing has only been sold online for much of the last year, I haven’t been able to browse fashion in brick and mortar stores or do my favourite thrift shopping either.
What’s a fashionista to do?
After unseasonable late-May snow, last weekend I finally transferred all my winter and autumn clothing into the cedar chest for summer storage to assess again in late-September.
All my spring and summer clothing is now in the closet to be assessed as and when I wear it.
However, when walking Floppy Ears one evening this week, I spotted the now unusual sight of a woman in full makeup, heels, floaty summer dress and very “artfully tied” scarf indeed.
While I wondered where she was going (restaurants, theatres and cinemas haven’t yet reopened here), maybe she wasn’t going anywhere special. Maybe she’d dressed up to feel good about herself at a time when all of us need every little boost we can get.
The fashionista in me was impressed and resolved to follow in her stylish footsteps.
For pandemic-weary me, though, my slippers are comfy and most of my makeup has expired and needs to be replaced.
Still, my ice cream patterned flip-flops are a start because they coordinate with my summer yoga pants.
And given that a friend accidentally sent all the tops she planned to wear this summer to the local clothing recycling bin, I’ve been reminded it’s important not to rush into new things or make any sudden changes.
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We may live in different countries, but our wardrobe practices sound similar. Mom taught me early on to change out clothes per season, change the drapes when the weather changes, but change your sheets weekly.
I did not follow these tenets this past year as I have throughout my life.
Still haven’t dressed up yet, but I am looking to purchase some new things as we prepare to venture out into the world again.
So glad you stayed safe, my friend.
Thanks for reading and leaving a comment on my post, Janina. Your mom sounds much like mine. The tenet about the changing the drapes is new to me but in terms of clothing and sheets our mothers were definitely on the same page and those are lessons I learned early on too.
I’m glad you stayed safe too and hope you enjoy getting some new clothes and dressing up again. *Hugs*
LOVE those flip flops!!! So cute!
Thank you, Lynn. As an ice cream fan, when I saw those flip flops in the store I knew I had to buy them! They always make me smile. 🙂
TY for the chance. Good luck to your friend with her book.
Thank you, Pat. I know that Sophie will appreciate your good wishes too. To be eligible for this giveaway, and if you haven’t already done so, make sure you’re signed up to receive my newsletter mailings too. 🙂
I love those flip-flops! I am looking forward to being able to get dressed up again. My mum taught me that when you go out to work, you must always dress smartly. Now it feels like a very long time ago that I last had the chance to do that. Isn’t it interesting how all the small details of our lives have changed because f the pandemic?
Thank you, Susanna. When I spotted those flip flops in the shop (one similar to Asda in the UK), I had to have them!
My mother also stressed the importance of dressing smartly when going to work, church or anywhere else outside the home but, like you, it’s ages since I did that. Before the pandemic, I hadn’t realised what a major impact such small, seemingly everyday things had on the way I lived my life. This week, and although I’m still ‘only’ at home, I’m now wearing different earrings each day and it’s interesting what a lift that gives me.
Thank you for reading and commenting on my blog. xx