I have decided, today, and for the foreseeable future, to let go of defining my style.
A year ago I would have described my style as minimalist Madewell. High waist denim, striped tops, and ankle booties were my uniform. In high school, I was a thrifting queen and like a fashion chameleon, I morphed from Alexander Wang cool-girl, to witchy goth, to librarian hipster. The only product that has remained consistent in my closet has been skinny jeans, only now I prefer a 10-inch rise vs. the low rises of my youth.
I’m currently in a style-rut. I feel uninspired by my skinny denim, and boring basic tops. For years I tried to embody the minimalist lifestyle, but it’s only made me miserable. Now I believe the minimalist-style movement is a conspiracy meant to suck color and creativity from the lives of previously interesting people. Honestly. I had the most incredible wardrobe in high school - FILLED - with pieces that I had lovingly bought at thrift shops, vintage consignment boutiques, and (of course) Goodwill. You never would have been able to define my wardrobe, because it contained multiple personalities.
Because I fell into the minimalist-vortex, I donated most of my clothes before moving away for college. Everything, my vintage tweed blazers, sheer black tunics, and creamy leather boots, was given away in the name of mindfulness and balance.
I want that version of myself back! The girl who didn’t know how to define her style, who reinvented herself like Gaga every year, who didn’t care about clothing labels. I was at my most authentic-self as a maximalist, not a minimalist. I’ve been so frustrated ever since that purge-day because I tried to maintain a consistent style identity. I tried capsule wardrobes and every-day uniforms but seeing the same clothes in my closet day after day uninspires me.
So! To remedy this problem I’ll begin by packing away my winter clothes when spring finally rolls around. Then I will head to some local thrift shops and buy whatever catches my eye, without worrying about whether or not it fits in with my “style.” If I think it’s cool and flattering, it’s coming home with me. It should be that easy!