On rewearing the same outfit
Again and again and again…
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Do you have a favourite outfit?
I didn’t think I did, but I clearly have my go-to’s.
I was scrolling through my photos from this past year and a half and I noticed something:
At every single celebration gathering I’d attended I was wearing the exact same outfit. I knew I’d worn it a few times, but for every single occasion? I hadn’t a clue.
At first I thought, “Oh no!” Did I feel weird that friends had probably seen me in the same outfit multiple times? (Not that I imagine they would care for a second tbh.)
Then I stopped myself and realised that this is an old shame. (‘Shame’ being too big a word here, but right now I can’t think of the right one.)
I wore that outfit so many times - and absolutely will again - because I love it! And I feel good in it.
This prompted me to look further back into my photo library.
And I saw a pattern.
I wasn’t surprised.
Though my size has fluctuated a bit over those years, most of my clothes have remained a constant.
I was reminded that I’ve never been a ‘buy an outfit and wear it once’ kind of person. (Admittedly, there’s a couple of wedding outfits I never wore again.)
I tend to keep and rewear my clothes, especially my very favourites, until they fall apart in some way or simply wear out.
I have items I teach yoga in that are a decade old.
Also, I’ve always held onto certain pieces of clothing that no longer fitted at some stage because, guess what? I’ve often ended up being able to fit into and enjoy wearing said pieces again. (That has been incredibly useful at times when I simply wouldn’t have been able to afford to buy new clothes to fit my changed body.)
Another thing I like to do is mend clothes myself where I can. I’m not great with a sewing machine but the needle and thread (along with some tips I learned from my Mum when I was a kid) have been my longtime friends.
Does this all make me old-fashioned?
Maybe.
But I quite like it.
Just the other day I saw this post from poet and author, Hollie McNish and it made me smile. I hope it makes you smile too.
Over to you - I’d love to know:
What’s your relationship with your clothes?
Why do you wear what you wear?
Do you constantly re-wear, re-use and mend, or not?
What are your favourite go-to items? (One of mine is a 7-year-old jacket that comes out every year.)
UPCOMING OPPORTUNITIES TO PRACTICE YOGA WITH ME:
In-Person:
Rest + Restore, 8 November 6.30-8.30pm at Embody Wellness, Vauxhall. Find full details and book here.
The Rest Sessions: A Rest + Calm Mini-Retreat, 9 November 2.30-4.45pm at Yoga Point, Brixton. Find full details and book here.
Hatha Flow, Wednesdays 9.30-10.30am at Yoga Point, Brixton. Book here.
Wake-Up Hatha Flow, Thursdays 8.30-9.30am at MIND Yoga & Pilates, Forest Hill. Book here.
Online:
Not able to join me in-person? There’s now more than 18 months worth of yoga and meditation practices from me here on Substack in The Reset and A Peaceful Pause.
🎯💜🙌🏾 Spot on once again Paula, wear, wear & wear again! 🤣 Mummy used to say "as long as it's clean" doesn't matter how many times you re-wear! I have a black jersey jumpsuit that must be 8 years old and wear it all year round (unless baking summer) as super comfy and can go from yoga to dinner if needs be! Other is my denim dress, often seen in pics🤣 Thanks for these smiles💜
I have a Party Skirt from Crew Factory (several years ago). It's black and gold and I wear it YEAR round to concerts and events (t-shirt and sneakers summer, tights/boots when it's cold). It makes decision-making easy. I have a friend with Party Pants. Done.