We don’t always need to dress our best
Fashion shouldn’t always be our top priority, Ria Patel argues
In the ever-evolving world of fashion, the pursuit of our 'best', most creative attire often feels like an unrelenting demand. Anything less than this might be seen as a statement of poor taste or a lack of effort.
When we feel like we always need to be dressing to impress, it becomes easy to forget that fashion should not be confined to one standard but should be a canvas for personal expression and individuality. When we free ourselves of an unattainable standard of perfection, style can provide comfort and authenticity, giving us a sense of confidence in our own skin.
"Fashion should not be confined to one standard but should be a canvas for personal expression and individuality"
Fashion, at its best, is not about glamour but about versatility and freedom. Dressing down and appreciating imperfections can make us feel at ease. Relaxed fits possess their own distinct charm and significance. Understated fashion choices can give us a sense of confidence and validate the notion that looking ‘en pointe’ isn’t always necessary to feel valued and worthy. After all, our identities are not entirely defined by our outward appearance.
Often, we may experience a fear of being perceived as being unfashionable or unoriginal if we don’t consistently put effort into what we wear. However, meticulously curating outfits can be exhausting or simply not a priority and that’s perfectly acceptable. It’s completely normal to rotate between the same few outfits rather than spending forever considering numerous original combinations. While fashion is often a means of self-expression, it’s not something we should feel limited by.
During periods where we lack mental or physical energy, opting for simplicity can be an acknowledgement of personal limitations and a testament to self-awareness. Prioritising comfort during these low periods can be an act of self-care, a gentle reminder to ourselves that fashion should never burden but rather uplift our spirits.
"While fashion is often a means of self-expression, it’s not something we should feel limited by"
It’s crucial to recognise that it’s impossible to always have the energy to curate outfits. In the whirlwind of a hectic schedule, emotional stress or if you’re just not in the mood, it’s absolutely legitimate to put fashion on the backburner. In these moments, simplified fashion choices do not mean that we’re forfeiting style but can instead be an easy way to minimise our mental burdens. Fashion should never be an additional source of pressure, especially during moments when we're already stretched thin.
So, when the task of assembling a 'perfect' ensemble seems daunting, know that it's perfectly acceptable to opt for comfort and simplicity. These moments are not a dismissal of style but an embrace of self-care, a reminder that personal worth transcends the need for constant effort and perfection.
Certainly I still do love a good outfit and fashion is fun and important to me, but it is not the be all and end all! It is about striking a balance, understanding that our identity is multifaceted and not always solely contingent on our clothing choices. Ultimately, embracing comfort and simplicity doesn't diminish our identity, value or self-worth, and that acknowledgment deserves more credit.
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