Disconnected
image source: altamiranyc
I can feel my style changing again. Completely insidiously, it’s shifting right under my nose but seems completely out of my control.
The style shift seems to have happened around the time I moved into the studio and was unexpectedly exacerbated by the Bonds promotion I did. Although I daydreamed about finally having a place to wear whatever I liked and having the time to snap outfit pictures each day in my exciting ensembles – in reality this scenario is fairly inappropriate for my conditions. The studio is not glamorous – it’s cold. It’s a room inside a factory built in an industrial area and the site is lotted with other factories that are all built for function, not style.
Over the past few months I’ve felt disdain bordering on resentment for ‘fashion’ and the effort involved in simply getting dressed. So I’m finding myself dressing for extreme comfort. This includes but is not limited to over sized tops and knits, my awkwardly baggy Bonds Striders (I wear these pretty much every single day) and even my ugg boots because my feet get so cold. I don’t put on makeup, I rarely bother doing my hair. I’m beginning to look and dress like an unkempt, unpolished shadow of my former self.
Maybe I’m just lazily letting myself go, but when I get dressed I don’t feel sloppy; I feel appropriate.
I could chalk this up to the studio alone but when I consider my style beyond it the outlook isn’t much different. I’m craving inelegant, excessively loose fits for everything I wear and in fabrications that surprise me. Right now all I want is a pair of stupidly over sized denim shorts for summer. Admitting that bothers me immensely — even more than confessing I’ve been wearing ugg boots as shoes. I found the perfect over sized Ksubi denim shorts in David Jones but $240 eludes me so I’m trawling vintage options online.
On that note, I should probably also acknowledge that at this time my disposable income is at an all-time low and as such I’m feeling extraordinarily bitter over my inability to purchase the things that I like – it’s as though there’s a direct correlation between how little money I have and how expensive the things I want to purchase are. Perhaps this is metamorphosing into a change in personal style relative to what I can afford.
Interestingly, I had a freelance journalist e-mail me yesterday wanting to ask me some questions about Melbourne fashion. She asked if the city inspired my personal style. Three months ago I would have said yes, absolutely. But I realised that the more time I spend away from the city (say, at my studio which is located in the heart of suburbia) the less influence the city is having on my style. I feel completely disconnected from my style and the city that inspires me.
What is strange is that this shift is not having an impact on my work as a designer. If anything I feel I’ve been pouring all of my creative energy into the new collection which has left me bereft of any motivation for my personal style.
I’m a big advocate of having a refined aesthetic that compliments your personality. As such, I feel like I’m betraying myself and I can’t understand it. The darkness I’ve been embracing for so long in my style defines me in a way I adore, and I’m just not ready to let that go. This shift is so removed from what I worked so hard to refine. Maybe this is one of those phases that I look back on and think I ought to have known better, yet the change is coming in conjunction with undeniable practicality akin to my circumstances.
Has this happened to anyone else? Am I just in a funk or is this a natural change borne out of new conditions? Is it the surburban studio bringing me down, is it my lack of finances or am I just too consumed by my work right now to care? Tell me what you think… just don’t playa hate on my next outfit post complete with slippers — consider this post fair warning.
Responses ( 31 )
Sarah shared this comment on Oct 19 10 at 2:38 PMI think it sounds like a combination of lack of funds and being consumed with work, I had the same thing happen to me 2 months ago when I started classes again and the lack of time and lack of funds has made me lose all will to create any sort of outfit that doesnt include leggings and a jumper! I think when things begin to stabilize you will get your groove back ;) but for now embrace it!!
Sarah
theantiquepearl.blogspot.com
HarbourMaster shared this comment on Oct 19 10 at 2:57 PMI hear you! This semester has been the busiest time I have ever experienced, and every day I have to think more about function than style. I now get changed at work so my outfit on the way to and from is inconsequential, and at uni and interning I pretty much have to wear something I can sit on the floor & cut patterns in if needs be. I’ve never been good at casual and winter layers make me look like a hobo so I’m thoroughly stuck.
Frith shared this comment on Oct 19 10 at 3:13 PMI think it might be a combination of things! I understand that being in a certain place can bring you and your style down, as well as being in a financial rut. I had to move from Melbourne to Bendigo for uni this year, and moving somewhere I wasn’t entirely happy about changed how I felt and what I wore! I haven’t made a huge effort to wear something nice this year – out came the Volleys and trackies!
Maybe when things pick up financially and the weather gets warmer, things might start looking up!
Little Black Book shared this comment on Oct 19 10 at 3:17 PMI totally understand what you mean. I also seem to have my own fall back outfit which I will always wear if I don’t know what to wear or just don’t really feel into it.
I think right now you’re in a rutt, but it will pass. It’s probably a combination of all the factors you mentioned.
Stay strong, your style can evolve so don’t be afraid of it. Just go along with it, you’ll still be you :)
anna shared this comment on Oct 19 10 at 3:40 PMthere are times when i feel like i just want to give away my whole wardrobe and start anew. but then while sifting through all the clothes, i find pieces which i’ve completely forgotten i had, and remember why i love what i love. so even though sitting at home after work i also tend to stick to tights and a t-shirt, i think you maybe might find yourself getting a little bored? but then again… it could be just fine :)
xx
Jasmine shared this comment on Oct 19 10 at 4:17 PMI don’t think there is anything wrong with your style shifting a bit, especially if you have the opportunity to dress for comfort at work, take advantage of it while you can! I can definitely sympathise with the whole budget vs personal style internal debate, but I have taken it as a challenge to find things that suit my style in op shops, on ebay, at garage sales etc (and I only wish I could sew). There is something so satisfying about buying a dress for $3 that fits with your style completely!
I am a big fan of oversized denim shorts, and I did them on the cheap by buying men’s jeans in an op shop, cutting them to the appropriate length and then adding studs and distressing using bleach and a cheese grater. The best part is knowing that they really are one of a kind and the whole thing cost around $10.
Looking forward to seeing your upcoming outfit posts… don’t worry though, we all go through ruts from time to time!
Ash shared this comment on Oct 19 10 at 5:21 PMIt happens. I lived in inner Melbourne for 3 years and then moved to Bendigo. After that, I got into a MASSIVE fashion rut. I was at uni and would just show up in tracksuit pants and hoodies for months. I even stopped getting my hair done!! I found when I was with my boyfriend for ages it happened too- I’d go out more when I was single and cared more about how I looked. It’ll come back, just like passion for everything does. Money is a massive issue. the awesome thing about living in the country (Ballarat now) is that op shops don’t get ransacked like Sydney rd Savers does.
Having said all that, I just spent $100 on bonds on Sunday- perhaps it is catching??
Lorelei shared this comment on Oct 19 10 at 5:28 PMI go through phases like this constantly. For a good stretch I’ll have the motivation to get up early and put some thought into what I’m putting on, and I’ll feel good doing that. And then suddenly I devolve and gravitate towards oversized ugly sweaters, leggings, grotty shoes… It’s kind of like how when the weather starts getting cold, all I want to eat is pizza and macaroni and cheese and nachos and basically anything that’s slathered in multiple layers of cheese.
Comfort food, comfort clothes.
It’s a constant style evolution and devolution.
Amelia shared this comment on Oct 19 10 at 6:25 PMThis is really interesting that a fashion blogger would go through a fashion ‘rut’. A similar thing happened to me in the past year. I had an ongoing drive for a defined personal style and would spend hours coming up with the perfect wardrobe and ‘to buy’ lists, I would then change my mind about a week later and become obsessed with a new style. Eventually I managed to have enough colthes of a particular style and settled on it as ‘my’ style. Then at the end of the year I completly lost interest in fashion and despised all my clothes. Eventually I have gotten over this, but have not got my intense love of style and fashion back and I’m sad to say I don’t think I will ever be as interested again. I now wear nice outfits with the clothes I already have, I do not try to restrain what I wear to a style and just wear what feel right and presentable depending on the day.
My loss of interest in having an identifiable persoanl style hasn’t been all bad though. A new level of interest has been vested in interior design :)
Hannah shared this comment on Oct 19 10 at 6:45 PMLately I’ve felt very lazy, a combination of better things to do (study/exams), no where/time to go anywhere, and lack of funds is more constant that not. Sometimes I think it’s just easier to give up for a short time. Eventually you’ll bounce back and remember fashion. Suburbia combined with solidarity does that too. I see people with holes in their clothes sometimes and think ‘why bother….’
As long as your work, and bank account, isn’t suffering.
Hayley shared this comment on Oct 19 10 at 7:25 PMI’ve found myself recently losing what would have been my “style”. However in a different way to your situation; I actually believe that my ‘trademark’ aesthetic I’d developed for myself WAS my rut. I was really definite with what I wore, so much so that looking back, I was actually really predictable.
My aesthetic still comes through now, but I guess in a way that is a bit weirder. And weird to me is what I have grown to love; it’s become my new niche.
I’m caring less and less whether I stick to my black, grey and neutral palette, and my favourite thing has become brightly coloured boots or low cowboy boots (a-la Vince Noir), or bright scarves with weird prints or spots, paired with my old blacks or neutrals (since I can’t really afford to abandon my entire old wardrobe). A year ago I’d have shuddered at the idea of spots, but now I just don’t care anymore. I feel like I now have some sort of difference to the standard black on black with black hair look that I had grown to depend on.
Having said that; I still rely incredibly heavily on black skinny jeans. I’m unhealthily dependent on them, so the prospect of summer and my reliance on my old cutoffs is absolutely terrifying me. I don’t want to be just another girl in cutoffs and havainas; there are enough of them already!
lucinda shared this comment on Oct 19 10 at 8:16 PMIt might be because you are so involved with fashion that you find yourself going through a style rut. Ever since starting my blog I’ve found I’m much more in tune with my aesthetic but it also makes dressing myself each day much more challenging: Am I being true to my style? Does my outfit work? I try to relax and remember that personal style will always be evolving.
DNE shared this comment on Oct 19 10 at 8:29 PMSounds like you’ve discovered your creative cocoon outfit!
You know… The outfit that is as comfortable as your bed…. and doesn’t restrict your creativity. Lets you slouch, curl up, become unashamedly comfortable within your creative process.
Embrace it! The next collection will probably be the best yet. x
She Wore It Well Blog shared this comment on Oct 19 10 at 9:25 PMA really beautiful written post!
I work on the outskirts of the CBD so I’m removed from Melbourne somewhat (travelling up and down Chapel St daily doesn’t count as fashion inspiration unfortunately). After wearing office appropriate garb during the week and being forced to wash my hair and wear at least tinted moisturiser so as not to scare my clients away, and travelling on a freezing cold tram every day, on the weekend, all I want to stay warm in socks, uggs and hoodies, rather than embracing my play clothes. Looking good takes so much effort, even if you going for the “didn’t try hard” look.
xo
Julia M shared this comment on Oct 19 10 at 10:44 PMThis exact thing happened to me when I started working in a studio. When I moved to Glasgow my style was so inspired by the city and people, and I imagined moving into a studio would fit perfectly with my style, but in reality, working in an unheated studio outside of the city only encourages you to keep your coat on all day and wear 4 pairs of socks…
My style in the studio shaped my style now-loose, comfortable and versatile. I just learned to work with it, rather than against it. I hope you become happier with your style :)
P.Aurel shared this comment on Oct 20 10 at 12:31 AMI have certainly found myself dropping off into the comfort dressing realm as i have matured. In many respects it is out of complete apathy. I don’t find the comfort in fashion that I had as a seventeen year old. At twenty one I would sooner pour my creative energy into my writing or drawing rather than cultivating an outfit that would best reflect my personality. I have found fashion increasingly dubious over the past few years, and I no longer have the enthusiasm to consume, wear, replace. rinse, repeat. more than anything, I love a uniform. I suppose the Marxist in me is trying to beat the narcissist into submission.. and I am willing. boo capitalism!
It’s refreshing to hear, though. You shouldn’t feel at all concerned about this shift in your style. It is clear from your blogs reception that you are respected and adored by your readers. And not simply for your ability to orchestrate an aesthetic outfit, but for your intelligence and your innate gracefulness which extends further than a pair of shoes or a coat. In my opinion it is your substance that distinguishes yourself from many other fashion bloggers. I find most of these people unendurable, and the truth is many have little more than their acne wedges to offer their readers (or should i say, viewers).
I frequent your blog, despite my hostility towards fashion blogging, not based on your ability to dress yourself, rather for your musings and insights on the fashion industry in this country. you are clearly an endearing, creative person who doesn’t need impeccable ‘style’ to project that.
(my favourite shoes are my moccasins.)
Tika shared this comment on Oct 20 10 at 12:40 AMI say crawl into a Snuggie and wade it out. I wouldn’t start doubting yourself though. You’re hardly a lazy bogan from suburbia unaware of the power vested in fashion. I think staying conscious of this fact will you see through most things…aesthetically speaking.
I mean..to start questioning whether comfort-dressing is a reflection of who you are (i.e a level-headed uber stylish babe) would be silly. When Picasso went through his blue period I don’t think he reconsidered whether he was a good artist. Its just fortunate that paint lends itself better to ruts and bouts of depression then fashion does. (Ugg-boots don’t have much style-potential, for example.
Mayyybe think about it like this: If snuggies, tracksuits and loose t-shirts were invented when Picasso was going through his blue period, and he was bereft of art materials – he’d probably have taken advantage of them. Then again, he was pretty arrogant. Maybe believing we are better than we actually are has its benefits at times. I really don’t know. But this looks pretty good: http://www.target.com/SNUGGIE-Snuggie-Leopard/dp/B002K9XBA0
Trista shared this comment on Oct 20 10 at 2:36 AMEveryone goes through something like this. It’s a mix of stress, practicality and yes, lots of work. I feel like there will be a lite at the end of the tunnel for you and it will all pay off! Ask any designer of any type and they will tell you on a daily basis they look like ass warmed over. We always think of the fashion world as being glamorous but the reality is not so. There are blood sweat and tears (lots) that occur before we reach a place where we can, say, afford the things we want without them being completely out of reach. I deal with this little issue by finding lines that are affordable but still embody the elements of the high style I wish I could afford. Or, yes, troll ebay until you get lucky! (disclaimer: this could add to your stress and take time away from actual work:)
tasha shared this comment on Oct 20 10 at 4:41 AMwhy is it a bad thing that your style is changing?
you still remain true to yourself! it doesnt change anything. i get that sometimes it can happen so quickly that you dont know what you liking. or that you end up hating everything. which normally happens to me tbh!
i brought myself the other day a tutu! no idea why the fuck i did cs i fucking hate it now idiot! but style changes through time anyways but i like to think that when you get past that ‘age’ it will all make sense to you again and your appreciate the days when you mixed things up etc
Minou shared this comment on Oct 20 10 at 11:42 AMGreat post. There’s so much here that I can relate to.
I feel like I am in a similar rut myself. 2.5 years ago I was working in Sydney’s Surry Hills in a job that constantly exposed me to creative people. Living in the Inner West I was surrounded by visual inspiration and was really passionate about shopping and my personal style.
Fast forward to now. I live and work away from that inner city hub. My style choices are now more influenced by practicality, comfort and value. Day to day there’s little need for me to dress in an interesting fashion.
My needs and values have also changed. I travel a lot now and would rather save for big experiences than spend on clothes.
It sounds like this rut has come about due to a combination of factors.
Environment is a big one. It’s easy to stay inspired when you’re in an inner city environment surrounded both by people who will appreciate your creativity and effort and who inspire you in turn… Out in the suburbs not so much. Quite often the people around you won’t “get” your choices and without likeminded affirmation it can be hard to stay inspired.
Of course there’s the practicalities of environment too. If your space is cold then it’s going to impact your choices. Comfort is a powerful motivator. Comfort is a big limiting factor for me when it comes to footwear. I’m on my feet a lot and I wear extreme heels for work so day to day I’m VERY motivated to wear durable, protective, comfortable footwear. Long live combats :D
Budget is also a big one. If you can’t afford to buy pieces that really inspire you then it’s very easy to slip into apathy. It’s also hard to go backward in terms of quality when you become used to better items.
There’s also possibly the work/fun factor at play here for you. This is a BIG one for me. My work clothes are uncomfortable, fanciful and highly stylised..It’s important that I present a glamorous image. I’ve come to associate this with work rather than as something I do for me. When I’m off the clock I crave soft, slouchy items.
Of course your work is very different BUT is it possible that because your style is now associated with work you’re feeling a lack of connection to it on a personal level?
Super Kawaii Mama shared this comment on Oct 20 10 at 3:01 PMBelieve it or not I totally understand where you are coming from. Living in the middle of white bread suburbia myself I can tell you that each day is a new fight against not giving a damn. When you have no-one to dress for, no fashion inspirations on your doorstep, and a severe lack of funds; everyday can be an uphill battle.
Having a little style hiatus is not a bad thing as it means that when you do look into your wardrobe, you’ll discover your pieces with new eyes and interpret them with the new inspiration you come to feel.
Consider this though… rather than thinking of your studio as a cold box of isolation and a style wilderness, instead realise just what a liberating land this could be. Yes, you may go through the ugg boots and pyjamas phase, but equally, you can experiment with crazy new looks and combinations in the safety of your own space. Getting to know how they sit on your skin and for your personality before unleashing that evolution on the world at large. Your inspirations are more likely to come from within, and that purity will help you to re-discover a stylistic self that is an accurate reflection of where you are now.
And an honest, creative expression of self like this can only be a good thing.
Love. xx
Patricia Ann shared this comment on Oct 20 10 at 3:03 PMHave you ever come to the consideration that perhaps it was all those three (i.e., no money, out of the city, lack of care) that’s resulting to how you are behaving or feeling at this moment? Is it really important that you only have one reason as to why you’re acting this way?
If you could recall back, how did you feel, where were you, even how much money did you have BEFORE you felt inspired or cared to dress up or worked in the city? Perhaps you’ll realize that what brought you there in the first place is just the negative version of what’s pulling you away.
Patricia Ann
http://www.theshapesofthings.com
GirlonRaw shared this comment on Oct 20 10 at 3:17 PMOh my goodness! This post totally speaks to me!
I have been living in Saudi Arabia for the past 3 years and am beach going fun loving Aussie gal inside. Slowly over the last three years I have found that my fashion style has evolved into comfort and boring, as the lack of inspiration around me (women on our compound – the expats like me, don’t have access to any decent ladies fashion as it’s illegal to have change rooms for women in Saudi so why buy it is you cannot try it on, plus the selection is limited) and local women OFF camp, are constantly covered in body and face covering abayas, so unless you take the time to troll online and get inspiration and then order online, then really, there is nothing and nobody to dress for. Plus the social life is so way different (no clubs, bars, movies etc) so the only places we really go to are house parties, and limited restaurants where you need to wear your body covering abaya (a black kaftan like dress). It wasn’t until this year I started to make an effort and purchase my clothes when I was abroad, which was often as I was a flight attendant, but even if you do dress up on camp, you tend to get a few funny stares.
Just when I was thinking I was getting my style back, what happens? I fall pregnant! Well that’s a whole other story in itself! How do you remain cute and stylish when you are obviously getting bigger???????
Georgia shared this comment on Oct 20 10 at 5:09 PMChange is natural, though it’s not always welcome. I absolutely know how this feels – I’m going through the exact same upheaval. In the space of 2 weeks, I quit my job, accepted a new job, and turned 30. And it feels like everything I knew has been tossed into the air and landed in a different formation. Though it’s a really exciting time for me, and I feel very blessed for my life in it’s current state, I still feel like my identity has shifted a bit.
I guess, what I’m trying to say is, EVERYONE goes through this at some point. Especially creative people, who use their clothes as part of their self expression. (like me, and like you.)
So run with it! Don’t fight it! See where it takes you.
You’re still you underneath.
x
liadanrue shared this comment on Oct 20 10 at 9:06 PMI totally meant to comment on this yesterday. Ooops. Anyway.
As a research PhD candidate (and being 24, which is apparently quite young for PhD’ing apparently) I’ve been constantly fighting against the urge to just go in to my office in jeans and a tshirt because honestly, no one gives a damn what I’m wearing while I read about musicology just so long as I’m clothed. I’ve had several personal style issues in the past, which ranged from this one time I decided I wasn’t going to wear any black anymore (which posed a bit of a problem) and had to re-buy an entire wardrobe, to trying to move away from dressing so “emo” (scare quotes because what I consider emo isn’t what people generally call emo).
I personally think spring/summer is the worst time for falling into the fashion funk, because as a fellow mostly black wearing person, generally that’s when stores stop selling awesome stuff in appropriate colours. As everyone else has said, it’ll get better. Having a break from what you’re used to can definitely help.
Nadia -The Animal Orchestra shared this comment on Oct 20 10 at 9:13 PMI definitely go through periods of becoming disenchanted with fashion; with my personal style. Sometimes it all feels too difficult. I’ve gone through phases of wearing the same thing almost every day for months. And then as suddenly as it sets in, it will dissipate. Something will spark my interest and suddenly everything will make sense again
My feeling is that you’re in a chrysalis phase – all your creative energy is going towards your work, and your style is taking a back seat. But once your work has resolved, I think you’ll emerge from your cocoon with a new direction and a new enthusiasm. My advice is to embrace it. It will pass, naturally and of its own accord.
natasha shared this comment on Oct 20 10 at 11:48 PMI know how you feel about the inability to purchase things you want, it’s difficult for me to save up money (to move to london) because a damn dress or jacket gets in my way. Atm it’s a pair of mcqueen leggings and it’s taking all the strength in the world to not get them. ):<
We all go through ruts, maybe its time for change but since all of your energy is going to your work you don't have time. Something will inspire you when you least expect it and you probably won't even realise it at the time. I somehow ended up looking like an 80s rick owensy goth with half-hair and for now I'm happy but I can feel the urge to change coming back.(In reply to the comment you left me, thank you. I'm sure you could buy the bone bracelets online? The jewellery you make is fantastic so you're lucky you've got all that ;) )
Yuri shared this comment on Oct 21 10 at 6:17 AMSometimes function takes precedent over form, especially when you’re spending much of your time in a studio. Just think of it as a transfer of creative energy from your appearance to your art! Perhaps (and hopefully) as your work comes further along you’ll be inspired sartorially once again. :)
Sleekit shared this comment on Oct 21 10 at 8:24 PMI have been off blogging all week and to be honest kinda enjoyed it. Everyone needs a break from most things in life whether it be work, partners and even fashion.
Keep cool lady.
Sleekit x
Sinister Soul shared this comment on Oct 26 10 at 5:30 PMWhat do I think? Something along the lines of, is she for real about the ugg boots comment.
Claire shared this comment on Dec 16 10 at 11:34 AMI KNOW WHAT YOU MEAN.
Lately I’ve been wearing oversized t-shirts, cheap mondays, and doc martens, because it’s EASY. I went from not really getting dressed in the morning (depression) to this, so I’m hoping I will have the motivation to switch it up soon, but for now, I’m just embracing this care free/comfortable style I’ve adopted. And things can always get cranked up a notch when you wear a nice pair of heels! To me it’s a liveable blend of comfort & glamour.
