Today marks the end of the year; the deep inhale of breath as we exhale 365 days worth of life lived, the peaks, the troughs and the Mondays, only to wake up to a whole new decade. It's hard not to become a little reflexive this time of year and it's important to acknowledge all that has happened, congratulate oneself on the good and learn from the not so good. It was during my own bout of self-reflection that I realised that I had conquered something that had previously escaped me: I had managed a week away with only a carry-on, and a small one at that.
Now the build up to this statement may have been steep and I'm sure some were disappointed by what they perceive to be an easy feat. However, having spoken previously of my struggles with packing, particularly packing for specific occasions and hotter climes, this was an accomplishment. The difference from previous packing attempts was that I decided to think practically, something that all too often alludes me.
I started with the basics: one pair of black jeans. I opted for straight legged as opposed to skinny for the purpose of comfort, but I must admit that I find the shape far more modern than its drainpiped cousin. Unsure of what the nightlife would behold, I chose a pair of black leather trousers, an easy day to night transitional piece. Shoes; I chose my chunky black and silver Nike Falcon trainers and a pair of black boots with exaggerated silver buckles (because practical but make it fashion).
I followed up with two plain t-shirts, one grey and one white as just incase filler pieces. Then I packed two long sleeved, polo necked tops, navy and cream and because I needed some quirk to break up the mundanity of all this practicality, I packed a tie-dye blue and orange polo-neck too. I took a black band t-shirt and a black jumper because anything black is a saviour. I decided to take my bright green, Barbour puffer jacket which conveniently rolls into a nifty bag hidden in the pocket - again practical but fun with an exclamation. To round it out I packed a vest (my grandmother's voice echoing the importance of one) and a going out blouse in case we found ourselves somewhere fancy - we didn't.
I travelled in a pair of black trousers, that despite appearing formal (I also wear them to work) have a considerable amount of stretch, making them almost yoga pant-like. I wore the previously mentioned white t-shirt, buckled boots, leather jacket and black jumper slung over my shoulders and took a big black scarf and the most travel-friendly black and gold vintage Moschino cross-body bag. It was probably the chicest I had ever looked at the airport and *almost* most importantly, I was comfortable.
Of course space limitation meant that some items were worn more than once. However, due to the relatively neutral colour palette and each items' versatility, everything was interchangeable and with every new combination, a sense of accomplishment buoyed up inside of me, as I smugly congratulated myself for my apparently limitless ingenuity. The aesthetic was pared back, with the lack of excess refreshing. Each item was chosen with purpose and the subsequent cohesion of all the pieces meant that details came into focus as opposed to vying for attention.
My takeaways from the experiment were that sometimes practicality must be considered, though should not be a stifling factor; a carefully chosen colour palette aids in indecisiveness and is combative for the unknown (i.e changes in weather - pile everything on); unplanned events are navigated with anything black and/or leather for day or night; and two pairs of shoes are advisable due to the eight million steps that are mandatory on all holidays.
I can't say that I adopted this means of dressing once I returned home, alas my restraint is weak. However, for future gallivanting all of the above will be employed. I must add that other milestones have been reached during this year. However, this particular one needed to be documented for future reference. It is also a reminder to commend the little victories as they do so often get eclipsed by the messiness of life. So here's to many many more big and small victories in 2020, may we acknowledge and take heed of them all!
(Photos via: unknown, style caster.com & the window.barneys.com
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