Gryffin, as usual you just nailed it. I love this concept and will give some thought to what this looks like in clothing and in life. Xoxo

Thank you, Becky!

torontogirl, this post really resonated with me. Every time I open up my Pinterest fashion/style board I have to laugh at myself because half the images are pleasingly organized, minimalist travel wardrobes and half are kitchen-sink outfits featuring 4 different fair isles and multiple plaids. Hard to square the two! Yet, until/unless I do I'm dissatisfied with my self and my style.

I realized recently that I really need to let go of obsessing about wardrobe numbers. Numbers-minimalism doesn't fit my style very well, keeps me obsessed with theoretical clothing items (if only I had an imaginary top that could do the job of two of my actual tops!) rather than grateful for what I have, and is not my sustainability strategy (my sustainability strategies are shopping secondhand and, ideally, keeping things for longer than average).

But, your post prompted an important insight for me. Like you, I am a systematizer. So, I have got to find a way to allow myself to systematize that *isn't* all about numbers. Hmm.

Anyway, I found your post just fascinating, so I hope you will keep us updated as you explore these concepts more.

SarahD8 - that resonates with me too. I follow two youtubers with a very minimalistic neutral style.....love watching their capsule wardrobes. Then I go back to mine and it is quite different - more colour, pattern and less versatile - but more fun and definitely more me!!

Helena - some really interesting comments by Jenni and by Gryffin which I think consolidate what your own thoughts are.

Well, that was an interesting read! I also found the comments and feedback amazing. Our clothing and style choices mean more than providing protection from the elements. So much is communicated about oneself through fashion.

Lots to think about here. I have found myself becoming more and more drawn to classic, simple styles.

I had another thought when I reread this post. It comes from the mention of “shadow side” or “shadow persona”. The author you are reading may have this in her book- I just clicked on the link you gave to the book- but this is a Jungian concept, the famous ?psychologist Carl Jung. I found this idea incredibly helpful when I went through the very difficult time in 2008 and on for a while when I lost my previous faith and was spending a lot of time journalling etc. As an extrovert I couldn’t understand why I had withdrawn so much into myself but a friend ( ironically from a different Christian tradition to the one I had left) explained about this. And somehow that thought has really made me feel more integrated as a person. And my clothing can reflect it, a bit like Angie’s “emotional dressing”.

Jenni, thank you; I studied Jung many years ago in university but perhaps it's time for a re-visit! Appreciate the suggestion!

I think the main objective of childhood is to grow more into yourself. As kids discover the world, they also discover their own abilities and likes. How wonderful that you are continuing this process, and are becoming more aware of and open to that bit of sparkle in you!