2025 was an unexpectedly challenging year for me. I was diagnosed with cancer, then had urgent surgery and follow up tests. I am in the clear now, and grateful.

My husband says when you don’t have a health problem, you have a hundred problems. When you have a health problem, you have only one problem. That was true for me. It certainly clarified things. I stopped worrying about fashion and style matters.

Firstly, I became a little more self indulgent/self forgiving about purchases that were affordable/inexpensive but which I do not “need”. As long as I really loved it and I could wear it casually. And straight away.

Secondly, I became more ruthless about editing out mistakes and items that I had tired of or had no need for. Part of my problem with editing is a scarcity mentality. I fear that if I part with something I will never be able to find or afford something similar when I want it or need it again. This year I tried to reframe my thoughts with a “be generous” mantra. I think donating good quality clothing to charity is as an act of generosity, given the thriving second hand market (I know many will disagree). Constantly reminding myself to “be generous” helped me to give away a lot of nice stuff that was not getting worn or not getting worn enough. Including some designer items that represented career and life milestones for me.

In the end, these 2 impulses probably balanced each other out. My wardrobe is still large, but it better reflects my current lifestyle and taste.

Interestingly, there is very little left in my wardrobe that qualifies as “designer”. Lots of Zara, ASOS, H&M and middle ranking Australian retailers. Lots of easy care items in natural fibres. I feel happy with this. I don’t lust after designer items anymore. ATM I find it liberating to not have too many items that feel precious either in terms of the care that they require or the investment that they represent. A big aspiration for me is to have a wardrobe heavy on stuff that I love and am happy to wear when I’m out with my dog. We take her practically everywhere. Going out with my dog is the happiest part of my day, and I want my wardrobe to be a big part of that. Precious doesn’t work at the dog park or the dog beach. Even at lunch or coffee if you have a dog snuggling up to you (a moment that is worth every fashion sacrifice of course).

I’ve also come to accept that my style is a passion and a hobby. Not a means to an end. I’ve done more DIY dyeing, upcycling and experimenting than ever this year. Not all successful. But the successes are hugely satisfying. And very energising. I’m learning to enjoy the process even when the outcomes are mixed. Life is about the journey, as they say.

In 2026 I hope to continue to enjoy the journey. And to be generous. Thanks for being a part of it, forum friends

Pics 1-25: some highlights from 2025. Generally speaking, this has been a year of moody colours, long silhouettes, flat (practical) shoes, crossbody bags and slouch. I have walked my dog in all of these outfits, except the first one (worn to a wedding).

Pics 26-27: Siena using my (COS) skirt (pic 9) to play peekaboo and then my (Seed) skirt (pic 22) as a pillow on the beach. This is why we can’t have nice things