'Getting things done' clothes
Because 'tis the season for doing everything, and then doing nothing.
The other day, when I was frantically charging through my Christmas checklist (ahead of Mum’s arrival in Paris), I realised I’d put on the pair of trousers that I put on to “get things done”.
They’re an old pair of blue Oliver Spencer fishtail chinos, faded, with a few stains from cleaning and cooking and cycling and gardening, that I really only wear when I need to be productive.
They started off as my best trousers, maybe a decade ago. A proud sample sale purchase, sharp and tailored, that were part of a gradual wardrobe refinement into something a little simpler and classier. Then as always happens, new purchases supersede old ones, fancy things get the special edge worn off them, and as they wear they get pushed down the ranks of the wardrobe. It’s the natural order of things.
Now I only wear them on wfh days when I know I won’t see anyone else except the lady from the boulangerie. She doesn’t judge (even if she’s French!!). But they signal that I’m having a day when *things will get done*. And I find that strangely comforting.
And it got me thinking that maybe we all do this. Instead of dressing to signal status/attitude/lifestyle for other people, sometimes we wear things to signal an attitude to ourselves. To help ourselves be productive, to be relaxed. I have a hangover outfit (old cashmere everything) that helps me feel soothed. I have a wool Harrington jacket that seems to have been designated as the jacket I only wear to pick up a Christmas tree (pictured - sorry, the chinos are not for sharing). I have a pair of threadbare hiking socks that signal to me that I won’t be leaving the house today.
It’s the feeling of self-reassurance. Giving yourself some support. Making sure that your surroundings are just right. No distractions. Letting yourself be yourself.
Anyway, it was a nice feeling. To give myself a last shot of productivity before festive indolence sets in. I got all my tasks done, changed into my new chinos and my jazzy jacket and went to pick Mum up from the airport. Bring on Xmas! Have a good one everyone (and thanks for reading); it’s time to slip into your comfies.
A few other fab things from this week:
Being lucky enough to be able to fill my fridge for Xmas (think about a donation to a food bank or charity over Xmas, if you can!)
Trying to binge watch ‘Emily in Paris’ with Faye but running out of steam 8 episodes in
Mulled wine teabags from Fortnums (a gift at keeps on giving)
Netflix’ ‘Classic Crackling Fireplace’. Magical and warming.
My fantastic old flatmate Petah sending me a cookbook from our Hackney days, with postcards from my Dad