Moving on From Fashion

During my vacation in Vietnam, I’ve continued to spend my mornings journaling and writing. These sessions have become a way for me to check in with myself, to re-evaluate my goals, projects, relationships, and work.

One realization that surfaced recently is that it might be time to move on from the fashion phase of my life.

I first got into fashion in the summer of 2023. What began as a project to upgrade my wardrobe quickly turned into an obsession. I went deep, I learned a whole new craft, developed a new skill set, immersed myself in an entire industry and way of thinking. My identity began to shift, both internally and how other perceived me.

I started writing about fashion too. It was a fun outlet to focus my curiosity on and express myself. And writing, I’ve come to realize, is a powerful form of self-monitoring. It’s a way to listen in on what the heart really wants.

Fashion gave me so much. And I’ve learned so much from it. But lately, it feels like I’m plateauing. One of my qualms with fashion as a craft is that it feels like a “pay-to-play” game. To keep growing in it, you have to keep buying new stuff. And that doesn’t resonate with me. At this point, I’ve found pieces I love and will hopefully wear for life. I’ve honed my personal style. While there are still improvements to make, I feel like I’ve almost reached my personal peak.

I’ve also noticed that when I visit bookstores, the fashion books on the shelves don’t resonate with me anymore. I’ve read most of the ones that interest me already.

That being said though, fashion has made me appreciate writing even more. I love that writing is accessible, I can it anywhere, at little to no cost. It reinforced the idea that writing is the craft I want to double down on.

I still love fashion. I love that I can now read an outfit and understand the stories people are telling through their clothes. I have a deep appreciation for the craftsmanship behind clothing. Fashion remains a meaningful way for me to connect with others and view the world. It’ll always be a hobby of mine and a perspective I carry.

Each creative project and phase carries with it lessons that help me understand myself. Fashion is still a topic I’ll write about occasionally. But there are other creative ideas that speak to me right now. And perhaps it’s time to put this chapter to rest.