Reflections on (almost) 75 days of getting dressed
Everything I wore, things I learnt, and what’s next ✨
For the best experience, I’d encourage you to view this newsletter in the Substack App. It’s a long one, but worth it. I promise ☺️.
I have to preface this by saying that getting dressed for 75 days and documenting it is no easy feat. I managed 62 out of 75 days, and I’m genuinely proud of myself because I’ve never done a challenge like this before. I wanted this experience to feel as organic as possible. Some days I felt unwell, and other days I was simply too exhausted to document anything, so rather than forcing it, I gave myself permission to miss a few days and carry on.
When I started, I was hoping the challenge would help me answer a few questions: had I rebuilt a healthy relationship with my changing body? Could I become more comfortable repeating outfits? Was I shopping intentionally, or simply accumulating? And perhaps most importantly, could I stop treating certain pieces as though they were waiting for a more worthy version of my life?
What did I actually wear? Which pieces did I reach for repeatedly? What patterns would emerge if I paid attention long enough? As it turns out, there were quite a few.
In case you missed it, here’s a round-up of everything I wore in 62 days:
My formula:
One of the clearest discoveries was just how formulaic my getting-dressed process actually is. Most days followed a similar rhythm: top, bottom (or dress), shoes, statement necklace, and everyday jewellery. If I’m heading out, I’ll add a bag and outerwear depending on the weather.
What surprised me wasn’t the formula itself, but how reliably it worked. For years, I’ve described my style as having minimalist sensibilities. While that isn’t entirely inaccurate, I now think it’s incomplete — there’s a far more structured system underneath my outfits than I realised.
Some readers throughout the challenge, noticed several themes that emerged repeatedly: proportion, silhouette, confidence, playfulness, and a restrained use of colour.
One reader wrote:
“Your understanding of proportion is unparalleled.”
Another noted:
“You have fabulous style!! I love the silhouettes you choose and the statement necklaces really anchor your pieces together.”
And perhaps my favourite observation came from a reader who wrote:
“That hoodie and sweats fit with the pendant screams regulated nervous system chic to me!”
I laughed out loud when I read it, but the more I sat with it, the more accurate it felt, so I’ll be sticking with that. Perhaps I’ve been practising “regulated nervous system chic” all along.
It made me realise that it’s okay for style to resist neat labels, because I definitely think there’s far more nuance in getting dressed than we often acknowledge, right?
The Gaps:
As useful as this challenge was for identifying what works, it was equally useful for revealing what’s missing. The most obvious gap is in my wardrobe is outerwear. As temperatures have dropped in Johannesburg, I’ve become increasingly aware of how limited my outerwear options actually are.
The second is an everyday leather bag that can comfortably carry my essentials and my laptop. As someone who works from home + also wants to avoid cabin fever I’ll occasionally find a cool spot to work. Luckily, there’s a restock of The Sienna by Minauder (a Cape Town-based label) that’s firmly on my radar and ticks all my boxes. It’s basically like Dragon Diffusion, but for a third of the price, and one thing about me? I love a good bargain.
I’ve also realised that my wardrobe could benefit from a few more elevated pieces and occasion-appropriate shoes, not necessarily because I want to transform my style, but because I’d like more options for moments that sit slightly above everyday dressing. Something with a little razzle-dazzle, you know?
What I learnt:
Even though I predominantly shop second-hand, I’ve realised that my shopping habits can sometimes feel more excessive than considered. There’s a difference between intentional shopping and accumulation, and I’d like to spend more time on the former.
I’ve also been thinking about the tendency to “save” clothes for events, occasions, or a future version of myself. I think, in some ways, we all do this. But getting dressed, being alive, surely that’s occasion enough? If a piece brings me joy, why wait? God forbid, but I could literally die tomorrow.
Perhaps the most valuable lesson is that I can appreciate beautiful things without needing to own them. Social media has a remarkably annoying way of seeping into our subconscious and convincing us that we’re one fleeting purchase away from completeness — just one more pair of shoes, bag, jacket, or dress. Except… it’s perpetual 😂 Does one really need 5 variations of the same stripey top? but also I’m not here to judge, if that’s what you’re into, then go for it. 👀
I’ve had to ruthlessly learn separate admiration from ownership. Like, I can appreciate the beauty in something without buying it. And before I buy anything new, I now ask myself a simple question: am I imagining how I’ll wear this, or am I imagining an idealised version of myself? Shout-out to the reader who shared that thought, because it’s honestly been sitting with me ever since.
What’s next:
For now, the goal is refinement rather than reinvention. I want to continue leaning into the silhouettes, proportions, and styling details that already feel authentic to me. I want to fill genuine wardrobe gaps rather than chase novelty. I want to wear the good pieces now, not later.
Most importantly, I want to continue treating getting dressed as a practice of attention, because somewhere between the countless outfit photos, statement necklaces, black trousers, and navy knits, I discovered that personal style isn’t really about having more.
It’s about understanding what already works — and having the confidence to wear it again.
My favourite looks:
I also want to say thank you for all the love on this challenge, and for keeping up with my ramblings in this little corner of the internet. I feel very grateful to have found and connected with such inspiring women writing about fashion and getting dressed in ways that feel so thoughtful and alive.
If you’ve got thoughts, questions, or reflections of your own, I’d genuinely love to hear them.
I’ll be travelling to East Africa soon for my husband’s cousin’s wedding (that was a mouthful 🤭), and I am so excited — expect looks, views, and very good food. AND if you’re there at the same time, let’s meet for some chai + chapati 🫶🏾
See my wedding look below:
Best,
The Awkward Turtle
Your reflections are so astute! You have such an instinctually strong point of view in how you get dressed. You know I love your style ♥️
I absolutely love your necklace, is it heavy ?