You spend a surprising amount of time standing in front of your closet in the morning wondering, "What should I wear today?" The weather isn't bad, and there are no special plans. And yet, something just doesn't feel right. You have a ton of clothes, but for some reason, you just can't decide. I'm sure everyone has had that experience.
Fashion is said to be a form of self-expression, but in reality, it is a more realistic and ambiguous part of everyday life. Rather than choosing what to show off to others, we often choose what we wear to maintain our own mood and sense of security. That's why I think there are times when we wonder, "Is this really okay?"
There was a time in the past when I was too conscious of trends. I tried to adopt the styles I saw in magazines and on social media, and as a result, I lost sight of my own identity. Even though I was wearing trendy colors and styles, I felt uncomfortable when I looked in the mirror. I couldn't figure out what this discomfort was, and it became increasingly difficult for me to choose clothes.
It was around that time that I started to wonder, "What is fashion?" It seems like there is a right answer, but in fact there isn't. It changes depending on the person, the place, the age and lifestyle. When you think about it like that, maybe it's natural to be confused.
In Japan, people tend to prefer a modest and harmonious style. Colors that aren't too flashy, overall balance, a sense of the season. These elements are very beautiful and give a sense of security. However, on the other hand, "not standing out" can sometimes become an unconscious standard. Even if there is an item you really like, you don't choose it because you think it might stand out. This is a common experience.
On the other hand, when I look at styles overseas, I realize that perfection and balance are not necessarily the top priority. Even if something is a little unbalanced, it still clearly conveys the person's personality and sends a clear message. Even if it's not perfect, the way someone wears it with confidence leaves an impression. Seeing this, I began to think, "Perhaps fashion isn't about perfection, but about a sense of satisfaction."
Our everyday fashion worries are actually very personal and small. "Is this outfit appropriate for my age?" "Is it appropriate for work?" "Is it too casual?" These kinds of questions may not be serious enough to warrant discussing with someone, but they linger in our minds. The accumulation of these thoughts may make choosing clothes difficult.
Recently, I've come across more content that puts these everyday doubts and questions into words. Rather than explaining trends, they focus on "why we're unsure" and "how we can make things easier." For example, when I see content like https://worldfashionnews.com/fashion-answers/ , which focuses on "ways of thinking" rather than the style itself, I sometimes feel like "I'm not the only one."
Fashion isn't something that can be built solely on knowledge and rules. It naturally reflects your physical condition, mood, and daily routine on that day. That's why, on days when you have an outfit that you think "this is good enough for today," it can make you feel a little more in tune.
Rather than striving for the perfect outfit, it's about making choices that you feel comfortable with. I think that these choices will ultimately lead to a style that is uniquely yours. It's okay to have days when you're unsure, or days when you can't find the answer. Fashion isn't a competition, it's a part of everyday life.
When you find yourself standing in front of your closet, instead of denying your doubts, try to accept it by saying, "That's how I feel today." Such a small change in awareness may make your relationship with clothes a little easier.