Social distancing from my wardrobe

Today marks the 12th week of lockdown in the UK and things are beginning to look a little more positive as we embrace our new norms. I am spending the day travelling back down to Manchester from home in Scotland to pack up my things before my lease runs out. 

As I am sat cautiously on this empty train with my face mask on I am beginning to reflect on these past 3 months and what they have taught me. 

After completing a virtual rendition of my so called ‘textiles degree’ I have become almost bitter at the thought of the fashion industry reopening and returning to business as usual. 

Today also marks the first day (in England) where non essential shops are opened back up and it wasn’t even midday and I had already seen videos of queues formed for miles to enter the high street stores. 

What could we possibly need at this time? 

Admittedly, I have more clothes in my wardrobe than I know what to do with and as I travel I’m racking my brain to remember what is even waiting for me in Manchester. Being separated from it for 3 months has made me adjust and make do with what I have. 

Have I wore the same 3/4 outfits alternatively in repeat for weeks on end? Yes. Do I care? No. Has anyone else even noticed? No. A matter of fact is that I am still getting compliments for the once white polka dot leggings I wear most days and found at the bottom of my cupboard. A pair of leggings I forgot about as they never made the cut this year as I packed my things to go back to uni. 

What I am most excited about now, other than escaping my new prolonged reality for a little while. Is the idea that when I see all my clothes again, it will be like have a brand new wardrobe again! 

Maybe that is the solution? I am a hoarder of old clothes at the best of times. My motto is your never know when something can come back’. 

As I sift through my wardrobe today I will

Reflect on what I have got at home and what I’ve managed to do without and I’ll realise that everything else is a bonus. 

We need to re-evaluate our perceptions of junk and maybe distance ourselves from things to appreciate them again.