Decode the Dress Code : 3 min read

“I ain’t getting beyond shorts and tees these days,” I told somebody wanting to sell saris to me!

Shifting towards minimalism[1] has been the most significant learning for me from the pandemic. And so, when a dip in Covid numbers elevated our hopes, I decided to de-clutter my cupboard, plan ahead and stay prepared for office to resume.

The sizeable mound of clothes made me self-conscious. Did I really need so many? The ordinary would be easy to give up, but gifts and items of sentimental value were tough to part with.

Whatever the reason, I was definitely reassessing everything that no longer fits my life and existence, especially anything that spells excess. And I began with clothes.

There is sharp segregation of attires in my wardrobe from casual to formal. Thanks to our mother for inculcating this habit.

While I never invested in fancy work outfits, I maintain a conspicuous wardrobe. Items get replaced only when someone hints at their age! My workwear is functional; suitable for my age, job profile, body type, and schedule. Thankfully, the past two years brought some respite. There was just one popular outfit-pyjamas and tees!

Much of my clothes that lay in a pile on my bed seemed unnecessary. I read somewhere that the way we dress defines our need to be or feel a particular way on a given day. I suppose it could be true. Most of my outfits are my decades-long quest to look like whoever I felt like being at work or otherwise.

I always admire people who can comfortably cruise in T-shirts and denim. It turns out that the actual power suit is the liberty to remain effortless in your dressing. The freedom to stay spontaneous is held by colossal reserves of self-confidence. Of course, not everyone can pull off that look!

Some wish to revert to their glamorous selves and resume wearing all that is more stunning than practical. But the disruption has shifted some of our lifestyles and transformed how we see ourselves. Personally, I have recalibrated ways to spend my time and money. In short, I have reimagined how the world should see and perceive me.

Finally, as hybrid work is the current trend, I have decided to shift to relaxed wear. After all, there was nothing less I churned out in the comfort of my Tees. Whether I wore a branded dress or an ordinary kurta[2] had no impact on the quality of work. The PowerPoints and spreadsheets looked just the same!

On the road, my faithful pocketed denim complements the pandemic paraphernalia. The ultimate comfort while juggling with the mask, sanitiser, and Aarogya Setu![3]

In my ideal work wardrobe, a uniform tops my wish list. A few cotton kurtis[4] and soft pastel t-shirts for the Calcutta summers. Some colourful kameezes[5] and a smart salwar suit to match the winter air. Also, a versatile thingy[6] that transforms itself per my desire. And definitely a few sarees. Locking away the unrealistic ones in a corner like charms that withstood alongside me.

Increased awareness of conscious consumption and sustainability could make everyday garments more utilitarian. Should we make space for attires that allow us to reinvent our looks? Finding ways that are practical and less wasteful.

 Can we decode the dress code?

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[1]https://www.medicinenet.com/what_is_the_minimalist_lifestyle/article.htm

[2]https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kurta

[3]https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aarogya_Setu

[4]https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kurti_top

[5]a long tunic worn over a pair of loose lowers

[6]informal.: something that is hard to classify or whose name is unknown or forgotten

(Images sourced from Google and are subject to copyright. I do not own them.)