The Routinization of Gender-Fluid Wardrobes: A Personal Journey
My journey as a gender-fluid individual has significantly transformed my relationship with clothing. Prior to transitioning, I was a utilitarian when it came to fashion, often settling for basic workwear and social attire. Now, however, I have embraced my newfound love for seeking out new garments, which has led to the accumulation of a robust and diverse wardrobe.
Since fully embracing myself, I've become what some might call a "clothes whore." I voraciously search for new items, often finding great deals at thrift stores, consignment shops, and discount retailers. This approach not only satisfies my desire for variety but also aligns with the notion of frugality and sustainability. Whether I'm shopping for dresses, skirts, tops, or pants, I find immense satisfaction in adding new pieces to my collection.
The Ever-Growing Wardrobe
It's difficult to say exactly how many items I own, but I can confidently state that my wardrobe consists of at least 30 dresses, each with a unique color, length, and style for various occasions. I also maintain a selection of 10 skirts, 15 tops, 10 pairs of pants, a full drawer of lingerie, and about 20 pairs of shoes. To justify this abundance, I engage in a regular purge and donation process, removing items that no longer suit me and making room for new acquisitions.
Basic Essentials for Daily Life
For everyday wear, I aim to have a basic set of essentials. I prefer to keep about 7 days' worth of underwear and socks on hand to avoid the hassle of frequent laundry. When it comes to work attire, I have 3 to 5 tops that are versatile, such as button-downs or blouses, and 2 to 3 pairs of pants, including jeans, slacks, and dress pants. In my wardrobe, I often include 1 to 2 dresses or skirts for versatility, as well as 1 or 2 sweaters or cardigans for layering on cooler days. A light jacket is always handy for added warmth, and a pair of pajamas ensures I have comfortable options for resting at home.
A More Selective Approach
In contrast, there is a stark difference when it comes to the clothing of a close friend who identifies as male. While he has a limited wardrobe of around 8 pieces, including 3 pareos, a jacket, a T-shirt, a long shirt, a blouse, and a swimming tanga, the selection is more practical and less focused on variety. All these items are women's clothing, as they fit better and offer a wider range of color and style options.
The Absence of a Traditional Closet
Interestingly, neither I nor my friend have a traditional closet. Mine was inherited from my grandparents and contained a wooden seat with a hole over a bucket for waste. Small squares of torn newspaper hung on a string, ready for use. My grandpa used to dump the bucket on Fridays in a freshly dug garden spot, a ritual he explained would one day become the site for his Majesty's potatoes. Despite this, I store my clothes in two wardrobes within my bedroom, using them for various activities such as indoor wear, gardening, trips around town, swimming, and more formal outings.
My journey has not only transformed my wardrobe but also my perspective on fashion, leading to a love for exploring diverse styles and options. Through self-acceptance and a mindful approach to sustainability, I've created a wardrobe that not only fits my needs but also reflects my unique personal style.