Fashion How Moving to a Farm Has Informed My Minimalist Wardrobe - Elle Canada

Instead, I asked myself: Does it fit me? Is it comfortable? Do I actually like it? Was it a gift that I know I will never wear? Have I worn it in the past two years? Am I keeping this item for my 'fantasy self'? Does it align with my lifestyle and my values? Is it practical for my everyday life?

Piles of clothes heaped over my bed, and two days later, I had multiple garbage bags ready to be donated. My teenage cousins were excited to be gifted the hand-me-downs, and anything they didn't want went to friends or to the donation bin. Mentally, I felt a lot lighter, and getting dressed was easier than ever. All my fussy conditional pieces ("I can only wear this skirt with this belt and this exact top") were banished. As a result, my wardrobe seemed more curated, thanks to its limited colour palette.

Moving to the countryside has been a further catalyst to fundamentally reconsider my wardrobe. Once at the farm, I realized my "warm" clothes weren't going to cut it. I replaced my Dr. Martens with insulated rubber boots, I swapped my Smartwool socks with cheap synthetic dollar store ones that held warmth better, and I perfected the art of layering, with synthetic fibres close to the skin and heavier wools on top. I survived the frigid winter air by wearing a hat 24/7, sometimes even to bed.

A more minimalist wardrobe has encouraged me to truly cherish every item. My aunt's IKEDA overalls from the 1990s have been a saving grace, I pop them on over any outfit to protect myself against the messiness of farm life. Practicality and durability are what informs my fashion choices now—I dress for the weather, which means I'm more in touch with the cyclical nature of the seasons, rather than the cyclical nature of fashion trends.

I redefined my values and therefore the purpose I want my clothes to fulfill. I want to be comfortable and unfazed when a barn kitten jumps up on my jeans with a muddy paw. I want to be unrestricted and to move freely, ready to chase after a baby lamb if she needs to be fed.

Of course, you don't have to live on a farm to implement more thoughtful practices into your consumption. Before you purchase anything new, consider whether it makes sense for your daily life. By realigning your purchases to match your values, you can chart a pathway to more ethical purchases.

Read more:

8 Fashion and Beauty Brands That Are Certified B Corps
7 Ways to Make Your Beauty Routine More Sustainable
This New Cookbook Is Here to Help You Eliminate Kitchen Waste

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