Average Jane vs. Her Wardrobe

The last time it snowed, I wore an outfit that seemed appropriate for the weather: jeans (as always), boots, a thermal shirt and a hoodie. When I looked in the mirror, it occurred to me that although I was headed to my office, I could just as well be going out to a barn to shovel out a stall.

Fashion and I inhabit completely different planes of existence. I'm sure it didn't help that I grew up in the '70s, with all of the riotous polyester ugliness that suggests. Once I started choosing my own clothes in the '80s, I did enjoy a decade of minor mall-oriented trendiness, which was good timing since I was young and thin then. By the time the grunge era arrived, I was ready to embrace the XL flannel shirts and comfortable hiking boots, and I've really never recovered.

Fortunately, I can wear pretty much anything I want to my office. When I have a client meeting, jeans are still okay and I just dress things up with a slightly better top, shiny shoes and an accessory or two.

Wear-and-tear is my biggest problem right now. Last week I threw away two pairs of jeans that had gotten so thin in the seat that it's a miracle I hadn't had a major wardrobe malfunction. Sadly, I discovered that another favorite pair of jeans has reached the same stage.

I've been throwing out a lot of clothes lately. I did an underwear drawer purge and mercilessly culled every pair that I had been accustomed to pushing to the back of the drawer. Then I went to Target and bought two enormous packages of replacements in the correct size. It was one of those little things that make life better but often get put off for far too long.

Next on the list is my sock drawer. I love my Chuck Taylors, but they're not kind to socks. Almost every time I get dressed, I discover either a thin patch or a hole in one of the socks I'm putting on. I'm big on mending the holes, but only once.

As much as I am loath to admit it, it's time for a Day of Shopping. Usually these involve my sister, who is also a hater of shopping, but is very good at helping me find flattering clothes without wasting a lot of time.

I'm always impressed with people who know how to put together an outfit and always look great. I just don't think I have it in me. The best I can hope for is to have a consistent style that fits my personality. That, and clothes with no holes in them.