In recent years, I have begun to examine my life and discovered a secret that has long been recognized by many spiritual predecessors: we do not need to possess something first in order to achieve something, and then become the person we want to be (having-doing-being). Instead, I am already that person; I just need to take corresponding actions, and I will achieve that result (being-doing-having).
Becoming a certain way is not based on others as a model; everyone is unique. Even those we admire may not be the person they truly want to be; perhaps they are just fulfilling others' expectations and have achieved a certain level of success.
"The Moon and Sixpence" is one of the representative works of British writer W. Somerset Maugham, telling the story of the protagonist Charles Strickland, who abandons his originally stable life to pursue his inner dream of painting. His actions are incomprehensible to those around him, but his persistent pursuit of art demonstrates an ultimate loyalty to his ideals.
In the book, Strickland's transformation is not just a career change from a stockbroker to an artist, but a profound change in his inner world. This means that true self-actualization often requires letting go of external expectations and confronting one's true inner desires.
When it comes to dressing, one should focus more on expressing personal inner qualities and values when choosing clothing, rather than merely following trends or catering to others.
In the process of pursuing art, Strickland's lifestyle and clothing style underwent tremendous changes. From a respectable gentleman in London to a destitute artist in Paris, and finally to an isolated painter on Tahiti, it can be imagined that as he gradually distanced himself from the crowd, his clothing became simpler, yet more aligned with his inner world and his obsession with painting.
I am reminded of another late minimalist master, Steve Jobs. His image of a black turtleneck long-sleeve T-shirt paired with jeans became deeply ingrained during Apple's product launches, and most of his black T-shirts were not simple; they were custom-made by Mr. Issey Miyake. Jobs once stated that he asked Issey Miyake to make him some black turtlenecks that he liked, and Miyake made about a hundred for him.
According to "Steve Jobs: The Exclusive Biography," Jobs wanted to design a vest for Apple employees, but ultimately this idea was not accepted by the staff. So Jobs decided to adopt this black turtleneck as his daily attire; on one hand, he was busy with work and had no time to consider his clothing, and on the other hand, this uniform-style outfit perfectly matched the simplicity and practicality of Apple products. In this sense, Mr. Jobs was the best spokesperson for Apple products, and these clothes became his personal uniform, forming his iconic style.
Their stories tell us that the choice of clothing can be an external manifestation of one's inner world. Whether in the workplace, art, or daily life, through the choice and combination of clothing, we can showcase our personality, emotions, and attitude towards life. The important thing is to find those clothes that make us feel authentic, confident, and that can represent our inner style.
Through clothing, we can show the world who we are, what we believe in, and what our dreams are. The answers are buried in everyone's heart, needing to establish a deep connection with one's inner self, focus on personal growth, and continuously explore and dig deeper; the answers will eventually be revealed.
Just as we recognize ourselves through inner exploration, dressing is also a way to express oneself. Our clothing choices reflect our identity and values; they are part of our personal story. The clothes we wear should align with our inner beliefs and external actions to authentically express ourselves.
Just as we explore our inner selves, exploring different clothing styles is also a journey that allows us to discover more possibilities. If you feel numb about "what kind of person to become," exploring your dressing style can be a process of self-discovery. By trying different styles, we can better understand our needs, and when our inner world harmonizes with our external image, we will feel confident and comfortable.
Here are several aspects of exploration that I hope will inspire readers:
Visualization of personality:
Expressing one's unique identity through color, patterns, fabrics, and styles.
For example, Kate Middleton of the British royal family often wears classic suits, affordable dresses, and custom evening gowns, frequently choosing various shades of blue that represent royalty, perfectly embodying the classic image and approachability of a commoner princess.
Reflection of emotions:
Choosing formal attire when authority needs to be displayed; selecting comfortable casual wear when relaxation is needed; and opting for light and romantic clothing when dating a partner.
This point is presented in various films and television works, such as the six friends in "Friends."
Reflection of life attitude and inner beliefs:
Our dressing style reflects our life attitude and philosophy, whether pursuing simplicity, sustainability, fashion, or retro; the corresponding clothing is a direct manifestation of this attitude. Our dressing style can also showcase our inner beliefs, such as a commitment to environmental protection reflected in choosing clothing made from sustainable materials. The key is to select a point to consistently express through our clothing, which will enhance our image expression ability.
Strengthening non-verbal communication:
Clothing is an important tool for non-verbal communication. Through careful dressing, we can strengthen our first impression and personal brand. As long as we consciously purchase clothing that suits us rather than constantly swaying with trends, we will reap the personal brand effect brought by our image.
Pursuit of quality:
Pursuing the quality and comfort of clothing is not only about appearance but also about self-feeling. This tangible quality and intangible comfort provide the highest honor to the wearer, which is worth practicing for every human being.
Narration of personal stories:
Our clothing choices can tell a story, a story that becomes richer with the accumulation of time and experiences. A representative figure in this regard is the recently deceased fashion icon Iris Apfel, who has been introduced in previous articles.
Reflection of self-affirmation:
By choosing clothing that makes us feel confident and proud, we can showcase our affirmation of ourselves.
Exploring dressing styles is an ongoing process. As individuals grow and change, our clothing choices will evolve accordingly. Through these methods, we can integrate dressing wisdom into our personal growth process, allowing clothing to become our most loyal spokesperson.
Remember, true dressing wisdom lies not in following trends but in showcasing the authentic self.