I have addressed this issue before in two posts, ‘Hiding on Stage’ and ‘Whose Clothes Are These?’ are the titles. (Links below)
I usually have an identity conundrum when the seasons change and while shopping for clothes, shoes and/or jewelry.
I catch myself whispering ” You wish you were that person, but you are not.” as I touch some outrageous article that I want but would never wear. Any attention-getting item is considered ‘Costume.’
Most of my warddrobe is for blending. I shoot for natural and neutral. Small, unusual details are the allowed. “Do not notice me, but if you do, here is something interesting.”
I miss my costume days. At least there was a fake sense confidence as my chosen character moved through the scenes of my life. I do not mind the camouflage periods. I feel like an invisible, silent observer. It’s like being in the audience versus on stage, less pressure, more entertainment.
Another conundrum is coming. The weather on the mountain will change quickly. I will return to Wildwood to “shop” in my closests. Things will be chosen or purged. “Who am I now?” will be the theme…again.
I have accepted this ‘Costume or Camouflage’ phenomenon. I am happy to still be asking the question of “Who are you now?” instead of being stuck with a supplied, inflexible answer.
Look in your closets. Are YOU in there? Really?
FLOW
Whose Clothes are These?
Hiding Onstage

I was at the lake with my beautiful daughters, wearing a bit of a frumpy, but extremely comfortable swimsuit. I told them being “old” is so freeing, as I no longer have to worry about being “hot” (if I ever was?). Also, no offense, but leaving the South and being the perfectly dressed suburban wife/mom is also freeing. My preferred look is someone who lives in the woods, wearing pants with as many pockets as possible. I assume you are of a certain age as I am…time to be free to be you!
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