Reflections on living in Florida for a month - Wardrobe and more…

I did something bold and had the most amazing experience. My husband and I (and our dog Dash) spent a month in Florida… not vacationing.. just working and living. 

I’m back home and reflecting on some take aways and wanted to share them with you.

You don’t need as much as you think you do.

I packed a Florida capsule wardrobe… five dresses, two pairs of pants, a couple cardigans, a jean jacket, four pairs of shoes, two bags, a couple pairs of shorts, lots of tanks, swimwear coverups obviously. Oh, and some workout clothes.

I could have removed a third of it and it would have been plenty. As usual, I wore my favorite pieces over and over again.  I bet you do this too… gravitate to what feels and fits best. For me, they’re the pieces with a little breathing room that I can throw on without overthinking it.

When I got home, I actually got a shock when I saw how much clothes I had in my closet. Living with fewer pieces for a month inspired me to look at my own wardrobe with fresh eyes and start curating for Spring.

When you find your authentic style, it’s everything.

Having escaped the winter vibes of sweaters, coats and bulky boots, I was reminded that I feel my most authentic self in warm weather by the ocean.   Being able to throw on a sundress with a light jacket, slip on sandals and my coveted bags felt so effortless.  It was so easy to get dressed. I was so comfortable. I felt like me again.

This idea of feeling like your authentic self… wearing what captures the true you, what makes you smile from the inside out.  It feels so good… in mind, body and soul. 

It’s everything.

You never know unless you try it.

Being in South Florida, there was so much more inventory in the stores. I actually started looking for a dress for a wedding even though it’s not until August.  I tried a dozen dresses, things I wouldn’t typically chose.. just to see how different silhouettes and fabrics were fitting.  I tried on a couple gorgeous dresses in Zimmerman and the long Ulla Johnson ruffled number below from one of my favorite boutiques Hive in West Palm Beach.  I didn’t love anything enough to buy it, but it was really inspiring and fun to try things that I normally wouldn’t. 

We can do bold things in midlife.

I have been dreaming about getting away during the winter and visualizing my next chapter in a home with a pool by the ocean for years. 

I did a bold thing.. I took the first step. There were some snags and obstacles, but I pushed through. I feel growth and an evolution and I’m ready for it.

This to me is the essence of midlife. Doing bold things, whatever that is for you.  

I believe feeling like your most authentic self in your clothes can empower you to take those bold next steps in midlife so you can continue to grow and live life to fullest.

If this speaks to you and you could use some help aligning your wardrobe to who you are today, I’d love to help. Get in touch old school at hello@laurapbarker.com.

xo, Laura