Effortlessness

Zara sweater (similar)
Zara jeans (similar)
Birkenstock sandals
Zara Home tote (similar)
RayBan sunglasses
Mejuri necklace (similar)
Linjer rings (c/o) (similar)
Mejuri earrings (similar)
Location: The Manitoba Legislature – Winnipeg, Manitoba

Over the years, I’ve talked a lot about effortlessness – the art of making things appear easy, even when the actually require an immense amount of time, planning and care behind the scenes. The thing is, of course, that isn’t actually effortlessness. Something that is effortless requires little to no effort. The act of making an activity or an outfit or, well, anything look effortless is a colossal undertaking… and it undermines the all the hard work you did to get there.

If you make things look too easy, people around you will think they actually are easy, which means they won’t give you much credit for your achievements.

So, why do we aspire to the illusion of effortlessness? I suppose, at least in part, because we know it’s uncomfortable to watch people work hard and struggle; it makes us feel awkward to be faced with their vulnerability, so we try to conceal our own when we’re in their place. Effortlessness is strength. In fashion, it’s looking beautiful and elegant without having to work for it, which really comes down to being so beautiful that what you wear doesn’t matter. That isn’t the same as having style, though. It’s not the equivalent of curating an impeccable, thoughtful wardrobe full of clothes you love.

Earlier this year, I started a quest to really embrace imperfection – to own my own humanity, to show that everything doesn’t always work the way I want it to or come easily for me, even if the photos turn out well in the end. It hasn’t always been easy. I haven’t always been able to break my old habits as consistently as I’d like to. But I’m working on it. And part of working on it is sharing outfits that genuinely are effortless, because I do wear them. I’m an adult. My day job is demanding and frequently sees me at my desk well beyond regular work hours. Just like everyone else, I’m tired, and I don’t always have extra energy to put into assembling an outfit.

…which means I throw on loose jeans, a baggy sweater and my Birkenstocks, grab a tote bag and go about my business. Usually, I stop at Starbucks on the way.

This was a truly effortless outfit. Most of the time, especially during the work week, it’s all I have the emotional wherewithal to put together. If you see me wearing a more thoughtfully assembled outfit, I can guarantee that I made an effort, even if the end result looks like I didn’t have to try. And I don’t mind admitting that. In fact, I don’t think it would hurt anyone if more people did.

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