There are some days on which I feel particularly good about myself. It's then that some ego check activates in my head and I engage in the millennial ritual of scrolling into the depths of Instagram until I can think only in memes and sadness. It’s on this variant of social media that I gush over the style of my favorite icons...and mourn that I don’t have it.
There’s something sweet about the Want, though, so it’s with great reluctance that I admit, “I have style too.” I think I’m just bored with it. Realizing you’re bored with an aspect of your life might inspire you to “spice it up”—a phrase I imagine is legally reserved for things like Taco Bell ads and sexless couples. I fell prey to this line of thought at first and scrambled to change something—anything. But, always looking for an easy way out, I began to think: is boredom such a bad thing? After examining my new quality of life I’d say it’s the best thing to happen to my look thus far.
When I became bored with my appearance, I realized I had found a signature style. (I didn’t say it was good style, just a style.) I had naturally developed a pattern of dress which, to me, was mundane but to outsiders was uniquely and reliably “Michelle”. What changed?
Here’s what happened: I got a nine-to-five job. Since I no longer had time to indulge my anxiety in every aspect of life, I worried more about my new job than my appearance.
Morning after morning I intuitively developed a loose formula—a rhythm: assemble an outfit with equal doses quirk and conservatism (I’ll tell you why another time.) Next, comb a deep side part into my hair, slick with gel, then pull back into a pony or tuck behind the ears. After that I’m out the door.
When I settled into this routine I found more than just a “look”. The benefits of embracing boredom rather than taking action were so magnificent I first felt I wasn’t allowed to enjoy them. Well, I’m enjoying myself now, and what follows are just a few of the things I have boredom to thank for:
Now, when I find myself bored, doing nothing is one of my favorite remedies. I discovered that the boredom I thought was an embarrassing lack of ambition was actually comfort: a solidifying of my sartorial identity, a stability I’d always wanted. So, when you can give yourself a break, take it. I did, and I’m just starting to look fly as hell.
When I became bored with my appearance, I realized I had found a signature style. (I didn’t say it was good style, just a style.) I had naturally developed a pattern of dress which, to me, was mundane but to outsiders was uniquely and reliably “Michelle”. What changed?
Here’s what happened: I got a nine-to-five job. Since I no longer had time to indulge my anxiety in every aspect of life, I worried more about my new job than my appearance.
Morning after morning I intuitively developed a loose formula—a rhythm: assemble an outfit with equal doses quirk and conservatism (I’ll tell you why another time.) Next, comb a deep side part into my hair, slick with gel, then pull back into a pony or tuck behind the ears. After that I’m out the door.
When I settled into this routine I found more than just a “look”. The benefits of embracing boredom rather than taking action were so magnificent I first felt I wasn’t allowed to enjoy them. Well, I’m enjoying myself now, and what follows are just a few of the things I have boredom to thank for:
- I’ve become comfortable—I’m dressing in clothes I look and feel good in!
- I have more time—When this pattern became second nature, my daily routine shed invaluable minutes.
- I have more energy—I’m no longer trying to outdo myself with every subsequent look. I continue to experiment, but I’m not burning myself out trying to top each last outfit. I have to take solace in knowing that my style is already different from anyone else’s, and that’s enough to make it interesting.
- I predictably look good—(But don’t quote me on that.) The word “predictable” used to scare me, but we humans thrive on ritual. Our brains are programmed to search for patterns and themes to make sense of our surroundings. Repeating certain elements in our dress creates a thread connecting each look to the next, unifying our style. So, yeah, “predictable” can be good.
Now, when I find myself bored, doing nothing is one of my favorite remedies. I discovered that the boredom I thought was an embarrassing lack of ambition was actually comfort: a solidifying of my sartorial identity, a stability I’d always wanted. So, when you can give yourself a break, take it. I did, and I’m just starting to look fly as hell.