Imagine this scenario: you find yourself changing outfits multiple times before leaving for work, only to arrive at the office feeling either overdressed or underdressed. You may even find yourself fretting over what to wear for an important meeting, which ultimately detracts from your preparation. Does this resonate with you?
The dilemma of choosing the right attire can often lead to unnecessary stress. Matilda Green, an art director at a prominent advertising agency in New York, decided to simplify her life by adopting a uniform. She purchased six pairs of black trousers, 15 white shirts, and a black blazer for colder days. To personalize her look, she added a custom-made black leather rosette. After acquiring all these items in one day, she liberated herself from the daily worry of outfit selection. Matilda wore this ensemble daily for three years.
This idea is not novel. “There are many who have embraced this style of dressing for ages—they refer to it as a suit,” she noted in her article for a major lifestyle magazine, which gained widespread attention. While Matilda faced some curious reactions—like inquiries about whether she was part of a bet or a religious group—she is in good company. High-profile figures such as Alex Carter, known for his casual jeans and gray T-shirt, and Lisa Reed, who favored jeans and a black turtleneck, have also opted for similar simplicity. Even Barack Obama is known for wearing the same gray or blue suits daily. Albert Einstein took this a step further by buying several versions of the same gray suit to eliminate choice fatigue.
Interestingly, the pressure for women to present varied and interesting outfits is typically more pronounced than for men. Nevertheless, Matilda Green’s choice to adopt a uniform has set a new precedent, allowing her to fulfill all workplace attire expectations while minimizing daily decision-making stress. Even though my own typical outfit consists of jeans and a striped t-shirt, I often find myself pondering which t-shirt to wear for longer than necessary.
Since adopting her uniform, Matilda reports that her productivity has soared, although she chuckles at how a former VP at her previous agency thought she was struggling financially after noticing her consistent outfit. The VP even attempted to secure her a raise, though she ultimately didn’t receive it. Nevertheless, her experience serves as a compelling reason to consider this minimalist approach.
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In summary, adopting a uniform can significantly reduce daily decision fatigue, allowing for greater focus on work and productivity. Matilda Green’s experience illustrates the benefits of this approach, even as it highlights the societal pressures surrounding women’s fashion choices.