An Ode to Clothing & Memory
- Claire Kalikman
- Jan 3, 2024
- 2 min read
Exploring what it means to be Cool And Thoughtful through the lens of fashion
By Claire Akkan
I remember moments by the clothes that I was wearing. The story of my life is woven into the fibers of my garments. I recall vividly the dark blue dress with a black silk rose that made me feel beautiful at the 6th grade dance. The lightweight linen dress custom-made for me that I wore to my college graduation. The heavy cashmere of the Loro Piana checked coat I bought to mark my transition into “adult life” in New York. The heavy satin cream of my mom’s wedding dress that I wore to my own wedding twenty-five years after her.
Clothes are so much more than their physical qualities, and I think that’s where non-fashionistas often get tripped up. Clothes carry the histories of the people, cultures, and time periods that wear them. People who don’t like or “get” fashion don’t see past the physical garments.
But to love fashion is to love the experience of wearing clothes. And the best clothes aren’t the trendy fashion pieces that are in one season and out the next; no, to be Cool And Thoughtful is to wear pieces that have unique stories tangled into them. When you care about fashion and clothes, you choose pieces with meaning, and you imbue meaning into your clothes.
I’m fortunate in my life to have the opportunity to travel extensively. Whenever I travel, instead of buying tchotchkes and knicknacks, I love to buy an item of clothing. When I wear the piece, it reminds me of the experience I had finding it. The clothes I find are often second-hand or vintage, and I love to think about the lives the people in each city or country lived before I found this item of theirs. In Amsterdam I discovered a paint-splattered suede skirt I later wore on my first day of college. In Mexico I spent the whole trip in a maxi dress that will forever remind me of getting engaged. Every time I wear these pieces I remember the moment I found them and the happy moments I’ve lived in them. This to me is the epitome of Cool And Thoughtful: to intentionally live out happy moments in my life just by putting on a piece of clothing.
Published in Cool and Thoughtful Issue 3
I absolutely loved this reflection on clothing and memory — the way you connect specific garments to moments in life really resonated with me. It’s so true that some pieces become more than just clothes; they’re little time capsules of experiences and emotions. Your story made me think about how the basics we wear every day can also hold meaning, especially when they’re part of memorable outfits or personal journeys. For anyone building a wardrobe that feels both expressive and grounded, exploring versatile staples like t-shirts and casual tops can be a great way to mix timeless essentials with meaningful pieces. Thanks for sharing such a heartfelt and beautifully written post!
This is such a powerful perspective on clothing and memory. At Eco Junk Haulers, we also believe every item has a story — which is why we focus on Junk Removal In Sherwood Park. From second-hand treasures to responsibly letting go, we value the thoughtful life behind every piece.
What a beautiful way to collect memories — not just souvenirs, but wearable stories. At Royal Thread, we believe clothing should be more than fabric; it should hold meaning. Whether you're dressing for a memory or making one, our printed T-shirts for boys in Pakistan are designed to be part of the moments that matter. 👕
This was such a touching and beautifully written reflection. Clothing truly becomes a living archive of our memories and emotions. I love how you connect each item to a meaningful moment—it shows how clothing isn’t just about style, but about storytelling, sentiment, and identity. Thank you for sharing such a personal perspective.
This reflection beautifully captures the soul of fashion as storytelling. Wearing clothes with history—whether your own or someone else’s—adds a deep, personal meaning to style. Each piece becomes a living memory, carrying emotions and moments that make your wardrobe not just cool, but truly thoughtful and inspiring.