Feeling very guilty over a wardrobe refresh and wondering if anyone else has too?

This year I’ve started my first ‘real’ job out of college. It’s an office job with a high level of professionalism. I have clothing that fits and is appropriately covering, but little of it feels correctly professional. I get feedback from my boss that my clothing looks nice, and is alright for client meetings. Despite that, it definitely still bothers me.

I try to keep my clothes for as long as possible. I don’t like feeling like I have to buy new items. I’ve always dressed a little business-y. I’m also petite. Long story short most of my clothes are from when I was in middle school. Hell, there’s even a couple dresses that still fit from grade school. They’re sweater dresses mostly. They’re not tight or short on me, and that’s kind of the issue. They physically fit my body, and they haven’t gotten me in trouble at work. But I don’t like how they make me feel like a little kid at the office.

So I’ve been going to the thrift store and attending estate sales pretty often. I’ve probably bought ten new dresses in the last year.

The first advice of being sustainable and ethical is to wear what you already have, and I feel like I’m failing at that. I have clothing that fits me. But I’ve bought so many articles of second hand clothing.

I really want to feel like I’ve grown up. But I really don’t want to over-consume to achieve that. I’m wondering if anyone else has navigated these feelings?