Six months ago I was becoming an oddity in Portalegre, Portugal; I wore suspenders, a somewhat wide-brimmed hat, and I had even made my first pair of trousers and a shirt. I also had a 'Quaker' beard. Since then, my appearance has changed, not out of a desire to change it, but out of pure practicality and simplicity. 

I've been walking for peace for six months, and one of the first things I noticed on that walk was that my clip-on suspenders didn't sit well with a backpack. Over time I accepted various articles of clothing that don't tuck in, so I had one more reason not to wear suspenders. After using a string for a belt for several months, (and rejecting a bright orange belt, with thanks) I've finally bought a belt, and I'll probably give away the suspenders.

On the way to Morocco I did away with the 'Quaker' beard, for a few reasons, one of which is the fact that among Muslims, the 'Quaker' beard indicates a very devoted follower of Mohammed. While I admire much of what Mohammed did, and while I have come to appreciate Islam, I am not a devoted follower, and as there are many Muslims and no plain dress Quakers in this part of the world, I didn't and don't now want to mislead anybody.

Finally, as I have accepted or given away clothing as mine wears out, or as the weather changes, I am wearing whatever is given to me, and none of the people giving me clothing are plain dress Quakers. I bought two new pairs of trousers yesterday in a second-hand shop for four euros, and while one pair is long, and dark blue, the other is just below  knee- length, lightweight, with lots of pockets; perfect for long-distance backpacking, and not a t all 'plain.' 

In short, the plainer I get, the simpler I get, and the more practical I get, the less 'plain' I am. 

With the exception of the hat; the wide brim is perfect against the sun or rain!