Over the last few weeks, my blog has focussed on decluttering and organising your wardrobe. Now it's time to see if the clothes you have now, are right for you and your lifestyle.
‘I have nothing to wear’ is often cried in exasperation as we scan our many clothes.
This usually becomes apparent, right before we need to be somewhere.
Cue 20 minutes of flinging clothes around the room, in the hope that an outfit will miraculously appear, perfectly fitting ourselves and the occasion.
Sound familiar? Unfortunately, the ending to the story is that no miracles occur and we’re left to assemble an outfit from the pile on the floor.
So, what’s going on here? what exactly does the phrase ‘I have nothing to wear’ mean?
We may have a wardrobe full of clothing we like, but somehow it doesn’t fit what we have in mind. Often, we don’t know what we’re looking for or how to achieve it.
This blog will look at the possible reasons for this and offer some solutions.
Option 1. A new role
Perhaps you’ve got a new job which requires different outfits. For example, going from smart casual to business smart, will require you to invest in some new work clothes.
Instead of buying the first smart clothes you see, take time to find items which also reflect your personality. Feeling like yourself, will enhance your performance at work.
Option 2. New Occasions
You may be starting to go out after a period of staying at home. Perhaps you’ve had a baby, small children, or an illness. Maybe you’ve just decided it’s time to increase your social life.
In these cases, it’s probable you don’t have suitable clothes to go out in (joggers are not suitable for every occasion!) It could be that your clothes no longer fit you, or the person you are now.
The good news is that you don’t have to spend a fortune on lots of new clothes. Think about a few occasions and invest in some pieces that you can dress up or down.
Make a list of possible occasions. For example:
· Going for a casual lunch.
· Eating at a smart restaurant.
· Having drinks at a bar.
Start with one item that you can use for different occasions.
For example, some good quality jeans can be dressed up. Add heels, a blouse, some statement earings, and lipstick.
They can also be dressed down for a casual look. Add boots, a sweater, a necklace and natural make up.
If you’re going to a smart restaurant and want to buy a dress for the occasion, invest in one which can be worn with:
· Boots for a casual look.
· Heals and a jacket for a smart look.
· Jewellery and a shoulder bag for a night out.
Having multiple options with minimal clothes, means you won’t have to buy something new for every occasion.
Instead, you can invest in a few high-quality pieces and matching accessories. These will change your look for different events, making you prepared for any occasion..
Option 3. Nothing goes together.
This is a common issue, which happens if you’ve been unable to see the contents of your wardrobe.
Now you’ve decluttered and organised your clothes, you can see clearly what you have.
This means you’re less likely to buy items which don’t fit with anything else.
This is also a good time to make a capsule wardrobe.
This usually means narrowing down your clothes to 30-50 items. If that sounds manageable for you, then great. If that sounds too minimal, keep what feels right for you.
The main aim for a capsule wardrobe is to have an outfit for every occasion. Timeless pieces which don’t go out of fashion and reflect your personal style and lifestyle.
Option 4. It’s time for an update.
Perhaps it’s been a while since you bought yourself anything new. You may have gained lockdown weight, lost weight, had a baby, or been through physical or emotional changes. This can result in your clothes no longer being a good fit, for your body or for you're present self.
If it feels like it’s time to reassess your style or your sizing, think about the following when buying new clothes.
Do you feel comfortable?
Does it fit well and enhance your current body shape?
Do you feel joyful in it?
It’s easy to feel joy in some clothes, they look great and feel like they’re made for us. However, even the most basic item can bring joy when it fits well and fulfils it’s purpose.
Does it feel like who you are now?
Are you continuing to wear the same style from a period in your past? Are you choosing clothes you hope will look good in the future?
If you’re not sure what styles you like now, start by looking at magazines and pinterest.
Once you’ve grouped together a collection, it’s easier to see the styles you're attracted to.
Try on a mix of styles and see what works. Taking a friend shopping is a great way to get a different perspective. They may point out clothes you would never usually try on, which become unlikely favourites. This can be a good way of expanding your style choices.
Option 4. Nothing feels like me.
Do you have a wardrobe full of great clothes, yet none of them feels like you.
When we get in touch with ourselves in a new way, our style can suddenly seem incompatible with ourselves. Nothing feels right anymore, but how do you change it?
Start by identifying the clothes you feel more like yourself in. Make a note of the colours, the style, the materials.. Use this information as a guide when you buy new clothes.
Take a style quiz. Although simplistic, these can give you a clearer idea of your taste.
The challenge is to differentiate between clothes you think you should wear and those you want to wear. Ask yourself which it is, whenever you make choices.
I hope you’ve identified one or more reasons, why you feel you have nothing to wear.
Now you know why, you can make the changes that are right for you.
Owning clothes that fit well, look great and feel authentic, will give you more trust in your decisions and more confidence in yourself.
If you can't face doing this alone, get in touch and we can do it together!
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