When I moved from Chicago to Central Texas, I completely revamped my wardrobe.
The move changed almost everything around me: the climate, my social life, places I went, and the way I spent my time. I knew my old wardrobe was not going to fit my new life, so I began buying clothes for the woman I imagined I might become in Texas.
The problem was, I was guessing.
I wasn't shopping with a clear picture of what I needed or how I would wear each piece. I was simply choosing things that caught my attention and hoping they would somehow find a place in my wardrobe.
Dresses are a perfect example.
I thought I would enjoy wearing dresses more often because of the warmer weather, so I bought them without considering whether they looked good on my body or were suitable for my activities.
I bought cute beach dresses, although I don't live near a beach. I bought T-shirt dresses, even though that shape does not flatter me. I bought dresses that felt too young or were shorter than I was comfortable wearing. I bought bright, colorful tailored dresses that would be wonderful on a cruise but had very little connection to my everyday life.
There was nothing wrong with the dresses.
They simply didn't have a job in my closet.
That is one of the most useful lessons I've learned while rebuilding my wardrobe: Before bringing home something new, I need to know what role it will play.
- Where will I wear it?
- What will I wear it with?
- Does it support the way I actually live, or does it belong to an imaginary version of me?
A piece also does not have to be a totally practical decision. Clothes can be joyful, expressive, dramatic, and simply fun. Even a beautiful statement piece should earn its space in the closet.
- A piece may give you a polished outfit for ladies' get-togethers.
- Maybe it works with three jackets you already own.
- Maybe it solves the problem of what to wear to casual dinners, travel days, community events, or an evening out.
- Or maybe it's a fabulous piece you reach for when you want to feel memorable (or even a little sassy).
I shop differently now.
Not long ago, I saw an outfit online featuring a champagne-colored blouse, bronze pants, and a black blazer. I loved the combination, but instead of buying all the pieces, I stopped to consider what I already owned and how I could recreate the look.
I already had a black Cabi Toni blazer that would look phenomenal with a champagne blouse. The champagne blouse then became something to watch for, not something I needed to rush out and buy immediately.
When we understand the look we want to create, we can wait for the right shade, fabric, fit, and quality instead of buying the first champagne-colored blouse we happen to find.
When we eventually find the right one, it already has a job.
This is an important distinction when we see a look online or admire what someone else is wearing. We can borrow the idea without buying an exact replica.
Think:
- What do I already own that creates part (or even all) of this look?
- Is there a missing piece?
- Will the pieces work in other outfits too?
Inspiration helps us see new possibilities in our wardrobes, without meaning that we need to buy an entirely new one.
Today, when I consider buying something, I try to think past, "Do I like it?" and ask, "What will this do for my wardrobe?"
Simply liking a piece is not always enough. I have liked many clothes that did not suit my body, my lifestyle, or the other pieces in my closet.
A successful wardrobe is not a collection of attractive things. It is a group of pieces that work together to support the life you are living and want to live.
Before you buy the next beautiful thing, give it a job description.
Its job may be practical, versatile, expressive, or simply to make you feel fabulous, but know the job before bringing it home.