Love Everything In Your Wardrobe

How do you feel when you open up your wardrobe each day? Do you like the clothes and accessories you see inside? Does each piece give you a positive vibe, maybe reminding you of when you bought it or the last time your wore it?

The emotional roller coaster of getting dressed

I had a love-hate relationship with my (rather full) wardrobe. I used to open it with anticipation thinking,

“What do I feel like wearing today?” It wasn’t like I didn’t have plenty of choices. After trying on a few things, I’d give up and go back to something predictable. Then I’d spend the day thinking I could have done better and it was time to do a wardrobe edit.

Clothes represent a huge emotional and financial investment for many of us. First there’s the money we spend on buying clothes. Then there’s the time spent in the acquisition process either in a shop or online. Finally, there’s a lot of emotional energy in making that ultimate decision – should I/shouldn’t I? For me at least, it didn’t stop there. If I bought an item, I’d spend energy mulling over whether it was worth it and what I’d wear it with. If I didn’t buy it, I’d regret it and then have to backtrack to the shop by which time it was no longer available. Shopping consumed a lot of mental capacity (at least for me).

Choose outfits to kick start your day

One day I woke up and decided this was ridiculous. I enjoy dressing up and looking my best. I even enjoy shopping, but neither of these activities are ends in themselves. I get dressed each morning to take on the day and all that it has to offer. Looking good is a great by-product. It’s not the goal.

A small shift in mindset has changed my relationship with my wardrobe and my clothes. Over the last two years, I have consciously and deliberately curated my wardrobe. Hand on heart, I truly love everything inside it now. I know precisely what’s in my wardrobe, where I bought it and why. I know how to make things go together. I know I’ve invested in clothes that will last and give me much wear and joy for years to come.

How did I do this? By imagining my clothes are my friends. I take a lot of care and time to select them. I am well prepared and 100% conscious of all my shopping decisions. I set high standards. I only allow clothes that make me happy and look good into my closet. Once they’re part of my life, I wear them regularly and try not to play favourites. I care for them lovingly (laundry, storage, repair).

Before you write me off as a friendless loony obsessed with clothes and external appearances, know this. I start each morning raring to go and when I see my clothes, I get an additional boost of happy energy (like you might when you get a surprise phone call from a friend). I know that I’ll be happy and impressive with whatever I decide to wear that day. There’s no more pressure or expectations. And I think that’s a pretty nifty, uplifting way to start each day.

Love Everything In Your Wardrobe