Full of clothes, but nothing to wear
2025-04-02 13:53:22
Onlookers find it baffling and victims find it
frustrating: Women who have a closet full of clothes, yet nothing to
wear. But, what is even more baffling is when this phenomenon happens to
females who shop on a somewhat regular basis.
It even happens to females who consider themselves
shopaholics. How is it possible to spend money on clothes on a regular
basis yet still fall victim to this epidemic? As a former victim myself
who has memories of standing in front of her closet looking like a deer
in headlights, I can explain how this occurs.
For
starters, women tend to be emotional shoppers. Having a bad day at the
office? Not quite over that last break up? Have no fear, because thats
nothing that a cute dress from BeBe cant fix, right? Happy or sad, good
hair day or not, we love to shop. And the reality that you can find any
clothing to go along with the mood you are in, well, thats just
beautiful.
Shopping is a pastime for us and its also something we enjoy
doing with friends. These are elements that lead to making purchases you
dont love and dont need. Therefore, you end up with items in your
closet that simply take up space. Just last week I was shopping with a
friend and found a cute red dress I adored.
She
of course, being a true member of shopaholics anonymous, encouraged me
to get it. I came close, but then I weighed my options and asked myself
Self, how often am I going to wear this bright red dress? I realized the
answer was maybe twice. However, if I would have absolutely loved the
dress (not just the style but the way it fit, made me feel) I would have
purchased it. My point is, it is easy to set yourself up to be in a
situation where you spend money on things you only like and end up
wearing once. Or even worse, they become items that six months later
still have tags hanging on them.
The
second factor that leads to having clothes that take up space is the
fact that everyone loves a good deal. I had a dress that had been
sitting in my closet for a year unworn. I found this particular dress
(which was made by a brand I love) for 60% off simply because it was out
of season. I loved the style and knew I would wear it when the weather
called for it. The fact that the dress was a size too big didnt stop me
from buying it, but it did stop me from actually wearing it!
Looking
back I realize I simply loved the rush of getting that cute dress at a
great price, typical consumer behavior. The fact that it was a size too
big is almost like I was setting myself up for weight gain just so I
could wear the darn thing (thats a different story for a different day).
Yes I got a great deal on that dress, but it was a complete, utter
waste of money and space. I finally came to terms with reality and
donated it.
After
spending too many years buying pieces of clothing that did not get worn
on a regular basis, I realized what the root of my wardrobe problem
really was: I needed more basics, or what I personally like to call
wardrobe staples. Things that could be dressed up or dressed down,
things I could mix and match. I started focusing on finding basic
investment pieces that fit great and therefore, made me feel great when I
wore them. I think it is important to spend money on a few great basics
that can become the foundation for your wardrobe.
You
can skimp when it comes to the t-shirts and camis, inexpensive ones
will still look great under your basic/staple pieces. I wear six dollar
t-shirts under my blazers and jackets. My personal basics are: The
little black dress; a great pair of black and also grey slacks; camis
and t-shirts; black/nude heels; jeans and blazers. For winter, my basics
include: cardigans, coats, scarves, and my favorite leather jacket. All
of the pieces I mentioned above can be worn repeatedly, yet in many
different ways.
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