I felt very warm and fuzzy Dacy reading you thoughtful replies - having grown up with the « shoulds » and « 1000$ must haves » list of magazines, there’s something very healing to your compassionate, grounded takes + reminders that caring about clothes is neither silly nor frivolous. Thanks also to the posters of these questions, that both feel very timely.
Also, any advice when one is feeling a style shift but doesn’t have the words and images to express and clarify what that shift would mean in term of wardrobe updates?
Thank you! ❤️ That's tough. I'd keep searching for images, not just on pinterest, but other social media or images searches. Look at the collected images and deconstruct what each outfit is made of and add those items to your list. The verbal description may take longer to reach!
Would it help at all to look for images or words that aren't directly about clothes? For instance instead of images of outfits, images of landscapes or interiors? As an example, I love landscapes of misty moors and landscapes of the UK and Ireland. This could be translated in many ways but my mind goes to rich natural wool, fair isle sweaters, tweed, and sturdy boots. Right now I am wearing sturdy corduroys, a wool sweater in rich green, a handknit shawl, and ankle boots with rugged soles. This is just one interpretation obviously--but sometimes looking for ideas outside of actual garments may help pinpoint an atmosphere? (or is this just me? I guess because I weave and spin and knit and sew this makes sense, but maybe it doesn't make sense to other people?)
I love these tips. I’m in a transition phase after retiring and then being in treatment for cancer. I purged way to much initially and now have hodgepodge of stuff. Trying to decide my own style. This really helps
The great thing about buying secondhand is that you can experiment with your style. If it doesn't work for you, you're not out much money, and you can just pass it on. I hope you're healing ❤️
Can you say more about how investment pieces are not a thing? Or if you've written about this before, link to the previous article? I would love to hear more of your thoughts on this because I have a lot of guilt about not having some kind of high quality, perfect, chic forever wardrobe.
Thank you for naming that this feels urgent- that is so true, but I hadn't figured it out. I equate my style with my identify and I want to break out of that and have fun again.
For online secondhand I have found some great things on ThredUp. I like that when I’m looking for something specific I can create a search and have new items that fit emailed to me.
I love all of this. I would definitely say a person can have multiple styles! In fact if you have a lot of different activities or occasions in your life, it seems entirely reasonable to me. I have a lot of unfrilly basics in my wardrobe for work. Both because they are comfortable and because most days I don't want to be noticed at work for my clothing. A couple of years ago I realized that I spend a *lot* of time in exercise clothes--why was I consistently purchasing boring black leggings? My summer workout wardrobe is now full of flowered skorts and sleeveless tops in bright colors. I expect the winter version to catch up in a few years.
For myself, I find that thrifting works best if I'm brutally honest about what kinds of garment rehab I'm willing to do. I love to make clothes from scratch but hate mending. Over time I've taught myself to simply not buy the pants that only need to be hemmed, because I'll never get around to it. If you do have mending and altering skills though sometimes thrifting options can open up. I have also found it useful to explicitly state to myself what I am willing to spend full price for. For me one thing is shoes; I walk enough that quality comfortable footwear is worth it to me.
Sometimes when I'm not sure about a garment or a style I wear it on a day when I'm around the house and don't plan on going out. This lets me figure out if it is comfortable, if it feels good, or if I am surprised by it every time I see myself in a mirror... kind of an extended try-on, to help me determine if it's part of my emerging style or really not me.
still happy to have your insight! I completely agree about being honest with yourself and I also try things on for an extended time around the house. It's so helpful!
I felt very warm and fuzzy Dacy reading you thoughtful replies - having grown up with the « shoulds » and « 1000$ must haves » list of magazines, there’s something very healing to your compassionate, grounded takes + reminders that caring about clothes is neither silly nor frivolous. Thanks also to the posters of these questions, that both feel very timely.
Also, any advice when one is feeling a style shift but doesn’t have the words and images to express and clarify what that shift would mean in term of wardrobe updates?
Thank you! ❤️ That's tough. I'd keep searching for images, not just on pinterest, but other social media or images searches. Look at the collected images and deconstruct what each outfit is made of and add those items to your list. The verbal description may take longer to reach!
😘
Would it help at all to look for images or words that aren't directly about clothes? For instance instead of images of outfits, images of landscapes or interiors? As an example, I love landscapes of misty moors and landscapes of the UK and Ireland. This could be translated in many ways but my mind goes to rich natural wool, fair isle sweaters, tweed, and sturdy boots. Right now I am wearing sturdy corduroys, a wool sweater in rich green, a handknit shawl, and ankle boots with rugged soles. This is just one interpretation obviously--but sometimes looking for ideas outside of actual garments may help pinpoint an atmosphere? (or is this just me? I guess because I weave and spin and knit and sew this makes sense, but maybe it doesn't make sense to other people?)
I agree with this! Sometimes if people can't express what they like in clothes, I'll ask what they like in their home decor, it often translates.
I love these tips. I’m in a transition phase after retiring and then being in treatment for cancer. I purged way to much initially and now have hodgepodge of stuff. Trying to decide my own style. This really helps
The great thing about buying secondhand is that you can experiment with your style. If it doesn't work for you, you're not out much money, and you can just pass it on. I hope you're healing ❤️
Can you say more about how investment pieces are not a thing? Or if you've written about this before, link to the previous article? I would love to hear more of your thoughts on this because I have a lot of guilt about not having some kind of high quality, perfect, chic forever wardrobe.
Yep! https://www.mindfulcloset.com/blog//the-ephemeral-nature-of-clothes
Basically, an investment is something that makes you money, clothing doesn't appreciate.
Thank you for naming that this feels urgent- that is so true, but I hadn't figured it out. I equate my style with my identify and I want to break out of that and have fun again.
I get it!! And you will ❤️
For online secondhand I have found some great things on ThredUp. I like that when I’m looking for something specific I can create a search and have new items that fit emailed to me.
That's perfect! I haven't used ThredUP as much as I have Poshmark, but I'll have to try more.
The email notice is very handy!
Your answers are always so thoughtful and inclusive. Thank you.
thanks, kathryn.
I love all of this. I would definitely say a person can have multiple styles! In fact if you have a lot of different activities or occasions in your life, it seems entirely reasonable to me. I have a lot of unfrilly basics in my wardrobe for work. Both because they are comfortable and because most days I don't want to be noticed at work for my clothing. A couple of years ago I realized that I spend a *lot* of time in exercise clothes--why was I consistently purchasing boring black leggings? My summer workout wardrobe is now full of flowered skorts and sleeveless tops in bright colors. I expect the winter version to catch up in a few years.
For myself, I find that thrifting works best if I'm brutally honest about what kinds of garment rehab I'm willing to do. I love to make clothes from scratch but hate mending. Over time I've taught myself to simply not buy the pants that only need to be hemmed, because I'll never get around to it. If you do have mending and altering skills though sometimes thrifting options can open up. I have also found it useful to explicitly state to myself what I am willing to spend full price for. For me one thing is shoes; I walk enough that quality comfortable footwear is worth it to me.
Sometimes when I'm not sure about a garment or a style I wear it on a day when I'm around the house and don't plan on going out. This lets me figure out if it is comfortable, if it feels good, or if I am surprised by it every time I see myself in a mirror... kind of an extended try-on, to help me determine if it's part of my emerging style or really not me.
Oops! I totally missed that this was an older post. So sorry everyone!
still happy to have your insight! I completely agree about being honest with yourself and I also try things on for an extended time around the house. It's so helpful!