Why do we end up with an in-cohesive wardrobe? There are a whole host of reasons, and they befall everyone, I assure you.
When reviewing someone’s wardrobe I love to see the ‘impulse’ purchases! Spontaneous ‘just because’ items. They caught your eye, looked great in a magazine, served a purpose under time pressure?! Could have been down to a pushy shop assistant, peer pressure, loose morals after a drink!? It’s like going food shopping hungry. You make terrible choices, based on how you feel in the moment.
The Christmas work party is usually a good example… Shops awash with cheap sparkly offerings you feel obliged to indulge, in colours/textures you wouldn’t normally choose/suit.
Holiday wear, another. As above, we have likely forgotten what we already own and add another round, of usually low price looks, for this aspirational (one week) departure.
Trend fail, pretty self explanatory. Trends are fun and by all means be inspired, but don’t follow blindly. They are dreamt up to sell us products remember and often promoted on models that don’t look like us. You’ll never keep up with them all, regret most (let’s use the 80’s as an example) and this wastes money-can’t think why ‘Munster chic’ never took off though to be fair..
Jumpers- Mountains of them! Is this just me? I live in a cold stone farmhouse and prefer a temperate, 27 degrees as a rule… But this is excessive, and they take up a lot of storage space. Any excess can be donated to charity after a realistic yes/no pile is agreed. Donating them will warm your cockles anyway and many are desperate for insulating clothes as we head into colder months.
Accessories overload is our next conundrum. Primarily people tend to hoard shoes. But hats, scarves, belts etc, also run amuck. After surgery on my ankle years ago (a nasty break running), I was devastated to accept that I could no longer wear heels, at all. A pair of oxblood patent, walnut wedges went amongst other items. They still bring a lil tear to my eye, as one of my best, ever finds. But as stunning as they were, (as a design piece), they were made to be worn. I am as a result, bang into trainers. A staple, now thankfully celebrated and accepted in any fashion context (given they’re the right kicks and box fresh naturally).
As Marie Kondo preaches, our material possessions should ‘spark joy’. Some garments can make you feel a certain way, transport you to a time/place/feeling you were joyful. I FULLY advocate keeping these gems. Statement pieces can work, but must be properly considered, particularly at higher POS. And if you are forking out, just ensure the fit is spot on.
Some items you own may have looked great on a hanger/in editorial context, but don’t venture out enough/anymore. ‘One hit wonders’ (if they didn’t break the bank), will be the first to go when ‘wardrobe weeding’. Cherish the memory they furnished you with, but free them. Amen.
My first ever chosen outfit says a lot about me. The vivid turquoise, lurex ribbed skirt and matching mohair crop cardigan combo, (from a wicked shop on Kensington High Street) were indicative of my inner flamboyance. I do remember, even back then (11), feeling like I didn’t get much for my (pocket) money. I had friends from wealthy backgrounds, and it was apparent I couldn’t keep up with the Joneses.
My Mother has always advocated charity shops and bargains. Being dragged down the Portobello road, did nothing for me back then, but my taste and trends have evolved. I also realise now she was shopping on a budget. I love nothing more, than blending new with vintage and the satisfaction of finding a gem on Vinted or Depop. I view ‘lived in’ items, with appreciation for their wear, their endurance and longevity. Maybe they resonate with me 😉
The next category we usually identify, are your ‘duplicates’. I personally, have staged a few turbo, Stacey Solmon style ‘sort outs.’ Prompted by moving house 4 times in 5 years (long story). Whilst hugely liberating and fortuitous for my mates and colleagues, who inherited all the years of retail therapy, I did whittle down too far, then cursed myself as the empty hangers stared back at me, bewildered.
The culprit for the sheer volume, embarrassingly came down to Weight fluctuation. Buying the same key pieces on repeat (black trousers and jeans in my case), because I had lost or gained inches. I don’t weigh myself. I personally don’t benefit from fixating on the number, on the scale. I want to feel fit and healthy and find regular exercise and good, consistent nutrition with regular fasting, stopped the Yo Yo-ing here. It was at that point, I finally bid farewell, to the ‘test shorts.’
Not sure what item of clothing you used as your gage, but mine was a pair of crisp white shorts from Warehouse that made my legs look long (forgiving on the thigh) and hugged my waist perfectly. I bought them when I was 19. PAH! It does seem tragic to have hung onto them for 22 years, but that’s what I did. When they fit, I felt great, but if they didn’t- I would beat myself up about it, so I said ‘see ya.
Now let me assure you at this point, I do not plan on approaching your wardrobe with such savagery. You will not end up with an empty closet. I respect and work with my clients, in a realistic way to streamline and develop their style. Much of what you have may be suitable already and some pieces that aren’t, can be utilised/salvaged, alongside key new garments. We will discuss the ‘Wishlist’, and I can even accompany you, to shop for these new staples.
A lot of people tell me, they no longer feel the love, for the IRL shopping experience. I can see many reasons for this. The High Street is suffering. Retail and Hospitality, as well as my own sector, were savaged by the Pandemic and inflation pertaining to the global crises that followed.
The experience of shopping has changed and in some ways for the better, but for many, to its detriment. I love the ease of online shopping, but that has meant, a loss of certain brands on the block. We are constantly fed content and trafficked to retailers online, based on our habitual algorithms, uniting us with our dream outfits, presented in an aspirational, and immediate hit. I actually, find a good scroll with a vino, incredibly relaxing! I ‘research’ now, rather than consume voraciously and personally prefer to try on clothes in the comfort and familiarity of my own home setting/lighting etc. Diligently return though people, or you’re just a brat and that’s that.
You can however, plan a good value shopping experience, that delivers, that leaves you on a high-with a simple strategy. A Personal Shopping Experience can reignite your love of fashion, long-term save you money and time and surprise you, with an elevated confidence and deeper understanding of yourself. Anyone and everyone, can benefit from a Style consultation and most, report radical results thereafter!
