Saving that outfit for what? Hello everyone and welcome to my blog! Today’s topic is all about saving that special outfit in your closet.
Okay, so I’ve recently had quite a few fashion-related conversations with my friends since going on my wardrobe clearout journey. Recently I asked one of my dear friends, where do you wear your clothes to? Now I know this might sound really strange but hear me out. We both like really nice things, we both have completely different tastes in clothes and we both appreciate shopping and styling. She’s definitely the Carrie Bradshaw type, and I’m definitely a bit more Charlotte.
Nevertheless, the question remains poignant for both of us, to where are we wearing these wonderful outfits? Aside from the odd wedding in the next few months (which we will no doubt insist we have nothing to wear and proceed to directly to the shops), we have no specific regular or daily place to live out our fashion dreams. We both have separate ideas and pieces which we rotate in our workwear wardrobe, but rarely deviate from the comfort of our workwear casuals on a day to day basis.
So does this really mean that we are only styling for the weekends? We explored this a little more. How often do you go out on the weekends? Do you brunch or is it mainly dinner and a bar? Most people in their 20’s and 30’s are social. But for me, I could confidently say that I do not have endless weekend engagements that require the level of attire that I aspire to wear.
Moreover, in the interests of minimalism (something I aspire to achieve in all areas of my life – except my wardrobe at this time) if the events or occasions you attend, where you feel you would make fashionable effort are few and far between, then what is the real point in spending so much time and money shopping? And how much time and money is reasonable to spend?
This really got me thinking. Am I really living in a t-shirt and jeans for 90% of my time, only to swap my Nikes for heels every other weekend? It boggles the mind.
I think this is a really important topic for thought. I enjoy the creativity, social and artistry that the fashion industry encompasses. I really enjoy styling, putting different pieces together, reading fashion blogs, magazines and of course shopping. But I just think keeping perspective is so important as is a level head. It is at the end of the day, consumerism. And without regular checks, this could turn in to an expensive habit. Go further down the rabbit hole and feelings of insecurity, anxiety and depression won’t be far.
I take it for what it is, I enjoy fashion and I know my limits. If you enjoy partaking in the game of dress up, then, by all means, do you and do it well. But ask yourself, who is this for and what is this really all about? After all, unless you work in an environment that encourages your fashion romance, you may have a wardrobe full of fancies but a relatively empty diary. So to conclude, is fashion best enjoyed, just as and when, or should we be wearing our best styles whenever and wherever we like? To work, to the local shop, running our weekly errands? If it’s a return on investment/enjoyment you’re after, then isn’t this the best use of all our efforts? Shouldn’t we be encouraging each other to live out our inner fashionista as often as possible? So I’m interested to know your thoughts on this topic, do you style daily or just for the weekends? Let me know in the comments below.
So reading this really struck a cord with me! As a mum of two, (5 year old and 4 month old) i rarely get the chance to dress in my best attire. Most of the time i will fling on sweaters or leggins with a basic top. My practicle mind sets in. ‘Whats the point, it will only get sick on it right?’ However, what i am starting to realise is that my mojo for dressing up is slowly depleting! Don’t get me wrong. When a “special occasion” is upon me, i make 100% effort. But your question does urge me to consider making that effort more often. God knows i could do with that boost!
OMG I wrote almost the same thing lol! 😆
Excellent blog. I struggle with this a lot too. I have so many clothes but find myself at work most of the time. So rarely get to wear my clothes out. But I think I will have to just start wearing my clothes daily and at the weekends, when I’m not at work, just so they don’t go to waste abd the wardrobe ends up wearing them for me!
Great article, a real topic of discussion in this day and age where appearances and clothes matter so much!
Well, having spent the past five years raising children (two boys!) and working as a Childminder I realised recently that I haven’t had much cause to dress up recently… it’ll only get covered in snot and poridge anyway! In October though I started a new business that has expanded my social and professional circles and I’ve started investing in my image again. With one major difference: I’m now buying most of my clothes secondhand. Partly to save money but also because the environmental impact of clothes manufacturing just doesn’t sit well with me nowadays. It means I’ve been trying different styles (limited choices) and for the first time in years I’ve been more deliberate about planning my outfits…and I’ve been looking forward to getting dressed up. My body shape has changed over the years so it is a bit like starting from scratch. Although I doubt I’ll ever reach the stage of having more fabulous outfits than fabulous places to wear them, I’m enjoying wearing my clothes again, allbeit with a lot less snot and porridge lol!
Hmmm. Loved this post. Have so many thoughts. Historically, my job had a uniform, and at home I don the uniform you mention- jeans and a T. But, I have recently been trying to spice up my life and wardrobe a bit, by taking a more practical approach than just buying the clothes I like (and rarely get to wear). I have been trying to match ‘nicer than I would normally buy’ basics (better fabric, fit and more detail). Choosing things that I can wear to feel good about myself, without feelling overdressed or impractical in my real life.
Interesting take Liz. Figured I’d just throw a guy’s opinion in here.
Now that I’m a little bit older, a Saturday night does not mean the same thing that it once did; twin toddlers have taken care of that. So since my approach to socialising has evolved, it’s natural that my ‘wardrobe’ attitude would evolve with it. I used to live for the weekend but now I realise that I spend around 50 hours a week at work, walking to meetings etc. Yes I’m a dad but I’m also a senior executive and need the look. So power suits? Check. I get them tailored and use these on power days. Swiss watch? Obviously. White shirt? The only garment I have more of in my wardrobe are socks and that’s because they come in pairs. You can never have enough white shirts; they are casual, they are fun, they are a Saturday night and a Monday morning. I even have a smart hoody that works in the office as well as chilling on my friend’s sofa. Jeans? Chinos? Same thing. Bottom line; there is no article of clothing that I save for my socialising at the weekend that I wouldn’t (or in fact, don’t) wear during the week. Looking at Charlene’s comment, I wear my best attire to the office because if I didn’t, all things considered, I would never wear it at all.
I’ve got outfits that I’ve saved since years back. They’ve still got their tags and they’ll never be worn. As I’ve gotten older and my lifestyle has changed, I have no need to ever wear them.
I’m a hoarder by nature but decided to have a clearout over the summer and came across clothes and shoes that I forgot I owned. I have a select amount of clothes I wear and rotate. And it doesn’t even bother me.
As a teacher, I should start to dress more ‘professionally’ but I wear what makes me feel comfortable and what I like. As I don’t go anywhere, the only place I go is work – I might as well wear what I like, rather than what I think a teacher should wear.
BTW, the photography in this blog is fab!
Great blog- lots of food for thought and lots to say.
Mon-Fri 9-5.30 I’m a solicitor which means I rotate lots of boring, plain, black suits and dresses everyday (I call it Court-wear). I have a 3yr old so I have to wear comfy flats (God bless Russell and Bromley for their tassel loafers!) so I can dart from the nursery to the train and back during the school run. To spice up the 9-5 outfit I accessorise with a nice bag/coat and I fling on my heels the minute I log on at my desk…that’s as adventurous as it gets during the week for me! Being formal during the week means I tend to revert to my old go to pregnancy staple outfit during the weekend… black leggings and an oversized tee with some well worn white converse high tops!
As a consequence when I do go out (usually to brunch or a bar) I try to make an effort to glam up (spaghetti strap top, jeans and heels!) but on the whole, being a working mum means I will always choose comfort over glam. The truth is, I’d much rather spend my time and my money shopping for my daughter so my new normal means I buy clothes for myself as and when I need them and I endulge in the odd designer bag/shoes every now and again as a one off treat 😊
This post is very relatable and rings true to my own fashion life. I spend most days at work and outside of this I’m usually in gym wear! But I love fashion and expensive things. It’s a difficult balance for me currently. Even with busy weekends I often save items of clothing for events, but something things get forgotten in the black hole that is my wardrobe.
I’ve devintekh jazzed up my workwear so it’s more transferable to my social wear to help. But otherwise it’s a balance I’m still working on! Like everything I guess! Xx