I did a big clean-out of my wardrobe on the weekend.
Sounds silly, but cleaning out one’s wardrobe is an occasion accompanied by soul-searching. We identify so much with our clothes; throwing out old garments is often throwing out memories and little bits of yourself, cathartic but a wee bit gut-wrenching. I ended up transferring to the Good Sammy’s pile quite a lot; gone are the garments that I am feeling half-hearted about; or that only look OK if worn underneath something to hide a hole; or are shabby and worn; or were half of a set of which the other half has long gone and so is now a wardrobe “orphan”… I now have left only things that I really like and that make me feel great when I am wearing them.
Sounds good. At times like this I get all excited that I will end up with an Officially Co-ordinating and Cohesive Wardrobe. A manageably small number of (well-made, but of course) garments: Co-ordinating, in that they all go together in a planned, but still interesting and visually pleasing colour scheme and Cohesive, in that they have a definite style that is recognisably “me” and that I am comfortable in.
I know… (in sing song) day-dreaming! I did not… I suspect like a lot of women, my wardrobe and tastes are utterly all over the shop. I still have a little bit of this and a little bit of that. Precious little of which is particularly co-ordinating OR cohesive.
Er, doesn’t sound so good…
So, do I have a schizophrenic wardrobe? And if so, could it be because I have a schizophrenic approach to my own wardrobe? I want to be “individual”, but not ridiculous nor outdated. I would like to look “with-it”, but the thought that I might look identical to everyone else is a stiflingly depressing one… yowza, no wonder my wardrobe is dichotomous!
Or I should look at this positively; it is diverse. I have a flexible wardrobe. I do have a smaller number of clothes, but still something for every occasion (mostly) And (if you have been with me for a while you will have noticed this) my dressmaking policy has been changing over the past year or so… I am concentrating more and more on quality, not quantity. When I make something it is going to be as well-made as I am capable; even it this means taking twice as long. I don’t want to settle for imperfect.
So I still have a solid little collection of garments in neutral earthy shades and in a simple relaxed-fit style. And, today being a windy and overcast day it felt right to throw together for myself this colonial “Out of Africa”-style outfit. I do feel very “safe” in looks like this, and it also felt comfy and weather appropriate.
I can identify with everything you say about wardrobe clear outs. Especially the bit about hoping the clear out will leave me with something coordinated and cohesive like those capsul wardrobes in magazines!
Now that I have dropped almost 40 pounds I am faced with the prospect of forming a whole new wardrobe. I so enjoyed reading your thoughts on the perfect wardrobe. I have started building the basic black wardrobe but I enjoy the splash of colour and the odd wild print. And though I am a mid century classic with a classic sense of style I still am attracted to the occasional bit of wearable art and sometimes even boho! Who said getting dressed was easy!
I really don't want a wardrobe full of clothes that all go together. I'd like everything to go with 1 or 2 other things so it can be worn but I love the fact that there are so many different things I can wear and so many different looks to try (even if I don't try them often or ever!). I'm striving to look like myself, I'm not sure what that is yet so trying different styles (the vast majority of which I sew myself) is all part of the fun!
Mind you, I'm also someone who can't decide what she wants to wear the night before because I don't know how I'll feel in the morning! Indecisive I suppose!
Bravo for having survived such an ordeal. Wardrobe organization is always a challenge, but I do find that culling items that were toiled over for many hours, a very difficult thing to do.
That's a task pending forever in my …. But I am reluctant to throw clothes, I always think it can be recycled … that this might be nice in another time …. so I'm back in the same starting point … I admire your courage!
I avoid cleaning out my closet at any cost. That actually means I only buy/sew things I could wear every day. They don't need to fit together. Something usually goes with something else 🙂 I think it's the strays that give your wardrobe depth. Know what I mean. If you're unsure about the pink you could allways sew PJs or undies or a bag to go with a LBD or or or …
Having a small closet, and only using half for clothing, I am ruthless about clearing out pieces I don't love. I agree with you that the process always precipitates some soul searching, and that is a good thing for me. I want my clothing to be a)flattering b)interesting c)usable and comfortable. All that is my main focus, but I still like to sew the "odd pattern" just for the fun of sewing it. So, I do have some things which are not quite easy wear clothing but good for luncheons, dates etc.
I believe that you have a distinctive and beautiful style in your wardrobe!
I regularly clear out my entire house. I find if my cupboards are organised my day feels a little less chaotic. I make it a rule to get rid of anything that hasn't been used in the last year. That isn't to say I toss it in the bin. I either repurpose it, sell it, or give it away. If I sell something, I feel vindicated if I want to buy something…no shoppers remorse!
I love your 'Out of Africa' look! Congratulations on having a wardrobe turnaround. I dread the effort of a clear-out but love it when it's done. I like the sound of shocking pink linen – lovely!
I'm terrible at clearing out my wardrobe. I have clothes that haven't fit for years but I can't bear to get rid of. And I have a tendancy to make or buy clothes that only go with one other item, so I end up with far more clothing than is necessary, simply for the matching factor. I really need more neutrals.
I feel the same about throwing away clothes too – I try to remember clothes do not have feelings but it is still so hard and yes the hand sewn clothes are much harder to part with.
I am all over the place with the things I like to sew. From knits to wovens to solids and prints to texture. Oh my, I love to experiment. It's satisfying to know that when I stumble upon a look I really like it is easy to make again and again. I love your style and your outfit today is perfect for the breezy weather!
I want to send you a word document file I'm working on about more or less what you've just written… Can I practice on you?
Good job on what sounds like a great cull!
I can't find your email address… If you're interested, please email me at stephc (at) gmail (dot) com. 😉
I can definitely empathise. I've just had a clear out too and found it hard with some things I've not worn for about three years, simply because I loved them at the time! How daft is that? As for co-ordinating… well I try, but my winter wardrobe seems to be very black and grey, which is boring! I also seem to make lots of dresses, which only need a shrug or cardi to co-ordinate with…