We’ve all been there. You have a wardrobe full of clothes, 10 minutes before you need to leave the house (that’s being generous… it’s usually more like 3) and you haven’t the foggiest idea what to clothe yourself in. You’ve already tried on 3 outfits that looked good in your head then been frustrated when they look like fancy dress in reality. (Note to self: a white poloneck under a black dress will just look like a nun’s habit, do not try to make it work).
I’ve found myself in this very situation more times than I care to admit lately. Not because I’ve been going to exciting places and need to dress to impress, but because I like wearing ‘good’ outfits (in my eyes) and just feel my best self when I like my outfit. Shallow, yes, but I don’t really care. We’re very much talking first world problems here anyway, let’s be honest. Obviously – as you can see – I have plenty of clothes to wear. Multiple rails full (that really need some matching coat hangers… just ignore that ok). I’m being really quite ridiculous and am well aware of that fact, which actually makes the whole thing yet more frustrating. But sometimes nothing seems quite right, you know? Having lots of clothes doesn’t necessarily mean they go together, or that they seem quite right for the occasion.
So basically, I’ve felt like I need a wardrobe refresh and new inspiration, but didn’t want to buy a bunch of new clothes (for various reasons). I’ve been trying to rework my existing wardrobe in different ways instead. With mixed successes – have definitely worn some duff outfits of late. Oh well. I know I’m not the only one trying to make a conscious effort to wear old clothes at the minute, so I’m guessing I’m not the only one feeling in a bit of a rut, too!
I’m quite happy to say I’ve bought a grand total of one item over the past few months – a couple of others have been gifted by lovely brands (like this Joanie leopard print bodysuit that I love so dearly) but that’s it. When I said I was going to cut back on high street shopping, I really meant it. Even resisted Black Friday deals! Despite being bombarded with them from every avenue imaginable! Well done me. Well, aforementioned single item was bought with Black Friday discount, but it’s something I’d wanted for a while anyway and I’d consider one item to be decent self-restraint anyway.
Howeverrr, said shopping cutdown hasn’t stopped me liking current trends everyone else is wearing and wanting to feel up to date though. Sometimes I see a bandwagon and just want to hop on, you know! Suddenly I only want to wear midi lengths rather than the short skirts of previous years, and I’m not keen on the style of my jeans any more. That’s not to say I’m a slave to trends, but fashion does change after all and I’m just as susceptible as the next person. Unless you’re queen of the capsule wardrobe and have curated a collection of purely classic pieces that’ll never go out of style (if so, I salute you), then you’re bound to feel like updates are needed. Sure, go ahead and add a couple new pieces here and there, but I’ve found a few ways to feel re-enthused about your current stuff too:
Work out if your wardrobe is actually missing anything. You may well be missing the glue to bring it all together. I’ve found myself saying over and over again ‘that would work with some chunky boots’, then not wearing the outfit because I don’t possess such chunky boots. Me of a couple of years ago would be scoffing at the very thought (pretty sure I said in a blog post that I’d never wear chunky shoes… oops), but I feel like they’re a missing jigsaw piece right now and am on the hunt for the perfect pair that don’t cost the Earth. Other staples include a soft white jumper and black poloneck – I think both would make other items in my wardrobe more wearable, so I’ll probably pick up some nice knitwear too
— Remind yourself that you’re being ridiculous, and just wear an outfit you’ve worn millions of times before and felt good in. If it ain’t broke, after all…
— Ask someone else to have a rifle through. Mother is always a good one. I just feel completely uninspired by my wardrobe at the moment, but my mum pulled a few items out that I hadn’t even thought about wearing. Takes a fresh eye sometimes! She also pulled out some items that most definitely need to leave never to be seen again, that I’d just been too wimpy to get rid of. Can always count on mother to be brutally honest after all.
— Just wear all black, stick on a red lipstick and pair of hoop earrings, and call it a day. Emergency hoops in your bag at all times, people! It will never go out of style, and you’re neither underdressed nor overdressed. Apparently I looked ‘very Devil Wears Prada’ when I did this last week and a Meryl Streep comparison can’t be a bad thing.
Tell me I’m not the only one getting way too frustrated over a pair of jeans!
Lily Kate x
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