Has anyone else diagnosed herself with closet-full-of-clothes-but-nothing-to-wear syndrome?
As a self-proclaimed fashionista, I am no stranger to the fantasy closet. You know the one I’m talking about: the closet filled with designer clothes, high heels, and statement pieces that scream “socialite” or “CEO” or “famous actress” – basically, a life that we dream of living. But the reality is, for most of us, that’s not our current lifestyle. We might have a 9-5 job or be a stay-at-home mom or simply prefer a more casual style. And yet, we continue to fill our closets with clothes that are not reflective of our current lifestyle.
I know this because I’ve been there. I used to go out to dinners and events almost every other day, and my closet reflected that. I had and still do, designer dresses, high heels, and statement jewelry from that era in my life. But now, that I don’t go out as often as I used to, I find myself struggling to put together an outfit that feels stylish and appropriate for my current everyday life. And that’s when I realized: my fantasy closet was killing my style.
The Art of Letting Go
So why do we do this to ourselves? Why do we fill our closets with clothes for a life we don’t currently live? Well, for starters, it feels good. Buying a new designer dress or pair of heels can make us feel like we’re living the life we’ve always wanted. It’s like a mini escape from our current reality. But the problem is, it’s not sustainable. We only have so many occasions to wear those clothes, and eventually they just sit in our closet gathering dust. Another reason we do this is because we hold onto the past. Maybe we used to have a more glamorous lifestyle and we’re holding onto those clothes as a reminder of that time.
Or, we tend to hold onto clothes that we love, but that no longer fit our bodies because they might remind of how we felt when wearing them years ago, or your favorite pair of jeans that we hope to fit into again someday. Weight fluctuations can also be a particularly challenging aspect of letting go. It can be hard to accept that our bodies may change over time, and that certain clothes may no longer fit us the way that they once did. But holding onto these items can actually create more stress and discomfort than simply letting them go. It’s okay to acknowledge that our bodies are not static, and that our wardrobes may need to change with them.
So how do we fix this? Well, the first step is to do a closet purge. Take a good hard look at your clothes and ask yourself, “Does this reflect my current lifestyle?” If the answer is no, it’s time to let it go. Donate or sell those clothes and make room for pieces that actually fit your current lifestyle.
The Importance of Basics
The next step is to focus on basics. I know who wants to be basic? But building a solid foundation for your wardrobe with some basic pieces is a must if you want to get rid of the “fantasy closet”. Besides, basics are the unsung heroes of any good wardrobe. They may not be flashy or eye-catching, but they’re essential for creating a cohesive look that works for any occasion. Think of them as the building blocks of your wardrobe, the pieces that pull everything else together.
Some key basics to consider include solid-colored t-shirts, jeans, blazers, and comfortable shoes. These items can be mixed and matched to create a variety of outfits, from casual to dressy. For example, pair a white t-shirt with jeans and sneakers for a relaxed weekend look, or dress it up with a blazer and heels for a business casual outfit.
Investing in high-quality basics may seem boring or unexciting, but it’s actually a smart move that will save you time and money in the long run. With a solid foundation of basics, you’ll always have something to wear, and you won’t need to constantly buy new clothes to keep up with the latest trends.
So, next time you’re shopping for clothes, think about the basics that will pull together your outfits and create a versatile wardrobe. Remember, a good wardrobe is built on a foundation of basic not just statement pieces, and those pieces are just as important as any designer dress or trendy accessory. These pieces might not be as exciting as a designer dress, but they’re essential for building a versatile wardrobe that can take you from work to weekend.
Let’s be Practical
Finally, be mindful of your purchases. Before you buy something, ask yourself if it’s something you’ll actually wear on a regular basis. Yes, having a fantasy closet may seem fun, but it’s not practical for everyday life. Invest in basics, dress for your current lifestyle, and learn to let go of clothes that no longer serve a purpose. When you have a closet that reflects who you are now, you’ll be able to easily assemble outfits and feel confident in what you’re wearing. Remember, fashion is supposed to be fun, not stressful.
What about you? How do you feel about the fantasy wardrobe? Let me know in the comments below!
Make sure to follow me on Instagram at (@Angie Chandiramani), TikTok at (Angie Chandiramani ), and YouTube at (Angie Chandiramani), I will be posting more unboxing videos, my personal style, and my thoughts on the latest trends.
