Bring back the joy in getting dressed
So many people I talk to say that they hate their wardrobes, hate their clothes, don’t enjoy getting dressed, get stressed when shopping and feel depressed when they think about what they are going to wear.
Does that sound like you?
Isn’t it a shame that something that should bring us joy, express who we are, tell others what we think and feel about ourselves, gives us such a negative, depressing and stressful experience?!
In my opinion, this is why so many people just throw on joggers and hoodies - why bother making an effort, when that effort feels so stressful and destructive to our wellbeing? Why not just put on something comfy, something we can hide behind, something that we don’t have to explain or justify, something that makes us feel safe? No one cares anyway, right?
Well, maybe there is a point in this way of thinking, but why are we treating ourselves like that? We wouldn’t allow our best friend to wallow in self pity, be second best, not take care of herself, so why do we allow ourselves to do this?
We should look forward to getting dressed every day. We should be opening our wardrobes and saying “who do I want to be today?”, “what do I want to tell the world about me?”.
I know this sounds exhausting, but it needn’t be!
The changes in seasons - i.e. from Summer to Autumn - is a perfect time to have a look at your clothes and make some changes.
Put all your summer wear away for now - don’t worry too much about sorting it out until next year, as your thoughts about items now might well change by next spring.
Get out your autumn and winter clothes and sort through them. For now, just keep it simple - whatever doesn’t give you joy, that frisson of excitement about where and when you can wear it, then store it for later, donate it or sell it.
Look at the items and decide why they do or don’t give you joy. Is it the fit? The colour? Is it how you feel when you are wearing it? Does it have bad memories attached to it? Note these feelings down on a piece of paper and see if there is a recurring theme - i.e. do you love all your long skirts, but not the short ones?
If you end up with very little left, that is ok - you don’t have to have a wardrobe stuffed with clothes to make stylish outfits. Start wearing the things you love every day, not just for best. Make a list of the items that you find are missing from your wardrobe and when you shop, shop mindfully, so you just buy what you need.
Gradually add to your wardrobe, as you start to get a sense of your own style and what feels good and what works. Buy quality, not quantity - clothes that will last for seasons to come. But always make sure that what you are buying gives you joy and makes you want to rush to wear it.
So, here is your challenge - wear what makes you smile. Fill your wardrobe with clothes that make you want to wear them. Don’t worry about pleasing others (unless you have to wear a uniform!), please yourself. Don’t worry about your body, if you feel good in something, wear it - you will be amazed at how confident you will feel.
And the final accessory - a big, beautiful, smile!
If you would like help in bringing the joy back into your wardrobe email me at info@elinorsalter.com and we can have a free chat!
You might be interested in https://www.elinorsedit.com/post/what-is-style-and-are-we-too-old-to-achieve-it-over-50-sstyle
Comentários