I had a business trip last week which, for the most part, was rather casual and therefore easy. In packing for this trip, I've become increasingly frustrated with my clothing.
The problem, I think, is that I haven't taken the time to develop my wardrobe. When I first began working, I invested in a few quality items. The rest were all from lower end stores that were very affordable but low in quality. Three years later, I still have and wear some of these clothes and every time I wear them to work I hate them and I have the "I hate how I look, how could I put together such an awful outfit" feeling all day. Some of these things have really got to go.
I also haven't taken good care of some of the more quality items I have. Items that should be dry cleaned, don't get dry cleaned. Items that should be hand washed get sent out for wash and fold. What I'm left with are half ruined pieces of clothing. No one wants that.
Now, I'm making some shopping/clothing resolutions for myself:
- Stop purchasing cheap (in quality) items.
- Take inventory of what I have so that when I shop I know what I need and what outfits I can put together.
- Purchase more quality items that I'll wear for a while.
- Take care of said quality items.
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18 comments:
I am in the exact same boat! I was quite grouchy this morning because I didn't like any of my pants and they all seem old and ragged now. I am on the same quest to put together my wardrobe better. Good luck to us!
Tooootally get it.(And don't feel foolish! But I know what you mean. . .)
I went through this same thing when I moved about six months ago. Since then I've made two huge discoveries.
#1 Thomas Pink. Yes, the clothes are expensive but they're ridiculously high quality and they have some killer sales. Plus, they fit you correctly. Their clothes feel 'good' on my body because they're in the right places. Best investments I've ever made.
#2 Dryel. It works, and it doesn't ruin your clothes. I don't smell like a bum, and I have an extra $40 in my pocket each couple of weeks (especially in the winter)!
I suggest you should start spending sometime working on body image. When you can accept your body as it is, you'll get the idea on what clothes looks best on you and how to make a statement.
I really need to buy some work clothes. I hate my clothes for work too. I buy sometimes will buy the cheap shirt because it does look nice when it's new but eventually it fades. I recently read this old book I got in a thrift store for like 10 cents, "How to dress like a Business Woman". It's from the 70's but I learned something from it. "Dress for the job you want, not the job you have." It struck me. Maybe that'll struck you too & give you some motivation to help you out. =)
Good luck with the business trip!!
Oh man I can relate with you a lot on this. I'm in a constant wardrobe evolution but I have really done better at accessorizing.
completely agree... i have gotten to the point where i feel like i'm just rotating through the couple pieces of clothing that i really really like, but i won't wear anything else. and because i am living off of a graduate student stipend, i have nooo extra money to buy nice clothes that i'll like to wear. it's quite frustrating.
I totally agree with you. I've got to be the only fashion designer in the whole world who hates 80-92% (just a guess) of her clothes. I'm vowing to do the same, and take better care of what I have AND invest in a few good pieces. Note to self: Add Anthropologie gift certificates to my Christmas list!!!
A shopping resolution? I think you'll hit it out of the ball park on this one! Sounds like so much fun! Hope you get yourself something nice, fab and absolutely beautiful!
Great plan! That looks like my list of resolutions too!! I have been traveling for business for 7 weeks now... before I left Home I seriously spent over 600$ at Anne Taylor in one stop because I had a "I hate everything in my wardrobe" meltdown... good plan to assess first buy second ;-)
Don't you hate it when you get in a total style rut? I'll go through a "black pants" phase..I don't know why, I can't stay out of them, they're slimming, comfortable, and they go with everything. Problem is, I wonder if anyone notices how often I wear them.
I have to force myself to switch it up. I'm so attached to black pants if I'm not wearing them, it's usually a dress or a sweaterdress.
And don't get me started on my shoe rut...Must go shopping....
After going through a similar situation I've also learned that it helps to invest in pieces that are extremely versatile and can be worn in several different outfits in many different ways. Does that make sense? Like a great black wrap dress. And accessories are your best friends!
I hear you on the dry cleaning, etc. I used to be terrible at taking care of my clothes properly. But you'd be surprised once you start buying quality consistently, you'll treat it with more care.
And I, too, recommend dryel. Also, for some things like silk, sweaters, etc. washing them in cold on delicate with only a couple of other pieces and then hanging to dry works.
I had this epiphany last year after putting myself on a 5-month shopping ban to rid myself of the habit of buying things of poor quality. I'm still guilty of going to Forever 21 and splurging on fast fashion items to supplement my wardrobe, but nowadays I'm thinking more carefully about what I buy and more willing to spend on quality items. Good luck with this endeavour!
i'm pretty sure a few of my friends think i'm a snob for never buying f21, zara, and h&M but it's because i've grown to hate everything i ever bought there. my favorite work clothes are jcrew, banana, and this gorgeous dkny dress from net-a-porter last year. i think accessorizing really changes everything though. bag, shoes, belt, and some fun jewelry go a long way and you can wear daily.
I totally feel this. I used to wear adorable clothes but then I started working in an office with only two people and it's totally suffered. I'm started to work on it again. I love fashion and I'm appalled at myself!
Invest in the classic pieces in your wardrobe: black skirt, white blouse, sweater, jacket, Jeans (dark denim), trench/coat, great tote bag. If you have these items you can then layer inexpensive or trendier items with your basics.
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three good skirts (one black, one tweed, one white, plus about a dozen colored long sleeved knit tops, four different jackets, three pair of heels.. this is all any woman really has to have to be well dressed.. it is sooo easy to pull on a good skirt, colorful tee, add a long double strand of pearls or a gold chain, and you are ready to go.. Dressing is not a problem.
JO Peters
www.jopeters.blogspot.com
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