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Welcome to the Seasonal Wardrobe Challenge, where we embark on a journey to revitalize our closets, embrace our creativity, and redefine our relationship with fashion. Or at least understand the thought process behind why there will likely be some adorable little numbers in this years garage sale!
First of all, I realize that this topic could be viewed as outside the realm of interior design, but honestly the same rules of design apply. Secondly, I am well aware that I am by no means a fashionista and I have no intention of telling you what to wear. We all have our own styles and preferences to what goes on our bodies, and my hopes is that by taking part in this wardrobe challenge we can accentuate it to really get to know ourselves better. This challenge is not just about wearing clothes; it's about curating a wardrobe that reflects who we are while minimizing waste and maximizing enjoyment. And herein comes an additional interior design principle, so join me as we explore the benefits of this unique approach to dressing and decluttering.
The Challenge:
Imagine a closet filled with carefully selected pieces, each waiting to be worn and appreciated. You bought them because you loved something specific about them and imagined how great it would look for that one specific occasion. If you're anything like me you probably didn't bother to try it on because ew, what a hassle!
Perhaps you are now realizing that you have an abundance of super cute items that you love the idea of, but you really haven't worn any of them because there hasn't been an occasion yet. Or there was, and you tried to wear them but something just wasn't right and the outfit looked way better in your head - so you didn't. So those pieces are just hanging in your closet, still beautiful to look at but unless your closet is a museum you're the only one enjoying the view.
Now, envision a challenge where you commit to wearing every (seasonally appropriate) item in your wardrobe at least once before repeating an outfit. Sounds daunting? Perhaps. But the rewards are plentiful.
Ideally, this challenge encourages us to rediscover forgotten gems lurking in the depths of our closets. That shirt you bought on a whim but never wore? It deserves its moment in the spotlight. By rotating through our entire wardrobe, we breathe new life into old favorites and gain a fresh perspective on our style. This is a somewhat forced opportunity to get creative with your styling, because it's likely you are going to wear some of your favorite (even staple) pieces first...and then what...you start building "outfit recipes" with what's still available, and hopefully, stumble across an outfit that you otherwise never would have considered but it turns out fabulous!
**Full disclosure, I did give my girlfriends a heads up that I was challenging myself to this - so if they saw me out and about in a questionable outfit please accept that I'm working through some things...specifically my closet!
Moreover, the seasonal rotation prevents us from falling into a style rut. How many times have we reached for the same sweater or pair of jeans out of habit? By forcing ourselves to explore every corner of our closet, we push the boundaries of our fashion comfort zone and unearth unexpected combinations.
But the benefits extend beyond the realm of personal style. Closet cleanouts become a breeze when we regularly assess and utilize every item in our wardrobe. If you grab an item that you love the idea of but hate how it looks on, or you hate the material - Do. Not. Hold. On. To. It!! This challenge gives you ample opportunity to realize what pieces are great in theory, but they're not actually serving you. Get rid of them. No more hoarding clothes we never wear or clinging to outdated trends. Instead, we cultivate a collection that is both functional and fashionable.
Why It's Good for Closet Cleanouts:
Eliminates Clutter: How many times have we stared at a closet bursting at the seams, yet still felt like we had nothing to wear? By wearing every item at least once before repeating, we confront our excess and weed out the unnecessary. This process of elimination is essential for achieving a clutter-free closet.
Identifies Wardrobe Gaps: As we rotate through our clothes, we inevitably encounter items that no longer fit, are worn out, or simply no longer suit our style. Recognizing these gaps allows us to make informed decisions about what to keep, what to donate, and what to replace.
Encourages Mindful Consumption: In a world plagued by fast fashion and impulsive shopping sprees, the seasonal wardrobe challenge promotes mindful consumption. Rather than constantly chasing the latest trends, we learn to appreciate the pieces we already own and make thoughtful additions to our collection. Remember that material you hated, don't buy it again. Remember the cut of that shirt/dress/pant you hated, don't buy it again.
Promotes Sustainability: By maximizing the lifespan of each garment, we reduce our fashion footprint and contribute to a more sustainable industry. Instead of constantly buying new clothes, we learn to make the most of what we have, thereby minimizing waste and environmental impact.
Real life example, last night I wore a cardigan that I love everything about: the color, the balloon sleeves, the softness...EXCEPT for how it looks every single time I put it on - but I wore it! Just to see. By the time we came home I decided that it had done nothing to change my mind about how it looks on me (or made me feel in it) and for those reasons, it's out.
This Seasonal Wardrobe Challenge is more than just a fashion experiment; it's a lifestyle shift. By embracing the principles of rotation, rediscovery, and mindfulness, we transform our closets into curated collections that reflect our values and aspirations. So, are you ready to take on the challenge and revolutionize your wardrobe?
Until next time Friends, Stay Gold!
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