We have all been there. Falling in love with a new outfit is like undressing the personality traits of a first date. It's exciting, surprising and full of delight. Well, hopefully that's the case! The possibilities are endless...the places you wear this outfit, the sights you could see, and the people you could meet dressed in this new outfit. Now for many of you reading this, new, most probably means a pre-loved outfit you sourced from a charity shop or vintage store, but regardless, of where you sourced your outfit from, this point is still the same.
After a first date, second date and even third. You start to feel a little more comfortable. The magic fades and you slowly start to notice a few marks, maybe a pull of thread and god forbid, even a stain. Then what do you do? Swap it? Donate it? Don't even say it.... break up with it!!!
It's Time To Have A Love Affair With Your Clothes
This is where I need to jump in. Valentines is such a meaningful time of the year for so many. For myself, in particular. It's mine and my boyfriend's anniversary. I remember the outfits I wore so vividly on our first few dates. In fact most dates I have them documented in my mind- I think in clothes. But this year I fell into a little bit of a trap. I thought- oh we are escaping to the Lake District to celebrate and I must source some new pre-loved items for this special occasion. It was as though I needed new clothes to show I had made an effort.
So I tried sourcing and it was the first time EVER that I could not find a single thing. And then I realised, it was fate. She was telling me that I had all the outfits, dresses and accessories a girl could possibly ever need to style the perfect getaway looks. What I needed was to rekindle my love affair with them.
So I went back to my cottage in the Shires and zoned out for two complete hours to show my rails and wardrobe the extra TLC it had been missing. And here's how you can too.
Clothes Hold Memories
Like it or not, clothes hold on to memories. If the dress you wore to your best friend's birthday party last year, was also the same dress you your boyfriend broke up with you in, it's no wonder you won't feel good, confident or even the slightest bit happy in. Now some would say, get rid of it as it hold bad memories, but if it fits you well, and is the exact tone for your colouring, then why get rid? What you need to do is rejig. Get it cleaned professionally to wipe the slate clean and then change up the look. Pair it with different heels, accessories and even change up your hair style. It's time to play disassociation and make room for some new memories.
A Change Of Scene Is Needed
If you have that perfect jumpsuit that you wore to parties, happy hours even work occasions, and have no more after-hours events to take it, why not it up and take an evening look into the day. Add layers, try flats, experiment with bags to create a more casual look. So many of us are waiting for the next party to take our clothes out to, when instead they would look just as good in the office with some slight style tweaks.
Pay Attention To Their Needs
Just like our partners, clothes need TLC. Make time to look at them closely in the light. Do they need a comb? should they be pressed? Do you need to store them in a better way so they don't loose their shape. Clothes can last a really long time, but just like relationships, desires need to be reassessed to make sure every need is being met.
Surprise Them
Isn't it always a grand feeling when your partner shows up with a little surprise gift? or whisks you away "just because" This is the beauty of the unexpected. It brings delight and joy. Try the same with "older" items of clothes. Pair them with bold patterns, frisky frills or gigantic bows. These types of moves can elevate and transform a more mature looking piece.
Give Them Space To Breathe
And if you have tried all of the above and for some reason it's still not doing it for you. Take some space. Store your clothes well and let them breathe. Come back to them with fresh eyes and if it's still a no, know that there is always another home waiting for them in the world of us secondhand stylers!
I think it's time I start taking my own advice and rekindle my love affair with some old pieces and curate a list of outfits for my anniversary/valentines getaway!
Maybe the episodes on dresses might do the trick?
Head to social to see what I come up with @secondhandstylinguk
