The truth is I have a lot of clothes. There I said it! It’s the truth. I may be thrifty, but I love my wacky skirts and plain t-shirts. While I have a wide variety of clothing options, I found myself sticking to the staples especially in the morning when I had little time to plan an outfit. I’ll share some tips on how not to wear out your favorite clothing items and accessories!
Clothes
It became apparent that my favorite clothes were on their death beds. One victim was my favorite vintage cardigan—a cream colored one with cream embroidered flowers. I’ve gotten so many compliments on this one item. However, today, a year after I purchased it, it’s on its last legs due to the fact that I was wearing it twice a week at one point. Don’t let this happen to you.
The first step to preventing over use of your clothes is to divide your clothes into categories if only in your mind. I have certain clothes that are designated “business casual” and I only wear these clothes to work or special occasions. The other main category I have is “casual clothes,” which includes clothes I wear everywhere but work. This mentality can be used on any category of clothing (shirts, skirts, dresses, socks). Dividing your clothes and sticking to your categories will make your clothes last longer.
Another method is to divide your clothes by what you have worn and what you haven’t worn. This month I challenged myself not to wear the same thing twice until I ran out of clothes. One closet holds clothes I haven’t worn and the pieces I have worn are banished to the fall/winter coat closet. These items are taken out of rotation.
Clothes I haven’t worn.
Clothes I have worn.
I’ve been noticing lately that I am fairly anti-accessory mostly because I stored away my jewelry in boxes. In effort to use what jewelry I have more, I put my jewelry out where I could see it everyday. I made this board myself and hope it will help me use what few accessories I do have. This is more of my every day jewelry. I keep my “good jewelry” in a jewelry box lined with velvet to protect gold and semi-precious stones.
I’ve found that setting guidelines is the biggest factor in not overusing my clothing. Following these rules can be difficult, but hopefully it will push you to be more creative and work with what you do have instead of run out and purchase something new.
@Owl–It's been a very interesting, frustrating and eye opening experience. It'll definitely make you think twice before buying something new!
This is such a good idea! I have so many clothes in my closet I don't wear, I feel like doing this now.
@Eloise–thank you!
@JMay–Thanks so much! Actually funny story: When I saw you commented I momentarily had a "WTF" moment because my first high school boyfriend's name can be abbreviated as J May. Haha.
Thanks for commenting!
Wonderful post!
Love that jewlery holder, so cute.
@MADMSL –Wow! What an honor! Thank you so much
!!!
@Porcelain complexion –I TOTALLY agree. I had all this stuff I had forgotten about. Most of my jewelry is gifts from other people so I like seeing it out because it reminds me of them!
@ V–Thanks! I LOVE your blog
@ Elle–I totally agree! If I can only wear something ONE way, I do not buy it unless it really stands out.
What a great post, right up my street prior to
my birthday where I don't neccessarily want to
go up the High St and by a brand spanking new
ensemble, find yourself in my sidebar as one of week one's finest.
MADMSL.x
madmsl.blogspot.com
I totally agree about displaying jewellery, I did this myself recently & there was a tonne of stuff I'd completel forgotten about!!
Hi there…thanks for stopping by G&G!
? V
http://www.gritandglamour.com
I won't buy anything unless I can make it into 3 more outfits. and if it's on sale, preferably!