Lady Harriet popped this one into the suggestion box:
I guess what I’m really looking for are no-cost ways to combat boredom and frustration with a very imperfect wardrobe, especially after major life changes (in my case it’s graduation, moving back home to a very different climate, and unemployment, but it could apply to a lot of different situations.)
Many of Lady Harriet’s questions may be answered by these posts:
But since wardrobe boredom is extremely common, and since it may happen to any number of women for any number of reasons, I promised her I’d cook up a few more ideas. So here we go.
Study color theory
This is rich, coming from me. I’ve never been interested in color theory, and find discussions of it to be simultaneously confusing and boring. So I guess what I’m REALLY saying is this: Find some way to consider colors differently. For many, a structured system like formal color theory is a fantastic place to start, and this post from Color Matters is very helpful. And if that set of rules chafes at you (as it does at me), find a different way. Study color combos in patterned garments, accessories, and textiles. Note color pairings in nature. Take whatever colorful inspiration you can find, and apply it to your own wardrobe and outfits.
Give yourself assignments
Remixing a capsule of 30 items or less is a pretty standard way to experiment with your own creativity, but you could even go further. Wear only black and white for a week. Style outfits around a single pair of shoes for a week. Add at least one romantic embellishment to every outfit for two weeks. Make a list of your favorite literary characters and create outfits inspired by each of them. Allow your roommate, significant other, or child to pick an item for you to wear each day, and craft your outfit around it. Challenge yourself, push your creativity, and do it without buying anything new.
Get help
The vast majority of clients I work with have loads of clothes, all of them easily remixable. But it can take an outside observer to see and suggest new combinations. If you bought that sweater to go with those pants, you may never be able to imagine them with any other pants, or skirts, or thrown over certain dresses. So grab a trusted friend or sister or mom or coworker, spring for pizza for your both, and host a little outfit planning session. Allow your helper to pick out outfits for you, and try them on no matter how wary you may feel. Without fail, your helper will suggest some combinations you’d NEVER have tried on your own.
Image courtesy katykash.
