Curating Happiness How To Create A Wardrobe Full Of Joy
Do you ever go into your closet and think,
“Ugh! I hate all of this!”
Your energy levels are hitting rock bottom and you just can’t be bothered, and that includes putting on clothes. Those are the days best spent in our PJs snacking on whatever we can rummage while binge watching Netflix.
We all have those days.
Since chillin’ with the Flix often isn’t an option, here are some of my personal tips for curating a wardrobe that will energize and excite you with possibilities for the day ahead.
1. Shop within the boundaries of your personal moral comfort zone.
The first solution for creating a wardrobe full of joy for myself is shopping secondhand first. I feel happier knowing I’m making an effort to help the earth.
2. Don’t be persuaded by marketing or social media.
Only you know what is required for your life, your closet and your body shape.
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve purchased beauty items that someone else I trust has raved about online only to be forced to throw it all out. I hate wasting money and resources like that. What works for someone else doesn’t mean it’ll work for me.
3. Pay attention to comfort.
The older I get the more this one resonates with me. If something pinches or squeezes too tightly all day long I won’t like wearing it, no matter how pretty it is. This extends tenfold to shoes. When every step is a painful one it isn’t worth it.
4. Don’t buy something that requires extra accessories or alterations to work. (Unless you are a brilliant seamstress with extra time to kill.)
I’ve done this before and then never wore the items because it’s too much work. Whatever you buy should look great on you now.
5. Buy items that make you feel good about yourself.
Stay away from anything that makes you think you are less than freakin’ fabulous.
6. Remember what you already own.
Repetion in a wardrobe for some is comforting, for me it is boring and takes up valuable space in my closet.
7. Choose pieces you love more than…
Ask yourself, “Do I love this more than..?” If I’m considering buying a dress I have to love that item more than the other dresses I currently own. Why buy something that is second rate to what you already own?
8. Focus on colours that make you happy.
Colours reflect our emotions. If having a calming closet of neutrals makes you blissful then go for it. Me, I’m all about bold colour and the joy it brings me.
9. Choose pieces that work with your body shape.
Don’t be enticed into buying a piece that you know is totally wrong for you just because someone else looks great in it.
10. Don’t buy items because you think you need some retail therapy.
Go for a walk instead. Listen to some relaxing music, pet the pug dog/cat. Go into your closet and pull out pieces you already own to create some new outfits.
When you consume without need it is impulse shopping and just like that chocolate bar you grab at the cash, you will regret it later.
Do you have any tips to create a wardrobe full of joy?
Linking up with Patti for Visible Monday, Turning Heads Tuesday and Fancy Friday
You’ve said it all. Colors that make our heart sing and comfort. Your skirt reminds me of some shorts I had, aged about 11. Hot pants in that fabric or similar were all the rage!
Those shorts sound fun! Although I’m happier wearing a maxi skirt ; P
Great tips, Suzanne – I think number 7 is the way I put on the brakes. You’re an excellent shopper, as seen in your own outfits and your vintage shop. Write a book about it – women need you! xox
-Patti
http://notdeadyetstyle.com
Ha! My fear of failure stops me dead in my tracks.
It’s taken me nearly 3 years of blogging to tune into and honor my own likes and dislikes. I’ve talked myself into so many pieces that just hung in my closet being worn by the hangars only. Now that I’ve spent time learning what I really like and what really works for me, I’m doing better at hitting the mark for my personal style. I’m still open to trying new things but I’m better now at listening to my own preferences.
Your outfit is so definitely you–bright, bold, fun. And, for what it’s worth, it not only serves to make you happy but it makes me happy to see you glow from inside out.
– Sherry
http://www.petiteover40.com
I think with today’s social media explosion it is harder to stay true to one’s self.
I’ve seen your personal growth through your blog and in person and you are really nailing it.
A big yes to comfort and a million times yes to wearing things that make you feel freakin’ fabulous!❤️
Debbie
http://www.fashionfairydust.com
Thanks for popping by Debbie : )
I love vivid colors, lots of it and #6 has been a problem for me in the past. Back then, if it fit well I’d get it in every color. Now I have the “one in one out” rule in my closet, even if I love it. . something has to go before I can hang it. Thanks for this post!
http://www.madamtoomuch.com
I *really* want to get on board with that one in and one out policy. I fear a massive closet clean out is required and I need to save up some energy to tackle it.
This really hits home. Your points are so valid. Recently I tried wearing an item designed for young gals (romper). I was thrilled in advance at the idea of it but the experience was so depressing. The romper didn’t fit and looked awful on me. I was sad for days — until I processed the experience along the lines of what you’re saying here. I wish I’d acquired your wisdom before that event.
It’s funny how my female knowledge (teenage-level) is so far behind my male knowledge (senior-level). Looking at it positively, I have so much to learn!
I find that very interesting as they talked about this very subject in that video I sent you. So many other people have the same issue. They are stuck trying to be teenagers or someone very young.
Totally agree , great tips each and every one. Knowing who you are and what makes you feel special is so important. I know I love black and it me feel good , you love and look so good in brights and pattern, we are all different in our tastes and that is what makes us who we are. One tip I use , especially for a new buy, will I still be wearing this in five years, if yes it comes home.
You look just wonderful in that skirt too.
I agree that looking for pieces with longevity is key. I also find it a bit more challenging with my changing body as I age.
I love that skirt, send it my way when you’ve finished with it!
Totally agree with you. If it doesn’t make you feel fabulous then out it goes – I’ve sadly had to do just that recently and sold on some of my beloved 1970s psych dresses and catsuits as they’re just far too big these days and walking around in stuff that looks like it belongs to someone else certainly didn’t make me feel good any more (sob!)
I love shopping – as an occupation, certainly not as a hobby – reading, travelling, spending all day in the pub and making stuff is a million times more rewarding than amassing stuff. xxx
Having my Etsy shop has changed my perception of shopping. Now, like you, it is work. Previously I would have looked at it as a reward.
You seem to be shrinking daily! I wish I could tap into your metabolism that reacts so quickly.
I’m always guilty of buying things that need alterations—it’s awfully hard for me to buy something that fits without them. Maybe it’s a good thing, because then I realize I can’t buy too much (nope–that doesn’t work…ha ha)
XOXO
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
Well you are kind of the exception to the rule when you have a professional seamstress at your beck and call. Not to mention your own sewing skills are very advanced.
I’m waiting for this post to go viral, Suzanne – all excellent tips everyone should have at hand. I especially like the one about impulse shopping and the use of distraction. Too bad that my shopping distraction technique often involves a cookie. Hahaha! I agree with Patti, you could write a stellar book.
That Ian Drummond skirt – WOW.
Your photos are awesome!
Well don’t hold your breath while waiting! Hahahaha!
Food is a go-to distraction for everyone I think. I’m trying to curb myself of that habit but so far the struggle continues.
In the past for weeks or so I discovered two items in my closet that I was about to shop for. So definitely nr six is the one for me!
You have such a flare with style! <3
I've bought a fair few clothing items that are plain or usually a size too big so I can adjust them so my curves better and add the details I like, Im planning a house move soon though so I feel a big clear out coming which will be a great opportunity to start again!
http://www.samanthassnaps.co.uk
We definitely all have those days, no matter the size of our wardrobe 😉 I should definitely pay more attention to numbers 4 and 7, but I’m getting better at number 6. With a couple of awesome but cheap vintage shops near my office, number 10 can be a challenge sometimes! Can’t take my eyes off your fabulous skirt! xxx
Wonderful tips and fabulous photos. This pink outfit makes me happy and I can clearly see your joy. I do share your shopping ethos. I do shop my closet first and trends may remind me to pull out certain things in my wardrobe but rarely induce me to go out to buy something new.
However if a trend emerges that is lifetime favorite, say florals, I will take that opportunity to use the plentiful shopping to perhaps add something new that I will cherish forever.
Yes, to comfortable shoes !!!
❤️❤️❤️
Elle
https://theellediaries.com/
Some great tips here Suzanne! May I just use this space to say “Hello, my name is Anna and I’m a shopaholic”? It’s been my hobby ever since I moved to this tiny (shopless) island and comes I think from the sense of panic that resides in me as I don’t know when I’ll next be in a shop. Add to that my love for finding a (second hand) or indeed any kind of a bargain and I’m doomed.
I’m with you about colours and the joy they bring to our wardrobe although I do from time to time like to expand my repetoire in case I hit on some new and fabulous look.
Your book could easily be drawn from all of the resource that is your blog – it’s all here, just waiting to be edited.
Anna x
All great points Suzanne! I am a careful shopper and have to say. Do I Love this? when I buy something new. i think about my closet what will go with a new item, how much I would wear it. I also believe “comfort” is not a 4 letter word. Why should anyone be uncomfortable/ Love the outfit you are wearing, as I am all about color.. I don’t buy black anymore as wearing colors makes me happy. I have and will continue to shop at Poshmark, as I enjoy thrifting on-line .
Have a great weekend!
jess xx
http://www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com
You are very wise Suzanne.
Funny how our great passions can also derail us if we don’t maintain some emotional heallth and rational control of our more manic tendancies!!
Tip when you go out shopping for something new, put on something fabulous. It is more direct when you look in the mirror of the fitting room comparing what you want to buy with what you have on. At least that works for me. Remembering what awesome clothes I have in my wardrobe while shopping is much harder for me. For you this might be more difficult as you want to put on clothes that slip off and on easily when you go hunting.
Your skirt reminds me so much of the seventies. The fab top I remember.
Greetje
Colourful and comfortable are very important to me too. Good list you made, Suz!
I ignore and deny the tensions in the world and I adsorb and enjoy the sun and heat. No newspapers, no actuality on the media, no politics. Hurray to avoidance, denial and blissful ignorance!
Dancing tango releases the tension in my body, starting every day with watching animal videos relaxes and amuses me enormously, binge watching Netflix diverts me from my worrisome thoughts, seeing cool art brings me enormous joy and being around people with good hearts nourishes my soul. Small acts of kindness (giving and receiving) make my day.
That outfit is joy personified!