I get it, creating one’s perfect wardrobe in this day and age is no easy task. The abundance of quickly changing trends, exaggerated influencer shopping hauls, and the inherent need to keep up with fast fashion retailers and their never ending catalog of item drops (which is simply impossible being that these brands are releasing hundreds of SKUs a day, but that’s a conversation for another time…) has consumers accumulating an overwhelming number of pieces, that may never reach the light that shines outside of their closet. This is a puzzling reality, as this same consumer likely complains that she (or he), has nothing to wear.
Thus bringing us to the difference between accumulating vs curating, and how one differentiates the two in efforts of creating a wardrobe full of timeless pieces that they are sure to be reaching for no matter the climate of social fads and societal interests.
By definition, to accumulate means to gather together or acquire an increasing number or quantity of. On the contrary— something that is curated, by definition, is carefully chosen and thoughtfully organized or presented. I guess deciding which of these two words describe your perfect wardrobe differs by the individual. For some, having a Zara or Fashion Nova package to expect on their front door step every evening is a dream. And if we’re being completely transparent, I was once this individual and this was once my dream. Nonstop deliveries and an inbox flooded with order confirmations and tracking numbers, how exhilarating.
This thrill soon got old, and I’ve since turned a new leaf. My local thrift store hit the jackpot on my donated Shein items, and my closet now thanks me for the new pieces that have taken their place.
Read on for the strategies I’ve used, and continue to use, to curate (rather than accumulate) my perfect wardrobe.
But before you do… please note that I am not above an impulse buy or a trendy purchase from time to time. I’m only human.
Tip No. 1: Create a running list of items/pieces of interest. When disposable funds come, choose things to purchase from the list, rather than falling victim to impulse spending as so many of us do on the daily. These lists, I like to use ‘Google Tasks’, allow us to sit— or marinate if you will, on purchase decisions. Some items feel like must haves in the moment. As weeks go by and I revisit the list, I oftentimes wonder what some things were even doing on there in the first place…
Tip No. 2: Opt for shopping second-hand over splurging at fast fashion retailers. While price and cost effectiveness are a factor for some considering where to shop, this tip merely considers the difference in quality of items that these two variants have to offer. Sites like TheRealReal, my personal favorite, offer a wide variety of luxury and designer items from new/unused to vintage. Growth is realizing that one quality item at a higher cost is far more valuable than purchasing multiple cheap items for that same price. In simple terms, I’m purchasing one vintage 1990’s Gucci top for $300 from a second-hand retailer, over 5 shirts costing $300 in total from Zara, any day. Why? Because the Gucci is better quality, timeless, and will surely be a piece that will be handed down to my daughter one day. (The Gucci top example may or may not have been used because I’m eyeing one on TheRealReal as we speak).
*For those of you like myself who struggle with germaphobia, the dry cleaner is always a good option.
Tip No. 3: Spend time refining and establishing your sense of personal style. Why? Because, how can you build your dream wardrobe if you don’t even know what said dream is? I was the first to purchase what I saw trending in years past. Now, trends— while helpful for guiding new ideas, will never be the sole reason I purchase an item. A lot of times succumbing to fads is subconscious. At times, even the toughest of precautions cannot prevent this inevitable occurrence when it comes to apparel. That being said, having personal style can make these unavoidable instances happen way less frequently.
Soon to come, a post on how I’ve discovered and remained true to my personal sense of style.
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