Digging Through a closet of Nothing

Image Courtesy: Graphic Design

We are all familiar with this scenario: the blank stare into your closet and digging through your drawers. A dreaded pile starts to build up as you grab shirt, after shirt, after shirt. The indecision of not knowing what to wear can be overwhelming, especially when your closet is filled with clothes that end up on the floor more than on your body. 

The reality of a “closet full of nothing" typically equates to a closet full of items that can only be worn in one specific way or maybe don’t mesh with your other pieces. People struggling with what to wear often resort to buying more of these one-time-wear pieces.

Overconsumption is a major symptom of the capitalist society we live in. With the rise of thrift shopping, people are dumping their low-quality clothes into stores and then buying clothing that are meant to be accessible to those who cannot afford them. This cycle fills thrift stores up with out-of-style pieces people have discarded and are unlikely to be bought again. 

One potential solution to this clothing conundrum is a capsule wardrobe — a limited number of pieces that are meant to be worn in multiple ways, so options for an outfit can increase by tenfold. 

Image Courtesy: British Vogue

Some people believe capsule wardrobes are unrealistic because it typically means investing in timeless pieces that will stand against the rapid trend cycle. For someone unable to afford spending $100 on a pair of jeans, they would rather spend that same amount on multiple items from cheaper stores. It can be hard to see the versatility of buying one piece because we are often prioritizing quantity over quality. It is much easier for someone who can afford multiple, timeless items to stop the constant turnover of overly-trendy pieces. 

While a capsule wardrobe is an option, sometimes the root issue is just trying to understand our own personal styles. This can be especially hard if our closet is filled with pieces we don’t particularly love. You can start picking out things to incorporate into your wardrobe and curating your style by asking yourself what makes you feel good?. 

There is evidence that dressing up can make you feel better. It feels good to look good. I can attest to feeling far more assured of myself when I have a great outfit on. On the other hand, there have been many days where I am unable to figure out what to wear, and I end up wearing sweatpants or something that just does not make me feel confident— my frustrations ultimately derailing my day.

Our clothing is like armor; it’s self-expression without having to open our mouths.  It is something that should be people's joy, not freeze them with indecision. 

For some people those things are thrifted maxi skirts and men’s jeans, while others may prefer a mini dress from a boutique in their hometown. The happier you are with the individual items you own, the easier it gets to look through your closet and get excited about putting a new outfit together. 

There may never be a clear answer to what you should do when you have “nothing” to wear, but it can hopefully get easier as you curate a wardrobe that feels true to you.

Strike Out,

Writer: Grace Donahue

Editor: Annika Chaves

Graphic Design: Olivia Sanderford

Boston