We’re having a leeeeetle holiday here in the U.S. so I’m gonna repost a classic today. Happy 4th, Americanos!
When I wear white, I eat spaghetti. Or drink coffee. Or munch on Cheetos. Or write with Sharpies or open cans of motor oil or serve grape juice to passing children or basically do any and everything possible to STAIN THE LIVING BEJEEZUS OUT OF MY CLOTHING. But I wear white anyway because what’s the point of owning it if it doesn’t get worn?
I am trying to apply this philosophy to my fancy and special-occasion garments, too. I mean, that floor-length, shiny, beaded, chocolate brown bridesmaid dress with the spaghetti straps? I’m not completely sure I can pull that off for work. But my fabulous hats from Audi’s shop, my long thrifted taffeta skirt, my Lily vest, and my brooch necklace? Why should those languish just because they’re flashy, or dressy, or stylized, or a wee bit more delicate than my standard boots and tee-shirts? As many have said before me, none of my clothes are “too good” for me to wear them. If I own something, it should be fair game. Period.
But how on earth can flashy, dressy, stylized, or delicate items get worked into daily outfits?
- Don’t worry about them: I am an EXCELLENT worrier. Just ask Mike. Or Trinknitty. OK, or anyone who has spent more than 15 minutes in my presence. But I do a decent job of living my life despite my worries, and not allowing anxiety to make me an agoraphobic shut-in. I do my best to apply this philosophy to clothing, too. If I am so worried about ruining something that I won’t ever wear it, I might as well not own it at all. It’s relegated to closet candy and what they hell good is that? If something gets worn and damaged, it can generally be repaired somehow. If something gets worn and ruined, well, them’s the breaks. I realize that’s some tough love, especially when we might be talking heirloom garments or investment pieces … but you hear me, right? You might as well have set your money on fire if you’ve bought a garment or accessory only to let it gather dust.
- Create balance: Whatever your superspecial item may be, make sure it’s the only superspecial thing about your outfit. This is particularly important if you’re dressing down a formal garment. Balance is created when you pair that sequined bustier with jeans and a black blazer, or when you wear your gigantic rhinestone bib necklace with a simple tee and black pencil skirt. Make sure there is plenty of casual and commonplace to counteract the jolt of formal and unusual.
- Keep rotation light: Although I’m making a goal of utilizing my fancies more often, I’d say one a week is plenty. No matter how dressed down they may be, special, delicate, or formal pieces are BOUND to stand out a little. And I like to stand out, but not every day.
- Layer, layer, layer: The more stuff you’ve got on, the more a formal or flashy piece just looks like part of the mix. And even in summer, lightweight layers can help tone down a loud item. A mondo necklace is much less mondo when it’s peeking out from a button-down shirt with a shrunken corduroy blazer thrown over it. A slinky formal dress becomes a sassy skirt when you pile a cowlneck sweater and cozy wrap on top. Those special occasion pieces will be far comfier if they have a wide variety of OTHER pieces to play amongst.
- Remember that you’re worth it: Again, none of your clothes are better than you. Who exactly owns whom, I ask yas? If you’ve laid down your hard-earned cash for a piece of clothing, it had better earn its keep. It’s something you liked, something that fit your figure and suited your personal style, and it’s something that made you feel good. So allow it to make you feel good more than just once or twice in your lifetime. YOU’RE gorgeous and special, beautiful and luminous. Why not wear the items you own that make you feel that way?
Do you make an effort to wear your most beloved pieces as often as possible? What are your tips for making such wearings relatively stress-free? Any specific ways to dress down formal items that weren’t covered here? Anyone TOTALLY averse to incorporating truly special pieces into daily wear?
{ 11 comments… read them below or add one }
I agree. The same thing goes for China that we never use because it's so special. Our things should be used and enjoyed.
Trudy
http://www.sewingwithtrudy.blogspot.com
Absolutely agree. I think this philosophy has been ingrained to me by my mother who always said that the china she got from my grandmother and the expensive kitchen table should be used, because otherwise what would be the point of having them? Never really applied the same to clothing so far, though.
I completely agree, Sal – with you and both your commenters here. My #1 tip is the same as your #1 tip: don't worry about it. We differ on the matter of rotation, though. I don't actually keep rotation light, and wear delicate party dresses, heels, fanciful hats and fascinators almost every day that I teach and/or study at the University. And yes, some of my sweaters have tiny darns and dresses may have fixed hems or seams, and that doesn't bother me. The key to it is, I think, to remember that nothing lasts forever, and that things are meant to be used. I'm a big fan of William Moris and the Arts and Crafts movement, and Moris believed in beauty, in using beautiful things rather than hiding them back in a closet 360 days/year. Otherwise, as your other commenters have observed, why own it?
Like always you're so right!!
Why having something if it's kept in a closet or a box.
I do agree and I use to say that I don't want anything that lasts more than me. But the truth is that sometimes I can't do it without feeling overdressed at the office, and hearing those comments like "where's the party?" sometimes make me feel bad.
But it doesn't mean I give up on trying, sometimes, maybe one day I would get a status that allows me to do what I want and people would think it's great lol lol
When I'll grow up….
xoxo
Balance, is definitely a key point here!
the skirt youre wearing is lovely =]
I've discovered that I can get way more wear out of my delicate ivory mesh/black lace strapless party dress by layering it over a plain black tee with an interesting neckline, and tossing a red cardigan over the top. I still don't think I'd wear it to work, but dressing it down makes it appropriate for church or a mid-range dinner out, that's for sure! And this way I get to wear it more than once or twice a year. I try to do this with party dresses in general, but I was surprised at what a difference a t-shirt made under the strapless number. It has to be the right shirt, of course, but it's a look that works.
I just started reading, and I have to say, I love this blog.
I totally agree.. one of the best parts of starting a fashion blog was the fact that I felt confidence to wear what I wanted, when I wanted. Who says sequins aren't fit for Monday tea time?
Oh so true, the true style and beauty of clothing only comes out when combined with with the personality of the person wearing it. Same goes for jewelry, shoes an other accessories.
Christiana
sewamusing.blogspot.com
I totally agree with this! I work from home, and I still like to wear my "good" clothes, even if my big outing of the day is going to the grocery store. I buy my clothes to wear, not to look at hanging in my closet.
You are so right – I so often avoid super special splurges because then I wont want to wear them! I got this awesome pair of expensive leather boots (on sale for $120) in September, and was so protective of them, they stayed in my closet until February!
I finally told myself to get over it, and just start wearing them.
I also just got a sequined cocktail dress I have to figure out how to dress down, or I know I'll never have a place good enough to wear it to.
Chic on the Cheap