1. Militant Kondo-ing is a fallacy
Worry less about kicking anything that doesn't elicit smiles and sunshine to the curb for Goodwill to pick up. People change. Their ideas of happiness change. And even that fugly green Lurex mock-neck must have once brought you joy—why else would you have bought it?—what's to say it can't again? The worst that can happen is that, in your tunnel-visioned overemphasis on letting go, you discard something you might one day remember fondly and regret not having. (Like a pair of beaded jeans Sandy Liang could have made. 😑) So along those lines, a controversial stance: Keep more. In other words, that's right—I SUPPORT LIGHT HOARDING.
A post shared by Repeller (@repeller)
A photo posted by on
2. Because you must fight for style
And the more resources you've got, the more you will learn. Contrary to, like, everybody but Thomas F*ckin' A. Edison, you cannot wait for the defibrillator paddle of inspiration to shock you—you must (mostly) work for it. That might look like trying on outfit ideas for the week every Sunday and documenting the successful ones in a tiny Smythson. More realistically, that might look like a change in how you display the objects of shame/consternation from Point No. 1: Hang them front and center and let them serve as a reminder of your past failure and poor judgment that could turn out to be sound judgment if you ever sort the damn thing out. See it. Think it. Achieve it. (That would do so well on Etsy. Dibs.)
3. But also allow for chance
Next up in this series of contradictions: the argument against arranging your wardrobe by color or style or season. Too narrow, especially now that those dams have been busted wide open by a fashion industry that lives for "buy now, wear whenever." Instead, leave it up to entropy, which is sort of like letting the universe choose your clothes except not, because you still have to recognize those patterns yourself. When you open yourself to probability or luck, as some might call it, you might see that this brocade looks kind of cool with that brocade or that lilac really can go with trousers the color of an old football.
A post shared by Marques Almeida (@marques_almeida)
A photo posted by on
4. But also not so much so that you've no idea what you own
Think of your closet as the new Mansur Gavriel boutique or Colette, where there's only one of everything, and you're not allowed to pick it up. (Because these are cool stores, not regular stores.) Keeping your stock out in the open helps you remember what you've got at a glance, which, in turn, keeps your mental catalogue fresh. Tangential: Decision fatigue, schmecision schmatigue—personal style is a perfectly good waste of brain space, no matter what Mark Zuckerberg says.
5. No more The Chair
Bad.
Follow Marie Claire on Facebook for the latest celeb news, beauty tips, fascinating reads, livestream video, and more.
Stay In The Know
Marie Claire email subscribers get intel on fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more. Sign up here.
Chelsea Peng is a writer and editor who was formerly the assistant editor at MarieClaire.com. She's also worked for The Strategist and Refinery29, and is a graduate of Northwestern University. On her tombstone, she would like a GIF of herself that's better than the one that already exists on the Internet and a free fro-yo machine. Besides frozen dairy products, she's into pirates, carbs, Balzac, and snacking so hard she has to go lie down.
-
Women on ‘The Hills’ Were Put In ‘Compromised Situations’ Like ‘Blood Sport,’ Cast Member Lo Bosworth Says
As compared to its predecessor, ‘Laguna Beach,’ Bosworth said ‘The Hills’ had a “much bigger impact from a drama and trauma perspective.”
By Rachel Burchfield Published
-
Emma Stone Has a Credit on Bestie Taylor Swift's 'Tortured Poet's Department'
Their decade-long friendship has been immortalized in Swift's discography for the second time.
By Quinci LeGardye Published
-
Kourtney Kardashian Barker Loves Her Postpartum Body, Thank You Very Much
After a body shaming troll tried to tear her down, she reminded them that her body “gave me my 3 big babies and my little baby boy.”
By Rachel Burchfield Published
-
Stylists on Why Leather Jackets Are a Great Investment
Fashion insiders weigh in on their favorite styles.
By Lauren Tappan Published
-
Grown-Ups Are Rediscovering the Charm of Peter Pan Collars
From bibbed button-downs to round-neck leather jackets, this year's takes feel more sophisticated than sweet.
By Emma Childs Published
-
Sabrina Carpenter Wears Vintage Victoria's Secret Lingerie to Tease Upcoming Coachella Performance
Her look was pulled from the brand's 1997 archives.
By Lauren Tappan Published
-
The Best Chunky Sandals Prove Minimalism Is Out
Another footwear trend embracing maximalism in 2024.
By Lauren Tappan Published
-
The Brands to Shop for the Best Swimsuits
From size-inclusive labels to sustainable and designer options, this list is all-encompassing.
By Lauren Tappan Published
-
The Best Vacation-Worthy Beach Dresses
From barely-there to playful fringe.
By Lauren Tappan Published
-
Could a 'Shirt Sandwich' Pull You Out of a Fashion Rut?
The gourmet styling trick may help you fall back in love with your wardrobe.
By Emma Childs Published
-
The Best Spring Dresses Simplify Any Outfit Formula
Style this wardrobe staple for any occasion, from farmer's markets to formal affairs.
By Lauren Tappan Published