BY AARDE WRITES for WEEKLY VOLCANO 8/29/25 |
Hey Aarde,
Every time the season changes, I look at my closet, which is stuffed to the brim, and realize that I hate all of my clothes. I don’t even feel like the same person who bought those clothes. How can I create a wardrobe that represents who I am as a person now without hiring a personal stylist or spending my entire paycheck on a new wardrobe?
Signed,
Wardrobe Wanderer
Hey Wardrobe Wanderer,
One of the quickest ways to get irritated is to go into a closet full of clothes and come out empty-handed, with a pile of discarded items on the bed that you’ll have to deal with later. You’ve come to the right place; I have had a slight reputation for enjoying a good shopping spree and regretting most of what I’ve bought. However, over the years, I have been able to narrow down my practice and walk away feeling satisfied with my results.
It’s essential to come to terms with where we live and recognize that a four-season wardrobe requires adequate storage space. Granted, during the summer months, those wool sweaters and long, puffy jackets can be packed into a suitcase and stored in a crawl space or under the bed, but for the most part, we need a variety of options to layer throughout the year.
The most important piece of advice is to invest in high-quality fibers: cotton, linen, wool (not all wool is scratchy), hemp, bamboo, and silk. Natural fibers are breathable, stackable, comfortable, and longer lasting. High-end synthetic fibers also have their purpose: modal, Tencel/lyocell, viscose, and rayon from bamboo are all soft, breathable, often antimicrobial, strong, stretchy, and moisture-wicking materials—excellent advantages for performance or everyday wear (wrinkle-resistant materials are great for travel).
You don’t have to spend a fortune to buy quality fibers. I often find my linen, wool, and silk at thrift stores for a fraction of the cost. You can try secondhand clothing stores such as Plato’s Closet (38th St.), Runway Fashion Exchange (Steel St.), Megs & Mo’s (Proctor), or Blue (Proctor), or shop online at sites like Poshmark to save some bucks. If you find a brand that fits your figure well, it’s worth investing in a few pieces of the same brand. Once you’ve determined some staple pieces, don’t hesitate to spend a few extra dollars on better-quality items. The antithesis of fast fashion, these items will last longer due to better stitching and fabric, and you’ll also wear them more often because of the piece’s comfort. In the summer, I rarely wear anything besides cotton or linen—it’s just too comfortable to go back to those inexpensive seasonal fads, usually made with lower-quality synthetic fabrics that don’t allow my body to breathe and fall apart after a few washes.
Now let’s talk about self-styling. The issue most of us face is related to aligning with who we are and how we want to present ourselves to the world; this means we must understand what our values, mood, and style reveal about us. Have you considered taking an online test to discover your archetype? An archetype is a fundamental, recurring pattern in human behavior, which philosopher Carl Jung refers to as an inherited predisposition residing in our unconscious. Knowing your general character archetype may help you identify where you feel the most comfortable in your essence. For instance, I am a “Creator,” which pairs nicely with flowy, unique, handcrafted, mix-and-match, DIY elements in a wardrobe. Should someone be a “Sage,” they would embody a classic, understated, sophisticated, and intellectual style, showcasing clean lines, academic aesthetics, tailored blazers, button-down shirts, and thoughtful layering. Or perhaps you are an “Outlaw,” whose style tends to lean on its individuality, honoring a nonconforming spirit with edgy pieces that allow easy movement and a functional attitude; often seen in darker, earthy colors, layering leather with lighter fabrics. Interestingly, you might naturally reach for items that complement your archetype. Honor who you are with the textiles on your body and you will ultimately feel more like yourself.
We often have multiple presentations for ourselves, including home life, work life, and nightlife—each with its own section of the closet. Therefore, each piece must work positively for you and isn’t just taking up space. I like to spend one night a quarter editing my closet, usually when I have the house to myself. I put on music or a podcast, grab a refreshing beverage, and head to the closet. I’ll make three piles on my bed: 1. Items I wear frequently. 2. Items I wear very seldom but are for special occasions or fun costuming. 3. Items that I never grab or always take off within minutes of putting them on. Often, I’ll try on these outfits and determine how I feel about the pieces as I wear them while looking through other, more easily categorized items. Play dress up in your own closet! Make it fun and be sure to laugh at yourself. Try new combinations, tuck things in, or accessorize differently, and see if it feels better to wear. There are times when, if someone were around, they would hear me exclaim, “Get a load of this!” or “What in the world am I wearing?” Either way, I’m having fun and finding what suits my body (as it is ever-changing) and honoring my style.
That’s another thing. I have clear totes in my closet that are labeled for different metaphorical seasons within my body. Staple pieces that I love but only fit me during certain times of my life are stored in their corresponding box. It is always comforting to know that I have pieces that I like waiting for me as my body shifts.
I put everything back into the closet except for the clothes that didn’t make the cut. They are placed in a pile, which will remain in the corner for a week. If I don’t reach for anything in that pile for the whole week, it gets donated. And here’s the best part: it doesn’t always have to be donated to Goodwill or Value Village (although those are fine places to donate); consider donating to local organizations that help people transitioning after a difficult time. Here are a few options: Tacoma Rescue Mission, St. Vincent de Paul, Just Threads Clothing Bank, Our Father’s Kitchen Clothing Bank, Pat’s Clothing Closet, People’s Community Closet, and Hope Sparks Closet. Or consider hosting a clothing “Round Robin” with a group of friends, where each brings their unwanted items for a giant swap party! Get a few new pieces while visiting friends and watch them walk away with something much more suited for them, with smiles on their faces!
