The Perfect Closet
The Illusion of Perfection
The perfect closet exists, but it is not located on the other side of your next purchase. According to the Public Interest Research Group, the average American buys 53 new articles of clothing each year. That’s more than one new thing per week and four times as much as in the year 2000. Thus, garment manufacturers are now producing more than 100 billion pieces every year.
The Problem is Us
It’s easy to blame fast fashion for our overconsumption. Indeed, rapacious corporate greed is a part of the problem. But companies are ceaselessly churning out new attire only because we shoppers keep demanding it.
The Myth of Trendiness
Just like everyone else, you and I yearn to be trendy. When you think about it, though, “trendy” is just marketing jargon that really means “soon to go out of style.”
The Key to a Perfect Closet
As a recovering perfectionist, I know it feels like that new belt, those new shoes, that new dress will scratch your consumer itch. After all, you’re just a few outfits away from a flawless closet, right? No.
The True Meaning of “Perfect”
You see, the word “perfect” comes from the Latin word “perfectus,” which breaks down into “completo” (“completely”) and “facere” (“do”). In other words, “perfect” does not mean “complete”; it means “completely done.”
The Path to a Perfect Closet
Thus, the key to a perfect closet is not addition—it is subtraction. The wardrobe you want won’t be crafted by acquiring more clothes. (How many years have you been sold that lie?) No, it is uncovered when you jettison the clutter that incompleted your closet in the first place.
A Call to Action
So, instead of buying a new item every week, just like your fellow trendsetters, what would happen if you let go of ten items this week? You can start with anything you haven’t worn in the last year. Soon, you will find yourself donating everything you haven’t worn in the last 90 days.
The Result
In the end, with all the excess out of the way, all that remains are your favorite clothes. The perfect closet was hiding in your closet this whole time. No purchase necessary.
Conclusion
The perfect closet is not something you can buy; it’s something you can create. By letting go of the clutter that’s holding you back, you can discover the perfect closet that’s been hiding all along.
FAQs
* Q: What’s the best way to start decluttering my closet?
A: Start with anything you haven’t worn in the last year.
* Q: How often should I donate my clothes?
A: Donate anything you haven’t worn in the last 90 days.
* Q: Will I still be trendy without buying new clothes?
A: Focus on what you already have, and you’ll be surprised at how stylish you can be without relying on the latest trends.