Why our wardrobes are a reflection of our lives

There is one thing in our lives that is always a work in progress: creating a powerful, perfect wardrobe for an imperfect, ever-changing life.

If you think caring about what you wear is superficial, you are wrong. For us humans, clothes have always been the way we communicate big messages. What we wore in history, and what we wear now, tells the viewer about our status in society, our wealth, or how we are feeling. The way you dress has a huge impact on your life. Wearing the right clothes to a job interview or to a date can help you reach your goals faster. But if you wear the wrong attire, you may miss the boat.

You may ask, is it right that we judge others on how they look? Maybe not, but I think it is an undeniable part of human nature. There is so much power in our wardrobes, and we have to learn how to work with it. It is therefore not a surprise that looking good is a lifelong and expensive project for many people.

The wardrobe evolution

Curating the perfect wardrobe is not only for those who are interested in fashion and style. The wardrobe is a place where everyone starts their day. It is a mirror of our lives and has earned a place in the room where we sleep. Show me your wardrobe, and I know what kind of job you have, what styles you prefer, and whether you like to stand out or not.

The wardrobe should not be seen as a museum. It should change, just like our minds and bodies do. My view on what a perfect wardrobe is, has changed a lot in the last 10 years. The biggest difference is that in my twenties I used my clothes to pretend to be someone else. I dressed to impress the beautiful ladies I was jealous of and the boys I wished would give me attention. I think this is a very recognizable attitude for a lot of young people and a mindset we have to unlearn as we age. We can give our wardrobe-power away or we can use it for our own good.

Now, in my thirties, I am more practical than fashionable. I want clothes that feel good, make me look good, and fit my lifestyle seamlessly. Even though I am happy with my closet now, I am 100% sure my style, my life, and my body will change. The perfect wardrobe is a moment and a moment only. Change is ever consistent in every part of our lives. And that makes the wardrobe a beautiful reflection of our lives. We should approach it with curiosity and patience, with self-love and creativity. Sometimes we try something new; sometimes we let something go. That is the circle of life, and our wardrobes.

Documenting the process

The way our wardrobes grow with us is a fascinating journey to document. I share my ongoing journey in more depth on my YouTube channel. It is not easy, especially when you are trying to do it in a sustainable way. I found out what colours look the best on me and what styles, materials and shapes work with my current body. And doing all the work in advance, makes getting dressed in the morning very easy. To me, my clothes are not just a way to protect myself from the elements, I use them to feel confident and express myself creatively. And on occasion, score my dream job or make a good impression on a network event. If this resonates with you, you are very welcome to join me there. I find that you do not need to be an expert in something to tell your story. Sometimes sharing the things you did wrong and how you are handling them next time is more interesting and inspiring.

Choose sustainability, not a dead earth

The fashion industry is one of the most polluting industries in the world. The amount of abuse, corruption, poisoning of lands and waters, and waste is absolutely horrifying. This is not only true for fast fashion, but also for most of the big designer houses. Whether you like to shop or not, you are still living on this earth and are thereby affected immensely. The best thing to do is buy your clothing in secondhand stores near you and only buy what you need. Or make it yourself from sustainably sourced fabrics. Please consider sustainable alternatives the next time you go shopping. In my YouTube videos I often give tips on how to thrift successfully.