There’s a rush in getting new clothes- the deciding what you love, picking it out, and then getting to take it home (or have it delivered). It’s part of why I personally love online shopping (you come home to presents to you from you!), there’s a rush in packages, there’s a high in finding novel things to wear, and we live in a culture that makes us think that we NEED the newest thing. And while it may be gauche to admit it, I (we?) all love new.
Which can be at odds with fashion advice about building a wardrobe that fits your life, that feels good, that can be worn over and over- a wardrobe that is full of good investments.
It begs the question, does it have to be new to be a great part of your go-to wardrobe?
For me, “does it have to be new?” is a completely different question from “do you re-wear your clothes?”. (And for the record, the answer is yes. You have seen this dress before, on the blog here)
Asking if you re-wear your clothes is a great start- because yes, I hope that everything in your closet (some very special exceptions aside) is a piece you’ll wear more than once. However, asking if something is new is asking if you have pieces in your closet that you can rewear again and again, restyle again and again, and those pieces still feel fresh and like you. New is great (and don’t get me wrong- I buy new), but nothing stays new forever.
Which of course, leads to more questions.
If a piece you love is only great new, is it something you need in your wardrobe? Should you seek out new or pieces that will make all your pieces feel new? And if you’re chasing new- are you making room by cleaning out your closet regularly? Is there an ethical way to always have new?
Some of those answers are incredibly personal. Some of them I feel as if we’re all discovering together. I love new, I shop (both new and vintage), and I like to think that I choose pieces that only ever add to my wardrobe, even when they’re not new. (I do attempt to clean out quarterly, but that’s much more difficult to do!). There’s a balance to this kind of shopping, and wearing, and I’m still trying to master it. New is such a rush- but putting on something that you’ve had for ages that still makes you feel good? That’s a rush too.
I didn’t change the styling too much on this dress. It’s never felt needed- it’s a great dress that makes me feel special, no matter what shoes, no matter what belt. Even with jackets and sweaters over it- this dress is a great piece. It hasn’t been new (to me) for over a year, and is still a go-to.
So. No. It doesn’t have to be new. Maybe it just has to bring out a side of you that you love. There’s a rush there, too.
This dress isn’t new but I’ve found similar ones and I’ve linked them below. I would love to hear about how you balance new and old in your closet, what you’re buying, and the rush certain clothes give you!
XO RA
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