Why You Never Wear That Piece Of Clothing

In my closet there’s this piece of clothing that I never wear. It’s a jumpsuit with floral detail. On paper, this sounds exactly like something I love (I do!) Yet for some reason it never leaves the closet.

If you’re in a similar situation – with a wardrobe that contains lovable but unworn items – watch the video where I explain why you’re not wearing these things. And what to do so you avoid bringing these kinds of clothes into your life.

And read on for my stylist advice on…

Why you don’t wear that piece of clothing

How many times have you gone shopping, found something you had to have, and then you bring it home and never put it on?

I hate when this happens. And because I dealt with it many times, I had to figure out how to put an end to this annoyance.

So I looked closely at the lovable but unworn items to find the common thread.

What was it about each piece of clothing that I resist wearing?

Then I saw it.

These items do not meet my styling non-negotiables. They don’t fulfill the job I need them to do. Because yes, each item in your closet has a job do if you want to have a functional wardrobe.

The Job Of Your Clothes

Whether you realize it or not – your clothing has a job to do, and it goes beyond just covering your body! And everyone has a different expectation of what they need their outfits to do.

It could be based on the weather. If you live in a place that has 4 seasons, like I do in NYC, then I need my clothing to help me adapt to the different climates. If it’s 10 degrees outside, my body is much happier in a wool sweater then in a mesh blouse. Because I like to stay warm.

On the flip side, if it’s summer you won’t see me wearing a wool sweater. But you will still see me in long sleeves. Because this is another one of my styling non-negotiables. I need my clothing to keep me from being overexposed.

Outfit Needs Are Personal

The second job of my clothing is to provide protection from the sun in the warmer months. In fact, this is a higher priority than keeping me cool as I wear long sleeves…even if it’s 95 degrees! You may think I’m crazy. And that’s fine. Our clothing needs are different.

Another category of styling needs could be activity based. I live in Manhattan where walking 10k steps isn’t unusual. You probably could guess that I’m not doing this kind of activity in stiletto heels. Most of my shoes are comfortable. In fact, my entire style is somewhat sporty because of the active lifestyle I live. So having the ability to move freely is important to me.

The Reason You’re Not Wearing That Item

So when you look at the lovable but unworn items in your closet, ask yourself if they’re meeting your styling non-negotiables. What’s the reason you’re not wearing them?

Is it because it doesn’t work for the weather? Or does it make you uncomfortable in your activities? Another styling non-negotiable could be versatility. If that piece of clothing doesn’t go with anything else…it’s not meeting your needs! Consider what you need your clothing to do to make your everyday style something you love and want to wear.

What’s the most important thing you need your clothing to do for you (aside from keeping you from going outside naked.).