How to Solve the “I Have Nothing to Wear” Syndrome

I shared a post years ago about how I solve the”I have nothing to wear” syndrome. You know what I mean, right? You walk into your closet, and immediately panic. Or get annoyed, or upset, or frustrated, or any range of emotions that is not on the happy and joyful spectrum.

Ironically, you do shop and have plenty of clothes in your closet. No matter how big or small your closet is, so many of us have the same frustrations.

So, what’s going on here?

It’s the “I HAVE NOT NOTHING TO WEAR” SYNDROME!

Sure, magazines share the “top 10 items” every wardrobe should have, and I know capsule collections are a popular and helpful approach to better utilizing your wardrobe. That said, most of us are always feeling like this there has to be something — EASY — we can do. I mean, this is a funny print to hang in our closet, but is it?

Here’s what I suggest: 

Keep a pen and piece of paper near your closet.

The next time you feel like you’re about to explode — or implode — because you’re so frustrated by a closet full of NOTHING, Write down the item you’re searching for.  You can also keep a notes tab in your phone with the same info. Just put it somewhere you’ll access.

Can you never find a cute blouse?

Is it the perfect pair of jeans?

A certain color heel or wedge?

Just a really great casual tee with a little personality?

Are your current pants ill fitting?

Could you use a one-piece wonder: a shift dress that’s good for work and then can be loaded on with jewelry for happy hour?

Do you wish you had a fab top that’s not black for going out at night?

Is all you’re lacking a fab pair of statement sunglasses?

When you feel stressed out, write down what you would love to be George Jetson-ed to your closet that instant.

Now, you have the top 5 (or 10, or whatever) items you’re lacking.

The next time you’re shopping or get a sale email, do not impulsively purchase. DO NOT. You are only shopping for these items.

It’s honestly empowering to pass on a smokin’ good deal — and you’ll likely feel like you saved money. 😉 We all know how our brains work. Crazy but true.

Once you know what you’re seeking, it’s so much easier to push aside the rest and likely the other items you already have duplicates of in your closet.

By the way, just because a blogger mentions she’s now purchasing that tee in all the other colors does not mean you need to get on that crazy bandwagon. Sorry to any bloggers who do this, but I hate it… it’s encouraging unnecessary spending and physical clutter. Now, if you seriously need to update your tees and could use four or five, by all means. Just don’t do it because someone else mentions they’re “going to snag it in all the colors.”

So what do you think… can you do this? For a long time, I had my list in my phone and it was honestly SO helpful and freeing. If it wasn’t on the list, pass.

Try it and report back!

And, if you’re looking for tips to clean out your closet, you must read this.