How’s Your Relationship With Your Closet?

By Brian Maynor

This week while reading my favorite blogs and websites I found a common theme in a lot of articles, and that was the relationship between you and your clothes.

We know there is an emotional connection between what we wear and how we feel and it is undeniable that we ask a lot of our clothes.  This new twist actually looks at how we treat and care for our clothes in the subjective, and some of the insights were surprising.

Here are a few of the highlights that stuck with me and they range from closet organization to outfit inspiration:

 

1.   Pay homage to your clothes.  Think about it.  How many times have you stopped and actually thanked your clothes for all they do?  That doesn’t necessarily mean talking to them, which I’m sure we’ve all done at some point, but more of a general appreciation.  It may sound strange to consider sending positive thoughts to your closet, but it can’t hurt.  What’s the worse thing that could happen, you feel better when you pull on a sweater because you have a deeper appreciation for it?

2.   Treat your clothes well.  This doesn’t just mean how you launder them, but more about how you handle and store them.  Home organization tools are big business, but how many of us still wad up our socks and underwear or cram as many t-shirts and shorts into a drawer as possible to the point that we have to push them down in order to close the drawer?  If we take the time to properly fold our clothes, one recommendation was to roll them like a sushi roll, not only are you creating more space for them you are actually showing them respect.  Socks and underwear are some of the hardest working garments we own and yet they are often treated with the least regard.  That just doesn’t sound right.

3.   Opposites Attract.  If want some new outfit inspiration just apply this relationship tenet.  Instead of reaching for the safe, classic pairings that ‘go together’ try going outside the box with something completely different.  When you stop and think about it this opens a lot of doors.  You could start with opposite color palettes; opposite styles; opposite occasions, or opposite materials.  The key to remember is the more different they are the better they work together.  While this might not always ring true with interpersonal relationships it is foolproof with your clothes.

 

At first glance the thought of being in a relationship with your clothes may sound a bit odd, but when you look at it there are a lot of similarities.  When you value your clothes and treat them with respect, acknowledging how much the do for you, they return the favor by helping you feel better every time you wear them.  That sounds like a healthy relationship to me!

 

Click here or on the images below to learn more about the outfit.

 

Click here or on the images below to learn more about the outfit.

 

I am always curious to hear from you and what you see in the workplace.  Send your questions, comments and pet peeves to [email protected].  Also find each of these storyboards at http://brianmaynor.polyvore.com with links to purchase each item.

About Brian Maynor

Brian Maynor has built a reputation as one of the leading style coaches in the Southeast and is quickly expanding his eponymous company, BRIAN MAYNOR and his FIND, FLATTER & FLAUNT line of image consulting services. A professional with a fresh, upbeat and down-to-earth personality and boundless creative energy, he works frequently with with local celebrities; Fortune 500 companies and nonprofit organizations; modeling agencies; fashion designers; production companies; record labels; media and individuals. A regular contributor to various fashion blogs and online communities, Brian Maynor is one of the most trusted and recognized style experts in the region, utilizing his education and training as a broadcast journalist to serve as a style lecturer, emcee, and commentator for over a decade. He has appeared at fashion shows, expos, and charity fundraisers, as well as events with big brands like Banana Republic, Ann Taylor, Chico’s and Macy’s. His approach is innovative, creative and fashion-forward, balancing fresh, modern styles with classic pieces to keep one’s look grounded. To learn more, visit http://www.brianmaynor.com.

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