Welcome to the COVID Closet Challenge!
Inspired by stories of women who gave up clothing shopping for AN ENTIRE YEAR, I figured quarantine time is the ideal time to give it a go. The COVID Closet Challenge will run from Monday to Friday for four weeks in May. During that time, we are going to attempt to put together twenty different outfits using what we already have in our closets.
Through this exercise, you’ll discover and rediscover treasures in your wardrobe. On top of that, you will get out of your comfort zone, both literally and figuratively. Perhaps most importantly, you’ll identify gaps in your wardrobe. When retailers finally open their ever-loving doors again, you’ll know what you need exactly and not just go coo-coo for cocoa puffs.
Your Mission Should You Choose To Accept It:
- Remix your wardrobe by new creating combinations with what you already own
- Get more wear out of your clothes
- Identify buying habits
- Discover gaps in your wardrobe
- Battle quarantine boredom
A Few Tips
If you’re like most people, you wear just 20% of your closet 80% of the time. For the sake of fashion, your wallet, and the environment, let’s work on that, shall we?
Before we get started, it is helpful to have a couple of things on hand. Grab a piece(s) of ribbon or string and a magazine(s) or piece(s) of cardboard.
First, tie a piece of ribbon/string around the left end of your clothes rod(s). All the clothes on the rod should to the right of the ribbon. Each time you wear an item, move it to the left of the ribbon.
Secondly, place a magazine or a piece of cardboard on top of the stack of clothes you keep folded. You might need one for each drawer or shelf. Once you wear something from this section of your wardrobe, place it on top of the magazine/cardboard.
At the end of the month, you’ll have a better sense of which items you wear most often and which items should be released to a friend, given to charity, consigned, or thrown out. Those items will be on the left of the ribbons and underneath the magazines.
Here is your daily outfit inspiration:
Some Ground Rules
You’ll notice sometimes I have asked you to restyle the same article of clothing a few ways. Other times I want you to bring in something new.
Don’t forget to also play with shoes and accessories. They are the sprinkles on your cupcake and can tie a look together or change the feel altogether.
Don’t be afraid to try something bold. It’s only clothing, after all. You might find your new favourite outfit was in front of you this whole time.
Look to magazines and websites for inspiration. Check out your favourite celebrity’s style. Ask yourself what would Amal, Meghan, Audrey, or Chloe do?
Try NOT to reuse the same pieces unless it is specifically stated. Try to pair items you have not worn together in the past. Experiment. Have fun!
You do not have to follow the chart strictly; just use it for inspiration. For instance, if you don’t have any floral print in your closet, substitute it for the leopard print you have on hand.
When you discover a gap in your wardrobe, be sure to put it on your shopping list.
What? You showered and did your hair and want to try several outfits in one day? Go for it!
One Last Thing
Use a full-length mirror and your smartphone to take a selfie in each outfit. Being once removed can help you gain a different perspective of your ensemble. As a bonus, you’ll also be creating a personal look book you can refer to later if you feel stumped for outfit ideas in the future.
Here’s What I Came Up With:
I invite and encourage you to share your outfits on my Facebook page in the comments. Too shy? Email me instead at [email protected].
