How to Overcome the ‘Nothing-to-Wear’ Blues

Do you ever have days when you feel like you’ve got nothing to wear?

I have a wardrobe full of clothes. It's color-coordinated, organized by type, and by season. It's basically a work of art. Yet, some days I open it and it may as well be empty.

Yes, I know it sounds like a dumb cliche. I know saying ‘oh I’ve got nothing to wear’ makes me sound like a dithering idiot.

But it's nonetheless true.

This shirt doesn’t quite fit properly.

This dress has always made me look like a sack of potatoes.

I’ve secretly never really liked this skirt since the day after I bought it.

And the rest of it — well I just don’t feel like wearing any of it today. It’s all completely uninspiring.

See? Nothing to wear.

But because this happens to me so regularly, I’ve got a few tricks I use to help me make that painful, dreaded decision.

#1 Wear a Completely New Combination

I remember when I first began watching fashion shows.

I don't mind admitting, that I spent the first few being both intrigued and very confused.

The models all wore such strange, wacky combinations of clothes. Things that no one would wear together in boring everyday reality, but somehow worked so well on the runway.

And it was this sense of transcendent style that made me fall in love with high fashion.

So, if you’re feeling uninspired by your wardrobe, remember fashion is supposed to be unique and surprising and eye-catching.

Own it.

Deliberately put together two or more pieces from your wardrobe you’ve never won together. Don’t worry if you’re a little uncertain about the combo or if you feel like you stand out — those feelings are signs you’ve succeeded.

Trust me, your new outfit will give you a buzz that will even take you through a day of soul-sucking corporate meetings.

I’m not saying you have to dress quite as surreally as haute couture madness. But if your fashion doesn’t feel even a little experimental you’re missing the point.

I mean let's face it, as crazy as your outfit maybe, it's not even going to come close to some of the stuff they pull in ‘haute couture.

#2 Just Keep it Simple

Sometimes, when you’re not excited by our wardrobe, just go for something simple. Fashion doesn’t need to be exciting every day.

Sometimes the best way to fight fashion ennui is with some quiet elegance.

Everyone has a couple of staples in their wardrobe that makes them feel pretty, or slim, or well put together.

They’re usually basics like a nice little black dress, smart blazer, or a flattering pair of pants.

(And, obviously, if you don't have these comfort go-to's in your wardrobe, go out and buy some as soon as possible, they're a life-saver for your midweek rut.)

Lean into their simplicity. Keep the outfit ultra plain - neutral colors, nothing extra, just your comfort clothes.

Dress it up with a couple of nice accessories. A day when none of your clothes feel right is the perfect chance to let some of your favorite jewelry pieces shine.

And to be honest, there’s no clearer sign of a truly stylish person than someone who is able to pull off simple flawlessly. Achieving intentional minimalism is the ultimate fashion endgame.

Think Audrey Hepburn munching a croissant in a plain black dress accessorized by a single string of white pearls. That’s the ultimate (probably unachievable let's face it) goal.

#3 Build your outfit around one item

For me it's shoes. Again, with the cliche fashion-girl vibes, I adore shoes of all kinds.

I try not to go into my favorite shoe shops too often because it's guaranteed I’ll come out hundreds of dollars poorer. But with no regrets.

However, I usually choose what shoes I’m going to wear based on what works with the outfit I’ve already chosen.

However when I get ‘nothing to wear syndrome’ I like to tip that on its head. I pick my favorite pair of new shoes. A fun, interesting pair.

Then I build my outfit around what would best show off these shoes.

For instance, I recently bought myself a pair of absolutely fabulous green boots. I‘d never found an opportunity to wear them. Peacock green boots have a way of outshining any outfit.

So, my day of nothing to wear became an opportunity to wear my new shoes for the first time.

You can try this trick with anything. A fun bag, hat, or coat. Turn your grey day into an opportunity to wear something you’ve always wanted to show off.

Fashion is about showcasing who you are and what you feel in the most interesting way possible. Just as we have grey days, and down moods, our fashion will follow. Inspiration is sporadic.

But there's no need to let the dreaded nothing to wear syndrome stop you from feeling and looking good.