Does the clothing we have hidden in the back of our closet represent us? Many would say we only express ourselves with what we wear on a daily basis or the most often. But what about all those impulse purchases we hold so dear that we refuse to throw away? You haven’t worn it in months, or years, why is it still there? Those articles of clothing still show some representation of our image, whether it is a beaten-up sweatshirt we received years ago, or a classy blazer we plan to wear for our first interview. That closet-bound clothing has a part in your personal expression because it is a part of who you are, either your past self, present self, or someone you want to be.
When picking out articles of clothing, most of the time we will think “I can wear that!”, and towards the register we go. And then, at some point after our purchase, that oh-so desired piece of clothing goes into hibernation in the back of our closets. But you bought those boots or that outfit for a reason, right? Even if that reason was “Because they were mad cute!” or “The price was just too much to pass up!” Or, maybe it was a gift, which you could not think of throwing away because you care about the giver’s feelings. That shows something about your personality, more than an outfit you wear on a daily basis. You care about others if you haven’t thrown away that sweater your grandma gave you. You had the confidence to buy a different style outfit than your norm because it looked too good to pass up. Why not make it more public?
For a long time, dresses and skirts went untouched in my closet. I was using up hangers for outfits I had never even worn. I was not about to throw them away though. I paid for them, liked them, or had received them as gifts from relatives. It just seemed rude to toss the clothes without even giving it a try. Recently, as a solution to this matter, I began Formal Friday. I committed myself to dressing up every Friday, which encouraged me to wear dresses and skirts that I thought would only appear for interviews or formal events. A simple change in my outfit meant I could use the clothing that was beginning to collect dust in my closet. A simple commitment can help bring out those untouched items. Have a little fun with it like I did.
In the essay “How Successful is Communication Via Clothing? Thoughts and Evidence on an Unexamined Paradigm”, Efrat Tseëlon discusses the meaning of clothing. As he says, there are two different ways we can view clothing: the “meaning of clothing” and “meanings we give to the clothes we wear”. Who is to truly say what clothing means, since so many different views can come into play? The wearer has his or her own meaning to the clothing, and then there are observers who also have their own ideas of the clothing. So who is right? Tseëlon says,
" …it is not enough to look at
somebody’s wardrobe and
interpret the meaning of the
signals he or she is sending
off with various outfits. We
need to include his or her
version of reality as well, and
evaluate both wearer’ and
observers’ accounts.”
In order to have an accurate judgment on an outfit, one must take into consideration the wearer’s purpose for the clothing, and then ask viewers around what they think or feel about the outfit. Observers will think on a more personal level about the clothing choice, such as making judgments on a person’s character or personality just from a quick look. On the other hand, the wearer will have a more “environmental” or situation view on his or her outfit. This could be why clothing that we haven’t touched in years may still hold some meaning to us. We know the story behind stains and rips. We smile at the elegant dress we might have bought with our first pay check. Clothing has a reason, especially if it is still sitting in our closets.
Anyone else could go into our closets and throw out every item that seems untouched. It takes more for us to do that. This is because the clothing in our closets, no matter how long it has been there, shows some representation of our personalities. It may be that torn up, grass-stained pair of jeans from a memorable summer with friends, or a pair of heels waiting for the school dance (if that person would just ask you!). Whatever the situation, your closet shows a little about your personality, no matter if you wore it all or not. Each untouched piece of clothing has some purpose to it, so why should not it represent a little part of us? Just cause it has not been worn in years or has not been worn at all does not mean there is not some memory or purpose attached to it? Our closets could be our past, present, and future selves, but not ready to be introduce to the world just yet.
By: Sarah Rup
Ethical Questions:
* Does the clothing in your closet express you, even if you are not wearing it?
* Sometimes we buy clothing at the store that we absolutely love, but when we try it on at home, we question why we would ever think it looks attractive and throw it to the back of our closets. Are we driven by the stores advertising? placement of clothing? Why does this happen?
* Is it right to lie to relatives about how much you love the outfit they gave you? At what point is it okay to tell them this isn't your style?
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