In one week, I'll be attending an event I'm rather nervous about: lots of new people, potentially fraught interactions, and a lot of unknowns. And so, like a little kid before her first day of school, I've laid out my clothes to give me a bit of confidence. One less unknown, and a reminder that amidst all the nervousness, I'm excited, too…
Walking past my dress every day makes me feel like, "Okay, whatever else happens, however I'm received, however charming or awkward I end up being, at least I'll be clothed appropriately. Pulled together, nothing falling off, nothing stained or ripped (knock on wood), comfortable-enough shoes if there's lots of standing, and a wrap if it's cold. Let's do this." Of course, this would all still be true if my outfit was tucked away in the closet as usual, but something about seeing it encourages me to give myself a tiny psych-up speech every time.
The other benefit is that I get to gaze at my beloved new (used) dress! It sure does pretty up the place. The thing about clothes is that you don't really get to see them while you're wearing them, and I think many of us own at least one piece we consider the artistic equal of our favorite painting or sculpture.
Do you lay out your clothes the night (or week) before an important event like a job interview or date? Does it help calm your nerves? Or would doing so make you more stressed, and you'd rather not dwell on it?
(Image: Tess Wilson)
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I do this for weight loss motivation. I find something that I would LOVE to wear and hang it up somewhere that I see it everyday. It's very exciting when I can pull it off the wall and actually get it on my body.
What a lovely, fun outfit!
Good luck at your nerve-wracking event --- you'll be great!
I know exactly what you mean. It calms me to know that whatever else is unknown, I know what I'm going to wear and it's all right there. I won't have to fumble or panic getting dressed. From a kid who wore uniforms for 12 years of school, I still have mastered the whole grown up getting dressed appropriately routine. I have a hook on the back of the closet door that is my staging area.
What a great idea. I'm one of those people who's always running out the door slightly late because I can never decide on an outfit in the morning. I'm gonna start doing this.
Since moving into a house with only one closet (that I graciously gave up to my boyfriend) I've had to employ a dress rack in combination with a metal rod resting between rafters. While I was a little distressed about the situation at first, seeing all my clothes at once instead of having them crammed in a closet has actually made a big difference. Already this week I'm wearing clothes I haven't worn in months or putting them in combinations that I hadn't thought of. It's so so true when it comes to clothes: Out of sight, out of mind.
Love the dress.
@kellieinCA- TOTALLY. Thoughts of this (strapless) dress definitely have helped motivate me at the gym when the weights seem too damn heavy.
@Griffin- you are sweet. Thanks!
I love your dress and shoes and wrap!. (outfit)..I see you in it confident and outgoing and approachable and having fun..../laying your clothes out 'the night before' reminded me of school days...and felt 'all set' and no scrambling....I've been a 'scrambler' in the morning now for years when I think of it...hmm..that will change now..thanks!
One of my major morning stressors has been trying to put together an outfit while only about half awake. I have greatly reduced this stress by laying out the entire outfit (including shoes, accessories) the night before. That way, all I have to do in the mornings is step into it!
Even though this is temporary, I love it!
I had a great vintage dress hanging on the wall at an apartment many moons ago. I have a vintage hanger collection that I love to use to display stuff! A few people thought it was the strangest thing, but why not hang something up with great color that gets you thinking! It makes a lot more sense to me than a bunch of generic posters or art that don't mean anything to me. I want to do the same at my new place (my grown up married lady apartment) with painted brass nails and my vintage hangers.
This is one of my favorite ways to motivate myself for the work day. The night before a potentially stressful day, I choose a favorite outfit -- including hair accessories, jewelry, undies and shoes -- and I display them where I can see them. If I wake up at night, worrying, I look over and see my lovely dress waiting for me. And I know that no matter what else happens in the morning, I am gonna rock that outfit all day long. It always makes me feel better.