Emotional Durability in the Context of Fashion Explained
Emotional Durability in fashion is an essential factor to build a meaningful wardrobe due to the strong connection we have with some of our clothes. In this blog and later in the video, we delve into the concept of emotional durability in fashion and how it can transform your wardrobe into a meaningful collection of garments that last.
The emotional connection we build with our clothes is the reason why some pieces become wardrobe favourites while others end up forgotten in the back of the closet. Psychologists have studied this topic, and they’ve found that the positive emotions we have when we wear our favourite outfits aren’t just about physical durability. It’s not just about clothes that withstand wear due to strong fabrics and reinforced seams. It’s about forming an emotional connection. Once we build an emotional durability with our garments, we’ll go to great lengths to repair and preserve these cherished pieces, long after they’ve acquired that special “patina.”
The benefits of having a wardrobe filled with emotionally durable pieces
Knowing how to replicate those positive emotions with your new purchases will help you save money by investing in pieces that truly matter. Those items will give you a sense of identity and will be so inherently you that you will want to wear them over and over again. In addition, developing a deeper connection with your clothing will help you discover your style. And in the end, such a meaningful wardrobe will help you reduce waste and contribute to a more sustainable environment.
By choosing garments that hold personal significance, reflect your style evolution, or remind you of special moments, you create a wardrobe that brings you joy and satisfaction every time you wear it.
A. Milestones
Items that have accompanied us through important stages of life are also a good example. For instance, that jacket you bought for your first job, the jeans that fit again after childbirth, or the cashmere sweater you bought when your salary allowed for such a luxury.
For me, as a personal stylist, a significant moment was when I decided to embrace second-hand fashion. It was challenging, but I cherish the beginnings of this change and the first two pieces I bought: a silk top from a vintage shop in Milan and a green velvet blazer from an online second-hand platform. These pieces are special because they remind me of the start of that journey and my shift in perspective on fashion. It also remind me of the terrifying feeling when I ordered a second hand piece online and the satisfaction when the item turned out perfect in my mail box.
B. Memories
Some garments remind us of fond memories, like our prom dress or graduation party dress or outfit we wore when we met our partner or an item borrowed from a dear friend in college and never returned. It could even be a cherished family heirloom.
For me it’s my graduation dress I am still wearing it, mostly as a skirt nowadays.
C. Gifts
Clothing items received as gifts from loved ones hold sentimental value and remind us of the thoughtfulness behind the gesture. I received this bag on my birthday as a gift and I cherish every moment of it.
Practical tips for choosing clothing that you’ll love and wear for years
Now, let’s talk about how you can replicate this emotional connection with new purchases. Because new items don’t come with built-in memories, they are not gifted by a dear one and have not that milestones emotion attached to it.
Psychologists determined that emotional durability can be built also with garments that will give you a sense of identity, meaning that this will complement the rest of your wardrobe and fit seamlessly into your style.
A. Wardrobe Staples
Let’s talk about wardrobe staples that become synonymous with your personal style. These aren’t just neutral timeless pieces but items that reflect your unique style. For me, these staple pieces are:
#1 a pair of leopard print pants bought in 2017 because it was the first item I ever acquired in animal print and it was the beginning of a love story with these patterns. This was a clear shift in my style, from classic as a lawyer in the office with romantic elements outside of the office to dramatic style.
Can you recognize such a moment in your style journey? Maybe it was less voluntary and more forced because of the pandemic or maybe it was once you changed jobs or careers, or countries or climates?
All the other garments in leopard pattern I bought later on were a great success and I still wore them today. Plus leopard print is a classic print, it never goes out of fashion (not that we are following trends here but we stay true to our style :)).
#2 a white blazer bought in 2017.
I still wear it all summer long both in the office and outside of the office. Again with this piece I moved away from the classic lawyer look because it’s longer and slightly oversized and clearly signaled a shift in my style.
This year, I bought a new white blazer, even more oversized and thus more modern than the previous one.
Another staple item is:
#3 a pair of pink stilettos
I got after discovering my skin undertone is cool. Unlike my previous nude or beige shoes, which weren’t flattering for my skin undertone, these light pink stilettos look amazing and match almost any outfit!
#4 a black wool and silk turtleneck
I bought years ago—it’s high quality, and I still love it. Despite some wear and tear, I repaired it. When it becomes unwearable, I will definitely buy a similar one.
B. Custom-made or Handmade Pieces
Items that are tailored-made or handmade, providing a sense of pride and uniqueness are also good candidates for building that emotional durability.
For me, it’s:
#5 a silver sequin dress tailored by a tailor based on my design for a roaring 20s party in 2011 and an
#6 evening gown that was tailored specifically for me in 2012 based on a design the fashion house already had in their portfolio. This I made as a wedding guest in 2013.
#7 a pair of leather boots custom-made at a shoe atelier in 2019 in Bucharest.
C. Investment Pieces
You can build emotional durability with high-quality, timeless garments that last and elevate any outfit, like a luxurious wool coat, a classic leather handbag, or a well-made pair of boots.
For me, it’s:
#8 a striped silk shirt that suits me perfectly qua colour and my typology and
#9 a pair of well-made tan sandalsbought in Venice in 2016.
Looking back, none of these items were very expensive, but at the time, they were significant investments given my budget. Even if nowadays, I could spend more on shoes or a silk blouse, but these pieces are more valuable and I sitll wear them very often. In addition, the sandals carry the fond memories of that trip, making them more than just worn footwear.
Conclusions
Building emotional durability in your wardrobe is about more than just the physical longevity of your clothes. It’s about forging a deeper connection with the pieces you own. By choosing garments that hold personal significance, reflect your style evolution, or remind you of special moments, you create a wardrobe that brings you joy and satisfaction every time you wear it.
