Sarah Screams (Fashion Advice) is The Michigan Daily’s biweekly fashion advice column. Submit your questions here!
I have fantastic news.
I bought knee-high brown boots. It’s officially April, the season of failed finals and false springs, which means I need the absolute smallest sliver of joy more than ever. As I’m writing this, the University of Michigan’s men’s basketball team has not (yet) won, but to be clear, having these boots that I have coveted for the better part of two years is an equivalent feeling for me. So, Daily Sports Writers, please don’t have my head for this bold declaration.
Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about how I’ll have to move my two full closets’ worth of clothes to my new-to-me-but-definitely-rundown college house quite soon. Currently, I’ve got a pleasant mix of “I wore this top when my first college crush talked about his favorite poem,” “My aunt gave me this top and I genuinely hate it but for some reason think my mind might change” and the classic “These jeans fit me three years ago but I cannot let them go and I know they will probably never fit me again but I have an emotional attachment to them” spread across broken hangers and shelves. It’s time for me to Marie Kondo my life. Too much unworn denim and dusty sweaters.
It’s an embarrassment for a fashion advice columnist like myself.
This question has been edited for clarity.
I’m bored with my current wardrobe rotation, but I don’t have a ton of money to spend on new clothes. What do I do? – G
Tale as old as time, G!
What always works for me is narrowing down my wardrobe. Yes, it’s possible that you hate every piece of clothing in your closet, but I struggle to believe that! Sometimes, our closets can feel like a space full of endless possibilities, and in those moments, the array of options can seem sort of grim. Before buying anything, try to give things away first. Figuring out what is not working — the fit, the color, the shape or even the item itself — can make the wardrobe refresh much more effective.
As for brainstorming ideas for purchases that could bring this fresh feeling we are all desperately searching for after this hellish winter, create a Pinterest board of the ideas that inspire you most. Even if it feels like you can’t pin down a specific vibe, consider two things: First, what would it take to make this outfit a reality, and second, what exactly am I loving about it? Is it the accessories, the fit or something else? Consider what your favorite influencers are doing, or what you’ve seen the fashion icons on the Diag wear: Imitation is the highest form of flattery! The resources that are immediately available to us, à la the chic art history major in your class, can be some of the easiest ways to get accessible ideas that you’re excited about.
After a proper clean out and a brainstorm, hit the thrift stores! Salvation Army is fairly close to campus, and they’re quite reliable for finding good pieces. The ShareHouse is my personal favorite, despite it being pricey at times. I always find really unique pieces that I love knowing no one else has.
It’s a marathon, not a sprint, G. It’s a process that is ever-rewarding, but never easy!
Daily Arts Writer Sarah Patterson can be reached at sarahpat@umich.edu.