In order to make my way over to Italy for the semester I had to make a very big sacrifice. I had to put four months’ worth of clothing and shoes in a suitcase that could weigh no more than 50 pounds.
Imagine the horror.
This may sound like a simple step for some, but this daunting task haunted me for months. It wasn’t until four rounds of elimination later that my mom and I weighed the suitcase and screamed when we saw “48 lbs.” pop up on the small digital scale. Of course with two more pounds to spare we added more stuff because I have no self-control.
As a true packrat, I find cleaning out my closet to be a difficult task. I envy the girls with closets full of seamless basics that mix and match effortlessly with the rest of their wardrobes. The key to packing up my life in a suitcase for four months was to strip away all the “fluff” in my closet and find the pieces that could not only be worn with a variety of items, but also could transition from summer to winter.
I won’t lie. I miss the rest of my clothes, but this semester has given me an appreciation for my basics and the power of a wardrobe with a solid foundation. Additionally, I am encouraged to make new combinations as to keep my looks from growing stale.
This look is simple, I realize that, but it’s a combination I probably wouldn’t have made before this semester. My denim skirt is usually a piece reserved for knotted T-shirts, chunky sweaters and class. Without my usual skirt array to choose from I’ve had to make it more versatile than a comfy weekday option. On a weekend’s mini shopping excursion, I tried to give the denim piece a slightly more elevated look by pairing a cape top with it in an attempt to add both formality and interest to the silhouette. My white Converse are the perfect shoes for navigating the cobblestone, and a quirky pair of sunglasses are a cheap and easy way to add style to an outfit that might otherwise be considered plain.
I’m not saying you should get rid of those more exciting pieces, those are what really differentiates your style anyway. However, if you’re tight on money (or space) and are out shopping, really evaluate every piece’s versatility before making that final decision. It’ll maximize the outfits at your disposal and encourage subtle ways of adding personality to a set that you might not have thought of before.
