When I step into my closet in the mornings to pick out an outfit, I usually already find a fairy, princess or ballerina (or two) perched on a ladder or hidden beneath the long dresses and pants. The small hands feeling the various fabrics and flipping through the hangers. At times, another head will appear from beneath the hanging clothes with a pair of shoes in hand. These explorations are met with “oh, my gosh,” “look at this,” and “you won’t believe what I found” as if a valuable treasure has been discovered. Those exclamations are typically followed with, “Mommy, you have to wear this!” One morning rushing to get the girls out of my closet, we struck a deal. Let me get dressed alone today, and you can pick out my clothes next week.
The following week was a short, holiday week. Few people would be at work to witness it. The idea seemed like a safe bet.
The Rules
- No bathing suits, except for the pool or lake
- Outfit must include a top and bottom. Or at least those areas of the body must be covered.
- Must be able to walk in the outfit.
Day 1: Minimalist Mommy
Stylist: 5-year-old daughter
Back to the basics with white, lacy Banana Republic top, Ann Taylor denim trousers, and Dooney and Bourke crossbody.
Make up: None
Hair: Natural
I felt carefree… Comfortable and easy to move around in. My arms were free, which was good because only my phone, keys, sunglasses, small wallet and lip gloss made it into my purse. Everything else was carried (and dropped). Definitely missed my large tote but gave new life to a purse found in my parent’s office that hadn’t been used in 20+ years.
Day 2: Glamorous Mommy
Stylist: 4-year-old daughter
High maintenance morning with heels, Taylor cocktail dress and the mirrored clutch that my youngest had been begging me to wear to work for weeks.
Make up: Back to my TV days. LOADS of everything
Hair: Curls
I felt glamorous but overdressed. I honestly cannot remember the last time that I’ve been that dressed. The EMMYs…? But as part of the deal, I had to wear the outfit all day even for chores, like vacuuming. The clutch also forced me to pair down what I was carrying again. There was only enough room for a credit card, ID and insurance card. Surprisingly, I did not receive any weird looks from co-workers. Perhaps it was because of my exclamations of, “Hi, my daughter dressed me.” I felt so restricted and uncomfortable that honestly, I felt bad for Barbie and wondered, “Is this what it would feel like?”
Day 3: Festive Mommy
Stylist: Both daughters
Red sparkly tiara from the dress up bin, blue Chloe top and white Merona eyelet shorts. No purse.
Make up: Basics with bright, red lipstick.
Hair: Low bun
I felt ready to celebrate! Apart from the sparkly tiara and the lips (HELLO, there!), I could get used to this casual outfit. The top often gets paired with skirts, pants or shorts. But I’d honestly forgotten about the shorts buried in my bottom drawer. Fortunately, my husband and his deep shorts pockets were on hand. Women’s bottoms either have fake pockets or ones that are even too shallow for a phone or keys.
Day 4: Queen Mum
Stylist: 4-year-old daughte
Bright color blocking with Tahari jacket, Old Navy dress and Coach purse.
Make up: Anything/everything in purple or pink hue
Hair: Ponytail
I felt a bit ridiculous. Ok, so I interfered with this experimenting by gently objecting to my youngest daughter’s pick of shoes. Red velvet ankle boots with tassels seemed a bit much. Looking in the mirror, I realized anyone could pick me out in the crowd with this ridiculously bright outfit. It made me think of someone else who happens to wear brilliant colors (and someone who my youngest is fascinated with now)- Queen Elizabeth. Not my favorite outfit. But I got a purse back. Victory for me!
Reclaiming My Closet
At the end of the week, I was able to reclaim my closet, my clothes and my large purse. The curiosity about my clothes seems to have waned for the time being. I know- the tiny closet explorers will be back.
But it was fun. I was able to take more fashion risks. After all, if it didn’t work, I could always say “my daughters dressed me.” I’m now looking at my closet like a paint canvas and seeing my outfits for what they are- an expression of who I am. I’m digging through my closet a little more looking for items that hardly get worn. I probably won’t be pulling out that cocktail dress and clutch for work anytime soon. But perhaps a date night in the future.
Take another look inside your closet.
