This is an updated post from our archives. It offers practical advice on assessing and organizing your wardrobe to ensure your clothing is both functional and stylish, especially for disabled people.
Alicia Searcy, also known as Nashville’s disabled style blogger extraordinaire, the Spashionista (short for Spastic Fashionista), is set on changing the fashion industry for good. Alicia’s our latest DH Guru who will be sharing all her fashion tips and ideas with you.This month, slimlining your wardrobe…
Ever stand in front of your bursting wardrobe, feeling like you’ve got nothing to wear? Tried on outfit after outfit, only to find them either too tight, too loose, or even with a pesky stain? Is your closet jam-packed, making it seem like you need a crowbar and a headlamp just to discover that perfect shirt?
If you answered “yes” to any of those questions, then you probably need to take stock of your wardrobe. It’s the only way to know exactly what you own and what you lack, and therefore what you need to acquire. Go through your wardrobe every 6 months and get rid of pieces that, for a variety of reasons, aren’t suitable for you.
Divide your wardrobe into 5 piles: keep, consider, donate, discard and repair. It may sound like a lot of work, but the results are worth the time and effort. Evaluate every single article of clothing as you or a friend physically picks it up.
Shoes, especially, have to be scrutinised for fit frequently because your foot gets bigger and wider with age and certain disabilities accelerate the process. If it’s flattering to your size and shape, is functional with your wheelchair or other mobility equipment, and is classic enough to still be in style this time next year, keep it.
If you are hesitant or unsure about an item then it gets considered. If you know absolutely something is no longer for you, then donate it and give someone else a chance to wear it. If it’s a great piece but it’s missing a button, or needs a zipper replaced or any other alteration (including one that would make the garment adaptable, if possible) take it to your tailor. If it’s damaged to the point it can no longer be made to fit, function or look presentable, then discard it.
If you are hanging onto half of your clothes in the hopes that you will someday be small enough/big enough to wear them again they need to go. Dress the body you have now and, unless you have a medical condition that dictates otherwise, let go of anything that is more than one size up or down from your current, true size. The exceptions are vintage or designer pieces that are in good shape and have enough seam allowance to be let out or are worth the trouble of being taken in.
Sentimental attachments are not necessarily a bad thing, but there’s a fine line between keepsaking and hoarding. If you’re prone to hanging on to clothes because they remind you of happier times or they belonged to an ex, choose one or two items in the best condition and fit and get rid of the rest.
As far as unwanted items go you may opt to donate them to a charity shop or host a clothing swap with your friends. Just be sure that what you’re giving away is in good condition with no irreparable damage or permanent stains. If either of those are the case then it belongs in the bin.
If you can’t sew you must, must, must find a tailor to alter your clothes so that they fit you properly. No one has an “off the rack” body – not even models – so it’s essential to invest in an accomplished tailor that can mend and mold your clothes to your needs and shape. If you can sew then do the repairs and alterations yourself, and consider doing the same for friends and family that need help with that.
Once you’ve sorted everything into one of the five categories go back to your pile of items to be considered. Chances are good now that you’ve gone through all of your clothes it will be much easier for you to figure out the fate of these garments as well. If you’re still undecided (and sometimes it happens, even to me) put those items in a storage vacuum bag and reevaluate them in six months. You’ll find it even easier to decide their fate at this point.
Fashionable, functional wardrobes aren’t built in a day, but they are attainable and can be maintained easily by taking stock and keeping track.
By Alicia Searcy
Why Adaptive Clothing Is a Game-Changer
Updating your wardrobe doesn’t just mean decluttering—it’s an opportunity to incorporate adaptive clothing that enhances your daily comfort and style. Adaptive clothing is specially designed to meet the needs of people with disabilities, making dressing easier and more practical without compromising on aesthetics.
- Functionality and Style: Adaptive clothing combines innovative features like easy fastenings and sensory-friendly fabrics with modern designs.
- Independence: Many adaptive pieces, such as easy-dress shirts, allow individuals to dress independently, empowering their daily routines.
- Comfort: Features like elastic waistbands and tag-free designs ensure all-day comfort.
- Versatility: Adaptive clothing works for a variety of occasions, from casual wear to formal events. Explore options like adaptive dresses for special occasions.
Check out our range of adaptive clothing on the Disability Horizons Shop for options that blend style and accessibility.
Adaptive Clothing: Enhancing Comfort and Style
In addition to regular wardrobe assessments, consider incorporating adaptive clothing to enhance both comfort and style:
- Easy Closures: Opt for garments with magnetic or Velcro fastenings to simplify dressing.
- Seamless Designs: Choose clothing with flat seams to prevent skin irritation.
- Elastic Waistbands: Select pants with elastic waists for increased comfort and easier dressing.
- Adjustable Features: Look for items with adjustable elements to accommodate varying needs.
- Natural Fibers: Wear breathable, natural fabrics to maintain skin health.
For more information on adaptive clothing options, visit this resource.
We’d love to hear your fashion tips and to see you’re fashion pictures. Get in touch by messaging us on Facebook or tweeting us @DHorizons and @Spashionista.
Originally posted on 14/07/2016 @ 12:30 am
