Both minimalists and maximalists are motivated by pleasure; they simply differ in their perception of what gives them pleasure: minimalists derive pleasure from owning fewer items (but ones that they truly value), while maximalists are pleased with a greater number of possessions.
Whatever way you lean, though, you probably only wear a certain limited number of clothing pieces on a regular basis — about ⅕ to be precise (according to a study by “The Wall Street Journal.”) More interesting than that statistic is the reasoning behind them: Why do some pieces rarely, if ever, venture outside those closet doors? There are a few basic reasons, rooted in a major factor in determining all kinds of human behaviors: habit.
What Habits Do
Certainly, habits don’t control us — not directly, anyway. But both good and bad habits are formed in the same basic way: repetition. Through repetition, it’s as if rails are laid down, making it easier (and, therefore, more likely) to perform the same basic activity, even if another option is actually simpler. For instance, let’s consider a kitchen task: perhaps you have been chopping vegetables with a knife for years, but someone buys you a mandolin or food processor. Even though you have a new gadget, the old way still seems easier to you. Why? Habit. Let me explain: Because you’re accustomed to the arguably more difficult method of performing the task, your brain allows you to do it without conscious thought, making it easier for you.
How Habits Affect Wardrobe
Well, let’s carry over that same idea from the kitchen to the closet: those “old faithful” pieces you’re used to reaching for, pairing with certain other pieces, and wearing with confidence may be inferior to newer ones, but the habit of wearing them has been formed, so you choose the same ones over and over. Does that mean you’re doomed to never wearing that adorable piece you somehow just never reach for? Maybe not. Let’s consider the motivations we have for initially selecting those pieces that we eventually choose on a routine basis.
Why Certain Pieces Win
Just like those pieces you choose out of habit allow you to essentially hit the “easy button” on your wardrobe selection, the pieces that have become your go-to’s probably seemed easier to begin with. Let me guess: they don’t need to be ironed and easily coordinate with other pieces in your wardrobe. You also know exactly which accessories go with them, so that’s a no-brainer, too. Add to that the fact that you feel confident in how they’ll fit and what they’ll look like, and you have a sure-fire win. While you can’t necessarily make it easier to choose a new piece to wear on a busy Tuesday morning or a Friday afternoon when you’re doing a quick change after work and before a big date, you can set yourself up for success by being intentional and organized ahead of time. In our next post, we’ll explore how to leverage that concept in favor of your soon-to-be favorite clothing pieces.
Penny Pincher Boutique
We’re Westchester’s luxury consignment shop offering women’s designer clothing, jewelry, shoes, handbags and much more. Visit our shop at 184 Harris Road in Bedford Hills, New York or visit us online at www.pennypincherboutique.com. You can also find a selection of our items on sale on eBay. We ship throughout the United States.
Images are from the Penny Pincher Boutique Instagram Page.
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