A topic that remains atop our conversations throughout our nation is mental health. It arises in conversations on violence, death, relationships, equality and the list goes on. Everyone is connected to someone that is diagnosed with a type of mental illness or is believed to be battling some symptoms of mental health disparity. There are a variety of mental disorders and currently 1 in 4 American adults (over the age of 18) suffer from a diagnosable mental disorder in a given year (1). While I’m no expert, I understand there are numerous societal factors that cause or contribute to mental health issues.
The most talked about and most well-known cause is that of social media. The internet is one of, if not, the most amazing invention of our time. The ability to communicate, trade and share information took on a whole new meaning with the creation of email and other social media platforms. However, there is also the negative side that comes with the ability to share more information, more readily with friends, co-workers and consumers.
We’ve all heard “keeping up with the Joneses”. In the 1990s, that was checking out your neighbors and comparing your current position to theirs. Today, the world is your neighbor. Everyone is comparing themselves to the world and trying to be the best, have the best or do the best. Doing this all while completely disregarding true needs, finances and overall self well-being. While I do believe the likes of Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest and Twitter are the main cause in the increase in mental disorders, that cause is well-known and is being broadcasted (see The Social Dilemma on Netflix.) I’m here to talk about another form of social status that also impacts our mental and psychological well-being.
Look good, feel good. Or as my High School soccer coach believed, “look good, feel good, play good.” We were a talented team that never met our true potential or team goals. Probably due to focusing on the wrong things. Or bad coaching. Anyways, fashion. A 1.9 trillion dollar industry in the US in 2019 and expected to rise to three trillion in 2030 (2). An industry that uses ads, influencers and social media to reach consumers and influence their perceptions of what fashion is. So what exactly is fashion?
Is there a formal definition of fashion? I don’t think there is. Look around and you won’t find the same definition twice. “The prevailing style during a particular time.” “A form of self-expression and autonomy at a particular period and place and in a specific context, of clothing, footwear, lifestyle accessories, makeup, hairstyle, and body posture.” “Clothing that is considered stylish.” If it is about self-expression, then why do we allow influencers and companies influence what we buy and wear? Despite being raised to not judge a book by its cover, we continue to judge people on their looks, outfits and accessories. As we judge, we subconsciously understand that we too are being judged. Everyone wants to be liked. That’s human nature. I want to argue and push for a different approach. One that may help one’s self perception and overall mental well-being. The lost mentality of fashion.
To start, we have to remove ourselves from the continuous following of the so-called influencers. Hell, removing all social media, where we see these influencers, would altogether knock out the for-mentioned issue. Two birds, one stone. Following these types of people is generally a lose/lose situation. On one end, you feel negative thoughts or self-doubt because you do not look like or have the products of said influencer. The other end, the worst case scenario, you buy the products and they do not meet your expectations or magically transform your entire look. All of this alters your self-perception and self-worth. Once we stop comparing ourselves to Duchesses (Meghan Markle) or people who’ve become famous by association (Kendall Jenner), we free ourselves from comparing our looks/fashion to those we ultimately can’t compete with. After all, it is their job. They are only promoting products they are being paid to promote or have an investment in. We know this though, right? Right?! Side opinion, the clothes and accessories they promote have no place in normal, everyday society.
Secondly, it’s time to take inventory. Clutter can lead to decreased focus, increased stress and ultimately contribute to depression (3). Nothing is worse than going into a disaster zone and trying to find the one outfit you’re actually wanting to wear. Let’s be honest with ourselves for a second. How much of your clothing warehouse are you actually utilizing? 20%? 40%? If you are above 50%, I applaud you as I am far from it. I continually hang onto a white t-shirt written on with sharpie for a once-a-year event (shout out crab fest).
We all have clothes we refuse to pass down or donate because they hold special meaning, were a gift or we are holding onto for a certain time or event. But then we ultimately get dressed each day in our go-to outfits. Now is the time. Clear house. I’ve listed, with the help of my wife, the appropriate* amount of clothes men and women should have in their arsenal. Once you attain this amount and go on to buy new clothes, you must trade out the same amount of clothing as you buy in. Keep the numbers consistent.
- Men – Allowed to decrease a quantity of one category to increase another by same amount.
- 5 white undershirts
- 8 comfortable tee shirts (3 long sleeved for colder months)
- 4 polo shirts
- 8 pairs of shorts (4 athletic/4 khaki, etc.)
- 4 pairs of pants (jeans/khakis)
- 4 winter sweatshirts/coats
- 2 suits (non-work)
- Work clothes (unlimited…Look good, work good lol)
- Unlimited socks and underwear.
- 4 fun pieces (Hawaiian, jerseys, costumes, etc.)
- Women – allowed same rule as Men.
- 6 pairs of pants (jeans, athletic, leggings)
- 6 pairs of shorts (jean, athletic)
- 1 suit (interviews, business needs)
- 6 dresses (seasons, formal, cocktail, casual)
- 6 tee shirts
- 12 tops (6 warm weather/6 cold weather)
- 4 sweatshirts/jackets
- Unlimited work clothes (see above men’s reason)
- Unlimited underwear and socks
- 4 fun pieces (jerseys, costumes, shirt with the bikini on it for kicks)
- TBD – shoes. Current debate in our household.
Once you’ve cleaned out your closet, you’re reaching peak levels of fashion mentality. You’ve eliminated outside influence and perception and you’ve gotten yourself a clean closet of items you feel good in. No one will tell you how to dress and if they try, you won’t care!! You’re now ready to express yourself in your own preferred style. True fashion!
I understand there is much more to mental illness and to include fashion as a contributing factor is arguable. However, I truly believe the vast majority of people are mentally affected by fashion more than they realize. Spending hours attempting to get ready or trying to keep up with new trends/styles are some factors that can cause anxiety and ultimately lead to depression. These factors and many more are mostly caused by outside influences (media, celebrities, friends’ opinions). It’s time to leave those behind and focus on the only thing that matters. Our opinion of ourself.
Mind you, none of this will be easy. To stop caring about others’ opinions is not an overnight task. Neither is getting rid of 50-75% of your wardrobe. You can start by unfollowing those influencers and taking a single trash bag of clothes to your local goodwill. I guarantee it will be a rewarding experience that will free up your mind. Again, I am no expert. Just some guy who continually puts on the same khaki shorts and soccer jersey every day off from work. But I will tell you, I feel good… and look pretty damn good too.
1. http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/mental-health-disorder-statistics
2. http://www.statists.com/topics/965/apparel-market-in-the-us/#dossiersummary__chapter1
3. http://www.verywellmind.com/how-mental-health-and-cleaning-are-connected-5097496
* according to me.
BAR Talk 
There is a lot of truth in what you wrote. Keeping it simple and uncluttered leaves you free to enjoy the good things in life. The less you own, the less it owns you! I’m going to clean out my closet now!
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