It happens when I’m feeling unbelievably bored. Or when or I’m undeniably sad. When I’m about to hit the town or just on a random Sunday. Alone in my apartment, something comes over me and I want to explore who I am and who I can be.
Turning on my Spotify and opening my closet doors, I embark on a play-filled journey to the potential of clothes.
Playing dress-up is much more than childs’ play. For fashion lovers it’s a way to mix things up, shake up the status quo and discover what styles make you feel alive. There’s really no rhyme or reason to playing dress-up. Try on a dress here, pull out a skirt here. The only rule is to have fun. Make faces, dance, mix patterns, take pictures, clash, mash-up and come out feeling more like yourself than ever.
Actress and comedian, Tracee Ellis Ross said of playing dress up
“Part of the process is that I play dress up when I have free time and photograph the looks (something I learned from when I worked in the magazine world). It’s like I’m prepping for the fashion story of my life.”
The fashion story of your life, is peppered by amazing clothes and true expression of who you are. Just like a chef, chopping and adding a spice to create a new flavorful concoction, you are the cook, your wardrobe the spice and your style the end result: a unique blend of savoriness.
When it feels like my wardrobe isn’t truly reflective of who I am I play dress-up. I pair things like I’ve never worn them. Cast aside things that no longer feel right and I have a great time getting better acquainted with my clothes. If I’m feeling particularly keen, I take photos or write down exceptional combinations to wear again.
Playing dress-up strengthens my style muscle. It jogs my creativity and when I’m done I’m ready to share my new fashion story with the world.
How do you rewrite your fashion story? Do you play dress-up?
great article! I totally need to place dress up to get reaquainted with my clothes and find new ways to wear items that I love but have run out of ways to style. Keep up the great work:)
Thanks Joanne! Playing dress up is too much fun! The only downside is realizing you have to clean up your room once all the fun is over! Have a good time & let me know how your dress up goes!
I LOVE playing dress up! I turn on music, pair pieces I’ve never paired before, trying shoes with items I’ve never worn them with, and trying on clothes I hadn’t worn in a while. I’ve found that playing dress up helps me purge my closet and re-prioritize my faves.
Oh whenever I’m getting ready to head out somewhere I always crank up my music and have fun in my closet! Playing dress up is awesome!
Oh yeah! There are days I exited and I need to use the energy, so I just match clothes I never match, even if it leads to crazy result and I will never wear it that way. It’s fun! And sometimes I really find new cool variants of mixing my cloth using that playground)
great article, thanks) I’m not alone, eee))
Thanks Asya! You’ve found your dress up tribe!
One of my very good friends has a mother who has saved many, many glorious dresses and outfits from her past generations. In fact, my friend wore a true vintage dress from the 1950s to the dress rehearsal for her wedding. I always love going down into their basement and exploring and playing dress up. I feel completely transported and inspired.
On that note, I think one of the women who best embodied this spirit was Anna Piaggi, who I know we are all remembering today…
Yes Anna Piaggi was a true dress up artist. Her style and spirit will truly be missed. It’s rare to see such adventure in someone’s style.