What to Wear? Try Theme Days to Maximize Your Closet
- Jen
- Apr 22
- 3 min read
Updated: Apr 23
Recently, we've been thinking about why we have so much in our closet that we don't wear. We've also explored Allison Bornstein's Three Word Method to help give clarity on what we want to be wearing so we can avoid buying what we won't end up using. Today, we're going to try and get creative about finding some new ways to wear what may be hiding in our closets.
The inspiration for this comes from how my son and his childhood best friend have been getting dressed for work. Josh, our youngest, and his buddy Sam work as Mechanical Engineers for the same company. When they started working after graduation, Sam came up with the idea of having a daily theme for his attire. As good friends often do, Josh eventually got onboard with the idea. It's added some fun to the work week, and made getting out the door a little quicker, since what to wear has been narrowed down based on the day of the week.
In Josh and Sam's workplace, casual businesswear is the norm, and that's up for interpretation in our relaxed, outdoorsy part of the country. Not only are they probably the only ones wearing ties on Tuesday, but since we live in New England, they're also the only ones outfitted In Westernwear on Wednesday. Their clothes have been conversation starters in this setting, and it's proved to be an advantage in getting to know the people they work around. I love the idea that what we wear can be a bridge with another person.
We all can relate to those days when we open our closet and have no idea what to wear. Theme Days provide a shortcut in the daily decision just like Taco Tuesday does for meal planning.
Hopefully, not only a shortcut, but also an opportunity to wear something we overlook. Maybe your Western Wednesday might mean wearing a piece of jewelry with a western vibe that you've had forever but never wear. If it goes well, maybe the look and feel of it will open up something you want to wear more of.
As I've watched all of this unfold, It's made me want to start implementing it as well. I have done Monochrome Monday, which last week looked like denim flare jeans, a navy leather belt and a cashmere crewneck sweater. It was a no brainer for a busy day. However, it was a little too much in my comfort zone and didn't hit the empowering feel I'd like my clothes to have. A good challenge for me would be to do monochrome in a lighter or brighter color. That's a step for down the road that I have in my sights.
If you're thinking of jumping in, here's some Theme Day Ideas:
Monday (M)
Monochrome Monday - all one color
Minimalist Monday - keep it clean and simple
Mix-it-up Monday - unusual combos: the unexpected
Tuesday (T)
Texture Tuesday - velvet, leather, silk or knit fabrics
Timeless Tuesday - classic, vintage, or elegant pieces
Tropical Tuesday - fun prints, breezy fabrics, vacation vibes
Wednesday (W)
Western Wednesday - cowboy boots, denim, fringe, or Americana
White-out Wednesday - all white or cream
Wildcard Wednesday - go out of your comfort zone, alot or a little
Thursday (Th)
Throwback Thursday - vintage, retro, or nostalgic outfits from any era
Thrifted Thursday - secondhand or up up-cycled piecs
Theme Day Thursday - changes every month, you decide what the theme will be
Friday (F)
Fun Shirt Friday - whatever sounds fun! It's Friday!
Flannel Friday - cozy, casual, or lumberjack chic
French Friday - Parisian chic: stripes, neutrals, timeless, "effortless" elegance
You can do this however you want. I've toyed with the idea of having a basic schedule that might include days like dressing around a statement piece, a power outfit, or maybe a day for a fun shirt. With a little intention, getting dressed can be more than just another decision you are required to make. It can bring an element of fun into your routine, lift your mood, and help you wear more of what you own. You could try enlisting a friend for support, or your coworkers for some team building. Do what I've seen the guys do and make a plan and see what happens.
Special thanks to Josh and Sam for letting me use what they're doing here!