When cleaning out your closet, would you do better with the help of an objective second opinion? Your Myers Briggs code could provide a clue.
If:
- you are by nature or necessity frugal AND
- maybe you are interested more in things other than visual aesthetics AND
- you really don’t want your closet to resemble a thrift store AND
- the last letter of your Myers Briggs code (I took a free online version, but I can’t remember where) is P
The reason this makes sense: Judging or Perceiving (the fourth trait called out in this personality profiling system) describes one’s preferred “structure” of dealing with the outside world. In dealing with the outside world, do you prefer to get things decided (J) or do you prefer to stay open to new information and options (P)?
In other words, the perceiving person likes options and likes to keep their options open. (Probably this describes everyone to a degree. In our household, it sometimes looks like not getting rid of something that is worn out because it’s still good enough to wear for painting or gardening. And then forgetting and wearing it to church!)
In my wardrobe, problems are nearly always related to not having something I should have, rather than having too much or holding on to stuff I need to let go. I’m a J. How about you, is your challenge not having what you need or having what you don’t need? And could an image consultant or trusted friend help?
Everybody has some J and some P- but a high J or P score probably identifies you as much more picky (J) abut what you take home than hey, maybe this could work (P).
I am so grateful when I find someting I reasonably like in my larger, non plus size (14-16) that I buy it. Had to learn that it is not impossible, and to actually pass up things that fit but are not ‘me’.
I am mostly a lurker on your blog, but have enjoyed reading for a couple of years now. Thanks for writing!
I generally do not have what I need, and I find it difficult to determine what I need and how many, especially once I arrive at the stores and everything looks so fun. (That is part of the reason I started reading two fashion blogs– yours and You Look Fab!)
Sometimes I wish my problem was “not having what I need” — I have so much, I like it all, and always see other things I like… it’s hard to choose. Biggest problem is organisation… I edit things once a year or so, but somehow the empty closet space gets magically filled up again!
Since I live/work overseas I’ve started a new plan: every vacation back to the US I take a few things specifically for So. CA — so am now starting to divide my wardrobe between Seoul and L.A. — this saves on packing/repacking each trip, AND it forces me to wear things here in Seoul since I’ve left behind some favourites… it makes me reach for things i might usually overlook. I read somewhere (perhaps here!) that we wear 20% of our wardrobe 80% of the time…
Good insight on the shopping process, Duchesse. I am becoming more and more willing to take the plunge and buy something when I find something that really works, resulting in running through my budget faster but also less time in the store. 🙂
Katie – thanks so much for reading, and for taking the time to comment. I’m glad I’m not alone!
Good idea, ellem! Nice not to have to carry as much luggage. 🙂