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Do you have ‘special item syndrome’?

WORDS BY TIARA SWAIN

“While I’d love to keep all my favourite items in mint condition, the reality is they’re meant to be enjoyed.”

Do you have certain pieces in your wardrobe that are so special they might as well be on display in a museum? Do you reserve them for occasions that never seem to happen? Well, my friend, you might be suffering from what I like to call a case of ‘special item syndrome’.

This phenomenon is marked by a reluctance to wear new or cherished items because you’re afraid of not doing them justice or you want to keep them pristine forever. The downside? These fabulous pieces end up sitting in your closet, waiting for an occasion that may never come.


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But what makes an item special, as opposed to something that gets tossed into the ‘everyday pile’? For me, it’s usually a garment I’ve splurged on and I’m terrified of ruining, or it’s a sentimental piece that’s irreplaceable. Sometimes it’s just something I think is too beautiful for my daily mundane life.

The sad part about having special item syndrome is that I don’t always get to express myself or dress the way I want to. This mindset also affects my shopping habits; I start thinking some things are too good for me, that I’ll never wear them or I’ll never have the right occasion.

Now, don’t get me wrong, there are times when certain pieces just aren’t appropriate. I’m not going to wear an extravagant evening gown to walk the dog. But if that’s your style, more power to you! I find more often than not, I’ll let a new sweater or a pair of pristine white sneakers sit unused, even if they’re perfect for the outing. What if I spill something on them? What if I scuff them? These anxious thoughts keep my new items from making their debut.

Psychologically speaking, special item syndrome can stem from a mix of reasons. For me, it’s definitely tied to perfectionism and the fear of damaging something precious. This is especially true for expensive or hard-to-replace items. We might also think that by saving these items for special occasions, we’re preserving their value.

But as Dr Jennifer Baumgartner argues in her book You Are What You Wear, clothing reflects our internal experiences and self-perception. Holding onto special items without using them might actually be a manifestation of deeper life issues. By recognising how our appearance mirrors our unresolved conflicts, we can better curate a wardrobe that truly represents our identity.

To combat special item syndrome, let’s take a page from the book of Wabi Sabi, a Japanese aesthetic that finds beauty in imperfection, impermanence and the incomplete. It celebrates the natural cycle of growth and decay and the flaws and asymmetry that come with age and use.

There’s something to be learned from this worldview about the transient nature of all things. After all, there is nothing quite like a few moth holes to help you embrace the beauty of visible mending and appreciate the charm of life’s imperfections.

The first wear is always the hardest but once it’s over, I’m always glad I did it. There’s a sense of relief when the item no longer holds that new, pristine feel and I can finally enjoy it without worry. It’s like lifting a veil and freeing the item from the fear that was holding me back. Sometimes I prefer buying secondhand items because they don’t have that precious, untouchable feeling of something like a new store-bought piece.

This year, I’ve decided to stop wearing the same old garments on high rotation and start incorporating those fun, special items hidden away in my wardrobe. Isn’t the purpose of clothing to be worn? While I’d love to keep all my favourite items in mint condition, the reality is they’re meant to be enjoyed.

I want to see signs of wear not as damage but as a testament to the item’s journey, adding character and depth. I mean look at the Golden Goose brand, for example. They have somehow made scuffed and dirty sneakers an item of value and desire. A lived-in look can be luxurious, too.

Life is too short not to enjoy your clothes and dress up without needing a special occasion. I want to break the cycle and start enjoying my entire closet. If you have those few pieces waiting for the right moment to shine, I encourage you to break them out. Let them be free and seen. After all, clothing is about expression and should reflect how we truly want to be perceived and feel – scuffs and all.

For tips on preserving the life of your wardrobe items, head here

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