Last night, a friend of mine and her husband came over for dinner. Nothing extravagant—just a cozy home-cooked meal and a lot of catching up. At one point in the evening, she asked if she could see my closet because, in her words, she “loves my style and knows I always have cute things.” I was all for it because I love my clothes! When I started showing her my wardrobe, I immediately felt a weird mix of pride and guilt.
Because yes, I do have cute things. A lot of cute things. Dresses I’ve worn once. Tops that make me feel like a million bucks. A couple of stunning gowns. And my sarees? Don’t even get me started. Some of them are works of art that haven’t seen the outside of my closet in over a year. It made me realize just how long it’s been since I really got dressed up. Like, dressed up dressed up. Hair done. Heels on. Perfume.. makeup.. the whole look.
The truth is, the older we get, the fewer excuses there are to wear the clothes we once lived for. Most of my friends are married now, so the endless cycle of engagement parties, bridal showers, and weddings is over. Birthdays are quieter. Get-togethers are more about catching up over chai in sweats than clinking glasses in heels. And then, of course, there’s motherhood. These days, just stepping out alone feels like an event— never mind dressing to the nines for it.
Back in our 20s, dressing up was part of the routine. Something was always happening. Parties, happy hours, destination weddings, nights where we’d try on five outfits just to grab a drink somewhere we probably couldn’t even afford. There was an energy to that version of life.. fun, spontaneous, a little chaotic but it also made us feel alive. And beautiful.
Now? It’s yoga pants. Oversized tees. Mom buns. And honestly, I’m not even mad about it.. comfort really is queen. But I’d be lying if I said I didn’t miss that feeling of slipping into a dress and feeling like me. Not the mom version of me. Not the multitasking machine. Just… me. The woman who loves fashion, who gets excited by color and fabric and a perfect fit.
So I told my friend.. I’m done waiting. I’m going to start hosting more dinner parties, fancy girls’ brunches, even if the toddlers are throwing food. Diwali parties where we go all out with sarees and jewelry. A Friendsgiving where everyone wears something that makes them feel amazing. Maybe even a random GNO where we all just show up in gowns for no other reason than why not?
I know many women have their favorite clothes sitting in their closet like museum pieces. If you’re that woman.. I suggest creating an occasion to wear your favorite outfits!
So here’s to bringing the glam back, even in the chaos. Who else is with me?
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