Here we are a year later. (I actually started all this 18 months ago.) My closet is transformed. I think my life is, too. We accept a lot more invitations, now.

I have found several clothing sources that are better for me, I have identified what my work "uniform" should be and can be, and I have all-cotton layers next to my skin under any polyester. I have accessories for all occasions, I have shoes and bags that go together, and I have a seasonal rotation that has worked well and added years of wear to favorite items. I cull whatever I am not using.

I have not been stuck for a good outfit for any event, even standing in the very formal receiving line that greeted our new Bishop's guests the weekend of his consecration. He had been the Dean of the Washington National Cathedral; Desmond Tutu was in town to preach for his consecration..... FORMAL. My clothes were graced and centerpieced that night with a stunning pink jade necklace a dear soul gave me.


Tricks--

Salvation Army
... and better second-hand stores for good quality shoes, bags, scarves-- and jewelry that I remake as needed. If it fits, if it's a classic style, and if it's good quality-- I buy it, because I have learned that I will probably find its mate soon, at another thrift store.

Remaking Things
Jackets de-collared for a cleaner look. Short choker necklaces disassmebled for parts to make new, custom things that work for me. Uncomfortable dresses I hated to wear, cut down to flowing, comfy skirts to wear with dressy blazers. Colorful "dress" tee shirt sleeves removed to make shells in all colors. I can do all those things myself.

The Magic Sewing Kit
I started the kit when we were camping last summer, because so many old camping clothes and linens needed quick repairs. Now a second one sits chairside, where I stitch away most evenings to fix or alter things. It's a small plastic pencil box, with everything! :~) Especially a needle-threader and a pair of magnifying specs!

Bike Shorts
I can sit comfortably for hours at the many receptions we attend on a regular basis, because I have long-leg cotton knit bike shorts under the slinky slip and pretty polyester skirts. No formal knickers for me!

Ladies' Garment Bag
Found a used one, very pretty, that holds a total change including shoes and accessories, so that when we drive long distances to formal events (3 hours or more sometimes), I can travel comfy but change discreetly when we arrive. All the clergy attending these have to vest for the liturgies that are inviovled, so I vest too, in my formalwear.

Seamstress
Alterations, difficult repairs, and good pieces copied-- affordably, locally, and reliably.

Dry Cleaners
Found the right one. They will do a piece same-day if really needed.

The Perfect Closet
I had a tiny space to work with, next to the shower. It's like a tiny ship's cabin in there now, with every half-inch used to the max. I put a comfy rug in front of it so I can stand there with aching feet when we get home, before the pet hair gets all over what I will take off, air, and hang for re-use. (Most events are only a few hours long).

Makeup Kit and Remover
I gave up the bathroom for this, because we share one and because my recliner is the comfiest place in the house. I put on and remove, there. Earrings are stored nearby too, that I only wear for occasions, and it's handy to put them on there, too. I never, ever sleep with makeup on, because I know what that does to aging skin.

The Uniform
There are several, for the various things we go to, and I treat them as such. I can be showered and out the door in 20 minutes, and that's good because often, that's all the time I have.

Easy Hairstyle
Well, I always had one, really. Slick it back wet, and go. QUick toss with the comb when we get there, and it's dry.

The Miracle Coat
I didn't know it would be a miracle coat when I bought it; it was just all I could find at the time that fit. It's a textured, almost-metallic gold, lightweight raincoat> It's very long, and very soft. I bought it even bigger than I needed, so I can wear it over anything. It goes on as soon as I am dressed and that keeps the pet hair in the air off the dark clothes on underneath. :~) And I have a half dozen large, colorful print scarves to run under the collar, that make it look FABULOUS no matter what time of year it is. I made a golden rope belt to tie it loose like a trench coat, and I get comments on it everywhere I go. I think it was about $30 new. :~) I hope it never dies. I should be buried/cremated in that coat. :~) I have been known (privately) to wear it to events on occasion with crap clothes underneath, and just not taken it off. :~) Or to wear it into wherever I am going to change into the formalwear after a long drive.

The Beauty Parlor
What a name! :~) Found the one where I never feel embarrassed, where I can go in at the last minute. Cheap! They can quickly fix just about anything, from facial hair to rough hands and bitten nails, and send me out looking like a conservative lady of leisure going on the town.

The Attitude
These are all events we really must attend, in my husband's line of work. They can be stiff and uppity, and they can be boring-- but we attend them partly as chances to dress up for each other and sit together, holding hands. Maybe that's a small no-brainer for the rest of you. For a clergy couple, it's not. At all.
    The other aspect, for us, that I am sure the rest of you don't have to deal with, is that we spend a lot of time at these events giving people good-quality, one-way attention. It's great to be dressed in a socially acceptable fashion and be comfortable physically and emotionally about it, so that we can just relax and listen, and so we can stay focused on being positive and encouraging in the face of the world's ills laid at our feet. (Well-dressed, well-off people have troubles too.)
    I think some of the folks posting in this thread earlier didn't understand about that, but it's the kind of attention y'all probably have received from someone, at some time, when you needed it, and it's the kind people count on us to be able to offer.


I still much PREFER to spend most of most days in loose, comfy cotton, but my life in polyester is actually working well at last, and I have fun with it!

~Susan