When packing up for another term in Cambridge, we all know that luggage space is scarce. A simple choice can quickly become a conundrum necessitating a one hour debate with oneself – that yields no answer. The few days preceding my return to university, my room overflows with clothes and random ‘vital’ objects. However much effort I try to put into maintaining a somewhat orderly packing approach, my room inevitably turns into a tangled mess. But there is no better solution to fashion chaos than making piles of clothes, Marie Kondo would be proud! So while I was sitting amongst piles that were unfortunately falling all around me, I noticed something strange. A good proportion of the clothes surrounding me were not mine. Or, more precisely, they were not mine originally…

The truth is that a few years ago, I went rummaging into my parent’s wardrobe. This has now become my favourite and go-to place to find new clothes. So here is my ode to the treasures of the last century, rescued from forgotten shelves in my mum’s wardrobe that have now found a new home with me.

“Looking into your parents wardrobe is similar to entering a time capsule that magically conceals items perfectly matching the latest hot trend”

One of the reasons I have been looking into alternatives to clothes from generic retail brands is the lack of quality. Even in the last five years, the quality of garments found in low to medium range budget shops has dramatically decreased. This can be especially seen when studying the composition tags of the clothes, where materials such as cotton, wool and linen have been replaced by polyamide and viscose. A well-tailored and high-quality material simply drapes better on the body and immediately stands out. When I go through the multitude of hangers in my mum’s wardrobe I find silk, natural wool and cashmere, materials that not only look luxurious, but also feel comfortable when worn. Furthermore, these types of materials stay in perfect condition even after long periods of time if taken care of properly.

Fashion functions in cycles and that is most visible in the trends that continue popping up generation after generation. Looking into your parents wardrobe is similar to entering a time capsule that magically conceals items perfectly matching the latest hot trend. For example, when argyle print was all anybody could wear, I dutifully went into my parents’ wardrobe and found myself a beautiful woollen vintage H&M argyle sweater. Thank you Dad! (Although I highly doubt he noticed it disappear).

“By giving a new life to the clothes of our parents, we receive in exchange some snippets from their past lives”

Another aspect I enjoy are the little anecdotes shared when the clothes change ownership. This proves to be a great way to find out about the ‘secret’ lives of our parents. It is hard sometimes to imagine our parents, authoritative figures in our lives, as young adults trying to navigate the same challenges and existential questions as us now. By giving a new life to the clothes of our parents, we receive in exchange some snippets from their past lives. Personally, I’ve learnt about an eye-opening shopping spree in Paris, an awkward interaction at a wedding reception and the first errors of a summer job, simply because my mother saw a specific garment.

Of course, it can’t be forgotten that turning towards your parent’s wardrobe avoids any economical burdens. Who doesn’t love a good (free) bargain? Even though it does not necessarily replace the act of perusal done in charity and vintage shops, it is a more enjoyable experience. It is done in the comfort of your own home, the clothes tend to be in a better state and there is no digging or questionable stains involved.

However, this whole experiment works better if one of your parents is of similar size and morphology as you. But if not, do not despair – experiment with both your parents’ wardrobes, unisex items can be found everywhere and you have twice as many potential gems!

In conclusion, you can really transform, or at least enrich, your wardrobe by having a look at (and perhaps stealing from) your parents’ wardrobes. It’s a great opportunity to give a second life to the gems hidden in plain sight. Not only will you end up with an array of great quality and style clothes, but you will also be able to live with a lighter conscience about your fashion choices.

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