Like many, I try to follow the golden rule of closet purging: if I haven’t worn something in a year, it’s time to toss or donate it. While I haven’t fully embraced the Marie Kondo method, I do take time to sift through my closet regularly, packing away blazers and getting rid of old T-shirts. As challenging as it is for this New Englander, I even let go of some sweaters.
I even donated my wedding dress to charity after it spent months stuffed in my dad’s car trunk, and years before that, hanging in my parents’ spare room. I cherished my wedding day and my dress, yet I was sure I wouldn’t turn it into a christening outfit like my mom did for me, or pass it down to any future daughter—styles will surely have evolved from the strapless corset look by then! I have plenty of reminders of that day in my life: my wedding photos, my ring, and of course, my husband.
However, some dresses in my closet are much harder to part with, even if I haven’t worn them in over a decade. Here are five that I simply can’t let go of:
- My First Little Black Cocktail Dress: This dress was my go-to during college and the financially tight years that followed graduation. When I needed something special for work events, I finally splurged on a new little black dress with lace details and silk-covered buttons. It marked my transition into adulthood—an essential piece that I just can’t part with.
- The Dress That Represents My Growth: We’ve all made fashion choices that, looking back, weren’t our finest moments. I still have a reversible dress from my cousin’s wedding in 2002—two dresses in one! What a mistake. Reversible may work for jackets, but not for formal wear. Keeping this dress reminds me of how my fashion sense has evolved over the years. While Vogue hasn’t called me yet, I’m proud to say I won’t end up in a magazine’s “what not to wear” section.
- The Vacation Dress: This pink strapless dress has seen many occasions, including several weddings and my rehearsal dinner. Most memorably, I wore it during our honeymoon in Hawaii, and even though the beach mist has long been dry cleaned away, the memory lives on. Now, my dining attire is more kid-friendly, but this dress shines for those special evenings. I’ll hold onto it for our next trip back to Hawaii, whenever that may be.
- The Show-Stopping Dress: Participating in the Listen to Your Mother show in Washington, D.C. while 14 weeks pregnant was unforgettable—except for the struggle to find a dress that fit my criteria: a solid color, short, and flattering on a growing belly. After multiple shopping trips and online returns, I finally found an eyelet tank dress that met all my needs and gave me the confidence to announce my pregnancy to an audience of 300. Miraculously, it still fits nearly a year later!
- The Dress That Makes Me Feel Amazing: My deep raspberry silk dress is a favorite, worn for countless gatherings with family and friends. Its uniqueness means I rarely repeat it, but I don’t care. This dress makes me feel great, and I’ll continue wearing it until that feeling fades away.
I may not have the time to scrapbook or print photos these days, but these dresses keep my memories alive without needing a camera. For more insights related to home insemination, you can check out another post on intracervicalinsemination.com. And if you’re looking for expert advice on home insemination, Make a Mom is a great resource. For additional information on pregnancy, visit the CDC, an excellent resource for all things related to assisted reproductive technology.
Summary: This article reflects on five unforgettable dresses that hold significant memories and mark milestones in life. Each piece tells a story that goes beyond fabric, solidifying its place in the author’s heart and wardrobe.