Fashion trends come and go, but there’s something timeless about classic pieces. As a fashion enthusiast, I’ve found that the best source for unique, high-quality items is right in my own home – my mother’s closet. Borrowing from my mom’s fashion collection has not only saved me money but has also allowed me to experiment with vintage and retro styles.
Welcome to my fashion journey, a tale woven with threads of nostalgia, creativity, and a whole lot of love. This is a story about how my mother’s closet has become my personal treasure trove of style. I’ll admit that there was a time when I wouldn’t say I liked asking my mom for style advice. She didn’t seem to understand or be up on the most recent fashion trends, in my opinion. She isn’t Naomi Campbell or let’s say, Victoria Beckham, so how then could she advise me?
Now, everything has changed significantly. I love browsing through my mother’s closet and “stealing” some of her “vintage” clothing in addition to taking her fashion advice. From vintage gems to timeless classics, my mother’s closet is a great source of inspiration that I find difficult to resist.
Each item tells a tale, a snapshot of a moment in my mother’s life, and now, they’re adding chapters to my own. I’ll share the fashion lessons I’ve learned from these stolen treasures and why I have no regrets about turning into a closet kleptomaniac — because not only borrowing from mom’s closet a stylish choice but also a way to celebrate our own personal connection to fashion and family.
So, buckle up as I share my experience and showcase the fashion items that I steal from my mother’s closet, with absolutely no regrets. If you’re looking to add some nostalgic charm to your wardrobe, keep reading!
Her Vintage Silk Scarves
The first piece I usually borrow from my mom’s closet is her Vintage Silk Scarves. These colorful pieces of fabric are more than just accessories. They’re a testament to my mother’s timeless style, her love for patterns, and her knack for turning a simple outfit into a statement. These vibrant accessories have transformed my outfits, adding a splash of color and a touch of elegance. I wear them as headbands, belts, and even as tops, each time to create a unique look.
Shop vintage scarves for yourself
Vintage Paris Sophisticate Large Square Scarf
Allegra K 70cm Polka Dots Square Scarf
Mom’s Classic Pearl Necklace
Next up is my mom’s Classic Pearl Necklace. This piece is the epitome of elegance. It adds a touch of sophistication to any outfit, whether I’m wearing a casual tee or a little black dress. You can never go wrong with this timeless accessory — and if the thrift shop cannot offer it freely (of course, not), then Mom’s closet doesn’t disappoint.
Her Bold Gele Headwraps
From attending weddings to cultural events, my mother’s wardrobe is a reliable source of timeless headpieces.
These headwraps are not only a fashion statement but also a symbol of culture and heritage. I love how they can transform any look and make it more elegant and sophisticated.
Her Vibrant Ankara Prints
I always admire the vivid array of Ankara print fabrics from my mother’s closet. They’re essential in every African woman’s wardrobe and so do hers. What I appreciate most is their ability to bring a burst of color to any ensemble and their versatility in being transformed into any clothing item like dresses, pants, or skirts.
Her Beaded Sandals
As an African woman, beaded slides are everything. They are the go-to choice for running casual errands. These sandals aren’t just comfy, they’re also fashionable and guarantees to add a bit of pizzazz to any outfit, especially with the vibrant beads adornments. When it comes to my mom’s closet, I don’t feel guilty at all for “borrowing” them.
Shop beaded sandals for yourself:
Torgeis Women’s Vega T-strap Sandal
Handmade flat sandals
Her Gold Hoop Earrings
The first time I sneaked into my mom’s jewelry box, this tiny piece of accessory caught my eye. They were simple yet elegant, with a timeless look that made them a perfect match for my outfit. I remember wearing them to a friend’s birthday party. The compliments I received made me realize that my mom’s closet was a gold mine waiting to be explored.
Shop gold hoops for yourself
Tiffany & Co Atlas® X Hoop Earrings
Tiffany Metro Hoop Earrings
Floral Midi Dresses
My mom’s floral midi dresses have a charm of their own and each time I wear them, I tend to connect myself to the good old days. They’re feminine, elegant, and perfect for any occasion. I love pairing them with sneakers for a casual yet stylish look.
Shop floral dresses for yourself
Plus Warp Floral Midi Dress
Asos Design flutter sleeve midi tea dress
Her Adire Fabrics
Her Adire fabrics now form part of my wardrobe. These tie-dye fabrics are one of my favs. It’s a versatile fabric that can be used to make anything from dresses to scarves. I remember stumbling upon a beautiful blue and white piece in my mom’s closet. I borrowed it for a school cultural day, turning it into a stylish wrap skirt. The praises I received were endless, and it sparked my interest in exploring more of my mom’s wardrobe.
My Mom’s Wedding Dress
The last on the list is my mother’s old wedding dress. Yes, you read that right! This beautiful gown is not just a symbol of her love story, but also a testament to timeless fashion. I had it remodeled and wore it on my own wedding day. It was more than just a dress, it was a connection to my mother, a passing of a torch, a moment that was uniquely ours.
In essence, my mother’s closet has been a hoarded treasure of fashion gems. Borrowing these items has not only expanded my wardrobe but also enriched my style, enabling me to experiment, innovate, and express my personal style in new and exciting ways. No regrets at all, rather, I am grateful for this fashion journey that has brought me closer to my mother and her timeless style. Here’s to more ‘stealing’ and style!
Photo: (Pexels/RDNE stock project)
