Figuring out what to wear every day can be a daunting task. As if we needed any more decisions to make, am I right? If you were anything like how I was when I first started my caregiving journey, you probably find yourself stuck in a fashion rut, wearing the same two pieces on repeat like a played-out song. Well, my friend, it's time to break free from that heavy rotation!

For all the extraordinary beats you conquer day in and day out, your outfits should be nothing short of heroic. After all, you're not just putting together an outfit for yourself. Nay, nay, nay, you are creating a dynamic duo if you will. A Robin to your Batman and let's be honest, you are Batman (said in my best Michael Keaton voice). Your wardrobe pieces should be like trusty sidekicks, with multiple pockets, super durable fabric, and a style that truly reflects your personality. It's time to unleash the rockstar within!

So, here are my top-tier tips to helping you build a wardrobe that works seamlessly for your caregiving lifestyle:

She/He/They a Fashion Killa

Okay so before we dive in, let me spill some deets about moi. I'm Nikki, and for a solid 12 years, I was a caregiver for my mom who lived with early-onset Alzheimer's. But wait, there's more! I proudly earned a degree in Fashion Design and Visual Merchandising, rocking the world of style and aesthetics, in my opinion at least lol. Concurrently managing my mom's condition I also worked as a Brand Strategist and UGC Creator as well as parenting over 2 fur babies. Phew, quite a lot to juggle, right?

My point is, that I get it. Creating a caregiver wardrobe can feel like an unnecessary task with all the other high-priority responsibilities we have on our plate. Trust me when I say that it is not unnecessary! Countless studies have proven that our mental health can be affected by what we wear, but don't you worry [1]. Now that we're practically BFFs, I am going to share how to make this process less daunting and an absolute must-have for your everyday. The first tip: choosing a color palette [2]. Ready? Let's go!

Choose a Color Palette

When selecting the perfect outfit for caregiving duty, I want you to think beyond just the color black (however if you do prefer that color then it is totally fine of course). Try to choose a few colors that flatter your day-to-day grind. What worked for me was classifying my wardrobe by the stages of my mom's condition [3]. Generally, Alzheimer's is understood to have 3 main stages: the early, the middle and the last. In the early stage, my mom was a lot more active and energetic so my color palette reflected that in tones of red (an action color), blue (a healing color) and brown (a grounding color).

These colors were intentionally chosen because of the effect they had on my mom and also on me. For my mom, wearing red, her favorite color, helped her to associate me with someone she trusted and felt comfortable around. For me, I was able to express myself in a way that still showed my style like wearing red in my favorite lipstick Ruby Woo or rocking red nails in a stiletto style. Who doesn't love an outfit that brings out the best in both of you? Ha! I didn't even mean to rhyme on that lol.

Styling Through Stages

In the next stage, the middle, my mom was less active which meant I became more active so my colors of choice to wear were: olive green, khaki, and tan. Olive green is considered to be calming while also providing a sense of security; khaki and tan are earthy colors that helped to ground me in the present moment and stay focused on my tasks. I still incorporated the color red though since it was my mom's favorite color.

In the end stage, my mom became non-verbal and bed-bound so my color selections became even more calming. I swapped out my olive greens for muted purples, silver and white. Purple is another healing color that enhances the aura of space while calming the energy around it [4]. Silver was also used to reflect purity and innocence while white showed my mom's spiritual journey as she transitioned into her afterlife.

Key Comfort Pieces

Okay once you've got your colors down the next venture is silhouettes. Pants or leggings? Jeans or joggers? The list goes on and on. Another reason why I'm here to break it down for you! When selecting your clothing items, comfort is key. Think of your daily tasks and try to envision what pieces you need to get the job done. Here’s an idea: why not have dedicated items for each of your caregiving tasks?

For example, when distributing medications or lifting your loved one, I'd suggest finding a pair of overalls or jeans with stretch fabric that moves with you or wearing a cute matching yoga set. Maybe it's an admin day where you are taking notes for all the upcoming appointments for the following week, why not find a jogger lounge set with pockets big enough to hold your iPad or leggings that can pocket your phone? Also, when it comes to tops you want something breathable like cotton or bamboo. These fabrics are soft but still provide coverage in case of any unexpected spills or messes.

Add a Touch of Your Style

The last piece of advice I have is to add a touch of your style. Your caregiving wardrobe should represent the balance between comfort, functionality, and style. For me, that meant finding fashionable items with adjustable features like an elastic waistband or accent pieces such as scarves, smart watch bands, hats, etc., that I could mix and match with existing pieces in my wardrobe. It also didn't hurt to have quality trendy items like my Adidas sneakers, vintage graphic tees, and statement earrings. Having these fashion-forward pieces made me feel more confident, calm and energetic. I was able to express myself beyond my role as a caregiver and show up as the best version of myself.

So there you have it! My top tips for building a wardrobe that works with your caregiving lifestyle. Remember to choose a color palette, select comfort pieces, and always add a touch of your style. Creating the perfect caregiver wardrobe can be a breeze - just a dash of pre-planning and you'll be geared up to conquer the world! Get ready to rock that caregiver style!

Sources:

[1] Signs Your Wardrobe Is Pointing Toward Emotional Distress; https://www.thezoereport.com/wellness/dressing-mental-health

[2] Color and Psychological Functioning; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4383146/

[3] Early Onset Alzheimer's; https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/what-is-alzheimers/younger-early-onset

[4] What Does The Color Purple Mean; https://www.verywellmind.com/the-color-psychology-of-purple-2795820

Music Motivation: Fashion Killa (https://open.spotify.com/track/0O3TAouZE4vL9dM5SyxgvH?autoplay=true)