Your Closet Doesn't Need to Become Part of the Breakup
Those feelings of resentment you feel after a breakup can sometimes make you do crazy, crazy things. You might, for example, get bangs for the first time ever. You might dye your hair all sorts of colors. You might even get a tattoo to spite your ex! Whatever it is you're planning to do, trust us, it's not worth it. If you want a better post-breakup transformation, make sure you don't do something you'll regret in two days.
1. Cutting Off Most of Your Hair on Impulse
Put. The. Scissors. Down. Look, we get it: a crazy new haircut can feel incredibly freeing when you're desperate for something to feel different right away. But going from long hair to a pixie cut or no bangs to super-short bangs will only leave you with months of regret. Give yourself some time before committing to a major chop, especially if you'd never considered the style before the breakup.
2. Bleaching Your Hair at Home
No, bleaching your hair yourself is also not the way to go. Sure, you might be able to get it fixed at a salon if you mess up, but lightening hair significantly can cause breakage, uneven coloring, and unwanted tones. If you really want a major color transformation, think through it first.
3. Getting a Breakup Tattoo
If you've tattooed your ex's name on your body before the breakup, it's understandable that you might want to cover it. But you know what you shouldn't do? Permanently ink anything directly connected to the relationship. Because you're hurting right now, you'll inevitably choose something you'll probably hate once you're more clear-minded.
4. Throwing Away Everything Your Ex Liked
Maybe your ex loved you in a certain pair of jeans. Just because they're gone from your life now doesn't mean those clothes belong in the donation pile, though. Getting rid of things simply because they remind you of them will only leave you sacrificing pieces you actually enjoy. Remember: at the end of the day, your wardrobe belongs to you.
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5. Copying Your Ex's New Partner
Did you cringe just now? Let that be the warning sign. We know you might think it's a good idea to rock the same style as your ex's new partner to show off that you can wear it better than them, but recreating their look won't necessarily make you feel better about yourself. Listen to your gut. Don't do it.
6. Buying an Entirely New Wardrobe Overnight
Other than getting rid of all the things your ex liked in your closet, you might fall back on retail therapy. And while a new shirt or two might not be too bad, ordering piles of clothes during an emotional shopping spree can leave you with pieces that just aren't very "you." Trust us, you don't need a complete makeover just because your relationship ended.
7. Dressing Like Someone You're Not
Just as you shouldn't copy your ex's new partner, don't dress like someone you're not. Exploring new styles can be a healthy way to move on, but that's only if you want to do it, and not because you're forcing yourself into a different persona.
8. Changing Your Appearance Based on Their Criticism
An ex's unkind comments can linger, and that might push you to change your appearance. And yet, you've already broken up, so why do their preferences matter? If you do decide to change anything, make sure the motivation comes from what you want to see in the mirror, not what your ex once said.
9. Wearing Uncomfortable Clothes Just to Look Hot
There's nothing wrong with wanting to look fantastic after a breakup, but don't do it at the cost of your own comfort. Whether it's shoes you can barely walk in or outfits that leave you feeling self-conscious, it's not worth it. You shouldn't have to spend the entire night fretting over your clothes.
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10. Reinventing Yourself for Social Media
Posting your post-breakup makeover on social media might provide a quick confidence boost, but you're not helping yourself out if you're only doing it with the hope that your ex will see it. Their potential reaction shouldn't matter, especially in decisions that should belong to you.
As we've seen, looking different after a breakup can certainly be tempting. And yet, you don't need to be a completely different person just to move forward. Here are smarter style choices to make instead that'll also signal to your ex that you've happily moved on:
1. Finally Wear the Clothes You've Always Wanted To
Now that your ex is out of the picture, it's time to finally wear the clothes you've always wanted to rock. So go and wear that dress or those super-tight jeans! No one's stopping you. Now is also a good opportunity to bring back other preferences you have and see what still feels right.
2. Get a Haircut You've Already Been Considering
Don't chop off your hair, of course, but if there's a cut you've saved on your phone for six months, go for it. Just walking out of the salon with something you've chosen for yourself can provide a refreshing sense of change!
3. Invest in Clothes That Actually Fit
Instead of chasing trends just because your ex liked them, go for clothes that fit properly. You can even consider tailoring existing pieces so they show off your body better. After all, feeling comfortable in your clothes can make rebuilding confidence way easier.
4. Rediscover Your Favorite Color
Were there certain colors your ex didn't like you wearing? Well, it's time to bring them back. That way, you can give your wardrobe a fresh direction without changing too much of what you already own. You may even discover that your tastes have changed and you prefer different shades.
5. Upgrade Your Everyday Basics
Moving forward doesn't always mean buying only statement pieces. Heck, even a great pair of jeans or a well-fitting jacket can transform your overall look. Replacing worn basics also makes your existing wardrobe easier to mix and match.
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6. Develop a New Signature Look
As we've mentioned, you should never change your style just to spite your ex, but a new chapter can also be a good way to figure out which style actually suits you best. Again, the goal isn't to revamp your entire identity, but to become more intentional about the look you already have.
7. Dress Up for Yourself Again
It's easy to stop putting effort into your appearance when your mood is low, but remember: you don't need an excuse to wear the outfit you've been saving. If you want to wear it, wear it! Do it for yourself, not for other people.
8. Try a Trend You Previously Avoided
Maybe you've been curious about wide-leg jeans or chunky jewelry, but never gave it a chance. Now is a great time to branch out—you don't need to care about anyone else's opinion but yours. Plus, you can start slow: pick one piece and go from there.
9. Build Outfits Around Your New Routine
Breakups often change much more than your relationship status. You might be going out with friends more often, exercising regularly, or simply spending your weekends differently. Keeping that in mind, build your closet around the schedule you have now. You'd be surprised how quickly it'll allow you to move on!
10. Start Dressing for the Person You're Becoming
As you move forward, your tastes may naturally shift, and you might grow out of the person you were just months ago. So: keep the pieces that still feel right, experiment where you're curious, and please, please, please stop worrying about what your ex might think. You're your own person, and you're better without them.
