I don’t know if it’s my rebellious nature, or just my cynical view on things, but I seriously dislike when anyone posts articles on “Must Haves.” It’s applicable across the board, but I’m mostly referring to fashion posts here. The “Must Haves in Every Closet”, “Must Haves for Spring” etc., etc. You know what I’m talking about. Us women have seen them, and continue to see them every season.
Every magazine and blogger always has these “Must Have” articles. Frankly, I think it’s ridiculous. Why ‘must’ you have it? What’s gonna happen if you don’t? You don’t need to have anything except weather appropriate clothing to keep you safe from the elements. That’s what you ‘must have’ and even then, if you don’t well, that’s at your own risk. You’re a grown up and can make those choices for yourself.
Further, these must haves are not applicable to everyone, so why must you have them? I don’t own a crisp button up white shirt. I haven’t owned one for about eight years. It’s on everyone’s ‘Must Have’ list, yet I haven’t needed it for eight years. So perhaps it’s not actually a ‘Must-Have’?
These are generic lists for generic people and they don’t reflect individuality. They should be called “suggested haves.” Because not only do they paint you inside a generic box, but they also make you feel like you are somehow without or lacking if you don’t own these things. I call bullshit on that. I don’t own a set of classic black pumps. And thought I do have a classic black blazer, I honestly have worn it for about nine years. So why must I have these things? Clearly I don’t.
What must you have in your wardrobe? Those pieces that define you and that function in your lifestyle. That’s it. That’s all you ‘must have’ and tell anyone who says differently to shove it somewhere.
Carolynn Markey
March 23, 2015loveeee this! I made a must have post for my second trimester and I made sure to state that this was my personal list, and probably not reflective of what other pregnant people might need. Must haves are different for everyone. For example, I have a light sweater with a pineapple on it. If I was going to live out of my suitcase, this would be a must have for me. In fact, when I saw it, I LOVEEEEDDDD it and promptly thought of 352 ways that I could incorporate such a wonderful sweater into my life. Hehehe. But other people might think wearing a fruit-bedazzled sweater slightly odd 😛
Joanna Haughton
March 23, 2015Exactly Carolynn. That's exactly the point. I have things that are musts-haves FOR ME – and other people would never touch them. I really don't believe in universal must-haves unless we all suddenly become clone robots.
Julia @ Pennies & Paper
March 28, 2015Great outfit! Love the third photo…you look so happy! Personally, I need crazy. Bright patterns, unusual cuts, along those lines. But, to be honest, that "must have" list has changed drastically in the past few years–I used to wear only black and now I love color. Tastes change. I completely agree with you, in short.
Joanna Haughton
March 29, 2015Thanks. I'm right there with you. I love patterns. And exactly my point – people's must-have list is so personal and changes with time. That's why I don't like those universal 'must-have' lists that come out every month. Style is a personal thing.
The Sock Drawer
March 30, 2015Cute poses!
Emily
December 15, 2016That dress is just beautiful, such divine colours and so unique. I think it has become one of my personal “must haves” ha (I hate those generic lists too) but I can’t find it anywhere!!
May I be very cheeky and forward and ask if you would consider selling yours?
JoHaughton
December 16, 2016I sold it a while back. It was too much on me and I looked like I was drowning in it.