The Sisterhood of the Traveling Closet
November 29, 2023
Writer: Libby Zufi
Editor: Morgan Millstein
A classic black sparkly top, a blue and white set worn when it was a little too chilly outside, a pink corset top inspired by the Barbie movie, and a white corduroy mini skirt with a small stain from each new girl who has worn it in my hallway. Although these garments may seem like mere pieces of fabric, they hold a plethora of memories - some good, some bad - that have shaped the friendships formed during my time at Michigan.
Growing up without sisters, I always looked to my mom and girlfriends to share their closets with me. Inspired by the classic game of “dress-up,” the notion that clothes can become intertwined with memories was ingrained into my upbringing. I quickly became fascinated with fashion and dressing up with my friends. I began to look forward to going out and celebrating even the smallest of celebrations as I had an excuse to dress up. In high school, I could not share particular articles of clothing because I had a larger bust than my friends. This was a difficult time for me as I stressed not fitting in with the latest trends and looking different in my clothing than my friends. Since getting a breast reduction in the summer before my freshman year of college, I have come to appreciate the act of lending and borrowing clothes as a way of forming new friendships.
While wearing another person's clothes can be an excuse to dress up for a fun night out or a dinner in downtown Ann Arbor, this is also a way to bond with those who previously wore it. From a job interview to a date party, there are many excuses to dress up here in Michigan and trade these tactile pieces with one another. With each clothing memento comes the many unique and personal experiences attached to them.
Whenever I see my friend wearing an article of clothing borrowed from my closet, I am instinctively transported back to when I wore it and the emotions it brought me. Whether it be bliss, sadness, or those emotions in between, there is always a memory linked to it. The power that a piece of clothing holds and the connection it can make between people is a minor yet apparent experience in our everyday lives.
Living with 60 girls has given me plenty of options to expand my closet while forging connections along the way. On game days, the house bustles with each girl searching through the collective piles of maize and blue T-shirts and jackets to craft the perfect “gameday fit.” This past year has led me to appreciate the camaraderie I found at Michigan and the simplicity of sharing everyday items.
With the stress that comes with being a student, engaging in extracurricular activities, and managing everything that comes in between, it can be overwhelming to find moments in the day that bring peace to the chaos of college. The joy I feel when my friend wears an outfit of mine is small but mighty, and it shows me that the little things in life bring the biggest smile to my face. It’s true when they say that you will find your closest friends in college, and I am thankful for the bonds I have formed with others here at Michigan, even through something as simplistic as a top.
Image: Julia Bonnano
