Do you find yourself closet purging or spring cleaning once a year or so? Your closet gets so jam-packed with stuff that you have no choice but to get rid of clothes. As you go through your stuff, you’re aghast at how many pieces you have that you barely wear! It’s time to minimize. You’ll be amazed at how good it feels to get rid of all that junk!
Minimize
“Capsule wardrobes,” while not a new idea, are a growing trend. The idea behind them is to keep your wardrobe at no more than 30 or 40 pieces (PJs and workout clothes don’t count, thankfully, so you can keep your swimwear for those surfing lessons in Waikiki you love so much without any guilt). The strategy is to collect items that mix-and-match and can creatively make up any kind of outfit.
Be brutal
In her bestselling book, The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up, Marie Kondo suggests putting all of your clothes in one pile, taking a look at each piece, and asking if it “sparks” joy. If it doesn’t, throw in in the donation bin. Sometimes we cling to pieces because they’re expensive or we haven’t worn them yet. It doesn’t matter. If it’s not playing a critical role for you, let it go. After all, it could turn out to be the magic piece for someone else!
Occasionally, of course, you may need to update, replace, or add new pieces. But be honest with yourself. If you add one new piece, get rid of one other. If you notice you’re never wearing something, perhaps it’s time to send it on.
Wardrobe essentials
Once you’ve purged your closet, then what? It’s time to make sure you have the essentials. Although you’re minimizing, be certain you do have each essential piece in your wardrobe, because you may find yourself overshopping in order to fill any gaps. Here’s a brief list of the pieces many fashion experts seem to agree on. These items are classic, versatile, and often necessary, no matter what scenario you may find yourself in.
(FYI, this section is targeted toward a feminine wardrobe…)
Tops: plain white tee; button-down shirt; knit sweater; turtleneck
Bottoms/dresses: black pants; A-line skirt, little black dress; jeans that fit like a glove
Outerwear: leather or denim jacket; blazer; wrap/trench coat
Shoes: black pumps; simple flats; ankle boots
Investing in what matters
As you curate your new wardrobe, make sure to acquire well-made pieces that fit well. Aim for timeless looks, not of-the-moment. Since you have fewer clothes, you will be more frequently wearing what pieces you have. The better made they are and more classic they look, the longer you can wear them, and the more options you have with them.
With this fresh and free new wardrobe, why not design a custom closet to house it? Builders behind this custom closet design Manalapan, NJ demonstrate how you can build a closet to suit your needs–and keep your wardrobe minimal. Design a closet that is small, so you physically can’t take on too many pieces. Design one that displays all your pieces clearly, so that you don’t forget that amazing shirt in the back!
Leave a Reply