Does the sight of your clothing-stuffed wardrobe, yet seemingly having nothing to wear, sound familiar? This is a paradox many of us face: despite owning a multitude of outfits, we often spend significant amounts of time struggling over what to wear.
And what makes us buy an item one day, only to shove it aside a week later claiming we have nothing to wear? Often we purchase impulsively, leading to needless expenditure and unnecessary complication to our lives. As we approach a new year, consider setting a goal to simplify, starting with your wardrobe. Below are some suggestions.
1. INVEST IN QUALITY OVER QUANTITY
While budget shopping can be savvy, sometimes it’s wiser to invest in a few superior items rather than accumulating inexpensive ones. By focusing on quality, thereby spending more on an item, you’re likely to think twice before purchasing, unlike in a scenario where you potentially buy several cheap shirts just because they’re on sale. Having one fantastic piece that you love to wear makes for a less stressful decision process, as well as a less packed wardrobe.
2. LEARN BASIC CLOTHES REPAIR
Fixing your clothes rather than throwing them away at the first sign of a tear or hole saves money and extends their usability. By mending instead of always buying new items, your wardrobe won’t be overflowed with yet-to-be-worn clothes.
3. DECLUTTER REGULARLY
Start with decluttering your wardrobe. Evaluate each item on its fit, its condition, and whether you still love wearing it. Consider also if you haven’t worn it for half a year or more; if not, it may be time to let it go. Avoid justifying every piece that you should keep it.
4. UNDERSTAND WHAT SUITS YOU
Avoid buying items that, despite your best intentions, never seem to be the right fit or style for you. When decluttering, remove those pieces you’ve been telling yourself you’d wear but never have.
5. CONSIDER A CAPSULE WARDROBE
A capsule wardrobe consists of around 30-40 select items, including outerwear and shoes, that can easily be mixed and matched. This significantly reduces the volume of seldom-worn pieces. Remember, the idea is to keep the palette and style consistent, leading to a range of versatile outfits.
6. ROTATE ITEMS PER SEASON
Switch out clothing items according to the season – winter clothes for summer, and so on. This makes the wardrobe less crowded and more practical. Ideally, assess the items at the end of each season and give away anything that wasn’t worn to avoid moving unnecessary items to the next year.
Despite the marketing tactics employed by advertisements and clothing stores implying size equates to quantity, a wardrobe overflowing with clothes can be more of a burden than a blessing. Excess options can make us feel overwhelmed and lead us to make purchases that we neither love nor need. Therefore, use the onset of the new year as a catalyst to declutter and simplify your wardrobe.
Have you practiced wardrobe simplification? Let us know any strategies you use to keep your closet in check.
