About 3 months ago, I got fed up with my massive amount of clothes and have decided to make a change. I’ve decided that I need to simplify my wardrobe and cultivate a more long-lasting style (rather than a highly trendy style). I need a more streamlined wardrobe so getting dressed isn’t so frustrating.
So I’ve been doing lots of research, reading, and becoming inspired by the ideas and methods of others, trying to figure out how to simplify my wardrobe in a way that works for me. I want to share my streamlined wardrobe journey with you and I’m going to start by sharing some pretty inspiring and encouraging resources I have found.
A Primer to Streamlining Your Wardrobe
The 40 Hanger Closet
This is the article that really got me going. Ruth of Living Well Spending Less scaled down her closet to only 40 hangers in an attempt to bring order and organization to her closet.
Ruth does have clothing items in drawers and on shelves that do not count toward that 40 and she changes her wardrobe out with other pieces. So she is not limited to 40 clothing items total; that is just what she keeps on hangers in her closet.
What hooked me about this idea is the organization it brings to her closet. Seeing an organized space brings me calm. Searching for things, sifting and sorting through piles, all of that makes me crazy. And it is so frustrating to find something and think “I forgot I had this!” because it didn’t have a proper home (or it wasn’t in its proper home).
The other thing that draws me to the idea of minimizing the number of clothing items allowed in my closet is that it will make me much more cognizant of my purchases and consumption. I can’t tell you how many solid color tank-tops I own just because when they are on sale I figure I might as well get a few since they can be worn in so many ways. But do I really need a closetful? Nope.
And only allowing myself a certain number of clothing items in my closet suddenly makes closet space prime real estate that I’m not going to give to just any piece of clothing.
Project 333
This is a wardrobe challenge that asks participants to use a wardrobe of only 33 items for 3 months. That is 33 items total – clothing, accessories, shoes, outerwear. Everything.
Project 333 allows some freebies (clothing and accessory items that do not have to count toward your 33): your wedding ring or other jewelry that you never take off, undergarments, sleepwear, loungewear that you don’t leave the house in, and workout clothing which can only be worn to work out in.
This is a real challenge when you think about it; especially if you have a few different “modes” you have to dress for (i.e. work mode, mom mode, going-out mode, etc.) You change out your wardrobe every 3 months, which coincides with the seasons nicely.
I think the most intriguing thing about this challenge is that it is just that – a challenge. It pushes me to really change the way I think about my style and wardrobe. The Project 333 website is full of wonderful tips on getting started and keeping with it.
Slow Fashion
I came across this concept while searching the web for earth-friendly fashion ideas. The mission of Slow Fashioned is to
“Educate, inspire, and influence change in the fashion industry by encouraging consumers to slow down and make more conscious consumption decisions.”
This website is more about inspiration than instruction. The other two will give you some tactical advice, and this one will help you feel great about the journey.
I have actually begun paring down my wardrobe already. I completely emptied my closet (I do best when starting with a blank slate) and started adding things back in one piece of clothing at a time to build a summer wardrobe.
As this process evolves, I will share with you my lessons and tips. I hope this inspires you to have a more simplified and consciously built wardrobe that highlights and makes you feel great about your own personal style.
Looking for more for streamlining your wardrobe? Curious about cultivating your own personal style? Check out my series A New Way to Declutter Your Closet {and cultivate your own personal style}.
Related posts readers also enjoy:
- What Using a Minimalist Wardrobe has Taught Me About Buying Clothes.
- Five Reasons You Hate Your Wardrobe
- How to Dress for Special Occasions When You Use a Capsule Wardrobe
- 10 Ways to Make Your Clothes Last Longer
Broke Vermont Girl says
Bravo! Stepping away from clothes hoarding can be surprisingly difficult. Thank you for pointing out different methods—I never realized that I could have a support system for my clothes habit. I moved around a lot in my early twenties and ended up leaving tote after tote of clothing at my mother’s and just never got around to retrieving them, but for years, I said nay to her going through and reselling or donating them. Only recently did I take a step back and realize that if I’ve lived without it for 2 years, I don’t need it. Except the cute dresses. I want those.
Laura says
It really is surprisingly difficult! I rationalize keeping things in every way imaginable, but my go-to excuse is that if I ever need that {insert clothing item I haven’t worn in over a year}, I’ll be glad I kept it so I don’t have to buy a new one. But you’re right – if I haven’t worn it in a couple of years, I don’t really need it. And yes, the cute dresses are probably the hardest to let go!
Broke Vermont Girl says
Bravo! Stepping away from clothes hoarding can be surprisingly difficult. Thank you for pointing out different methods—I never realized that I could have a support system for my clothes habit. I moved around a lot in my early twenties and ended up leaving tote after tote of clothing at my mother’s and just never got around to retrieving them, but for years, I said nay to her going through and reselling or donating them. Only recently did I take a step back and realize that if I’ve lived without it for 2 years, I don’t need it. Except the cute dresses. I want those.
Laura says
It really is surprisingly difficult! I rationalize keeping things in every way imaginable, but my go-to excuse is that if I ever need that {insert clothing item I haven’t worn in over a year}, I’ll be glad I kept it so I don’t have to buy a new one. But you’re right – if I haven’t worn it in a couple of years, I don’t really need it. And yes, the cute dresses are probably the hardest to let go!
Tomorrows outfit says
I don’t organise my things in the closet since my work schedule has been busy always. But now I learned cleaning and organising, I realised that as a girl, we should give time & take care the things around us not just ourselves.
I have my new closet now & its larger than before.
Thanks for the tips you’ve shared, I’ll be using this right now.