1. Limit your spending | don't think of this as a
"let's-get-rid-of-everything-and-re-buy-a-new-wardrobe" because that
is not what we're doing here. We are getting rid of (aka donating) and editing
our current over-stocked inventory, not restocking.
2. Follow the "always, sometimes, never"
rule | separate all of your
clothes into 3 categories based on how often you wear/don't wear them.
3. Analyze | great, you have a set of wardrobe staples (your "always" pile). Now time to purge your "sometimes" pile! Ask yourself:
- Does it still fit right?
- If it is damaged can I fix it?
- Is it comfortable?
- Does wearing it make me happy?
- Can I wear this in multiple ways?
- Does it have strong sentimental value?
4. Start defining
your style | as I’ve gotten older I have been able to hone down on how I
want to define myself visually: I have key elements/colors in my closet that
are consistent and harmonious, with minor exceptions (I think I own one
article of pink clothing…maybe). Defining my style enables me to donate
whatever doesn’t fit ideologically with the rest of my clothes (shorter
hemlines, tighter clothing, colors that are unflattering, etc).
5. Organize what is
left | finally, make sure everything is visible, accessible, and organized
in an aesthetically-pleasing manner. It will make getting dressed so much more enjoyable,
easier, and quicker! Enjoy the new space and new life of a less cluttered and
more defined wardrobe! xx
~
~
This post is part 2 of a series encouraging the
transition to a minimal wardrobe—as in a wardrobe that is physically minimal
(not the style) in order to limit our consumption, detach ourselves from
material possessions, and live more socially-conscious lives.
<(')
-if you enjoyed this post or know someone who needs a spring clean, please share!-
<3 Good luck!
ReplyDeleteI seriously need to do that, thanks for the tips Hoda! I also want to work on getting a capsule wardrobe, but I think I should really follow your cleanse first to see what clothes I actually have xxx
ReplyDeleteI think the first part of creating a capsule wardrobe is actually doing a deep cleanse--setting out what really defines you and your style and removing all the excess that is just clutter. Doing so really helps to define your style, which is essential in putting together a capsule wardrobe ;)
ReplyDeleteReally helpful! Especially since I'm moving and thinking of doing a major closet cleaning!
ReplyDeleteLove
Pili
Records of my Troubles
I have done this recently and IT FEELS GOOD. Knowing that whatever I pull out of my closet will make me happy that day is a blessing and a half. These are great tips! Not only does it lower materialism and consumption, but there is less morning stress which is always a good thing! http://aroseisinbloom.blogspot.com/
ReplyDeleteAh, what perfect timing! A great way to move into a new place with a fresh, clean wardrobe! (and think of all the less packing you'll have to do!) ;)
ReplyDeletetotally featuring this comment because it's so encouraging for people who don't trust my word ;) So glad you've felt so refreshed & detached! Any tips that you'd like to give that I missed? xx
ReplyDeleteJust a few... not really a minimizing tip so much as a shopping tip. Even with a minimal wardrobe, you will still occasionally find things you like... When I am confronted with the urge to buy something I ask myself immediately: Is this something I could wear three different ways? Do I already have something like this or that I could refashion into looking like this? If I bought this and it wore out would I want to re-buy it?
ReplyDeleteActually, that last question can be good for minimizing too! When trying to decide whether or not to keep something, ask yourself "If I ripped this beyond repair in an accident, would I re-buy it?" If not, you don't love it as much as you thought and it may be time to reevaluate if you want to keep it!
Wonderful post...I like your blog.^^
ReplyDeleteMaybe follow each other on bloglovin?
Let me know follow you then back.
Lovely greets Nessa
circleofchaos.blogspot.de
Such great tips! I saw a similar article somewhere a while back, applied the concept and it's really helped me make smarter decisions when it comes to my wardrobe and to keep organized! It works ;)
ReplyDeleteWww.littleblackshell.com
This is SO great! I think the "would I buy it again" questions is such a great one, and something that I have also been using more and more! I think you're so right--it basically defines how much you actually love the piece! Really great input, thank you Elizabeth! <3
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear it, Jessica! I think Elizabeth (the girl who commented right above you) also gave a great shopping tip! I think shopping less as well as smartly is definitely a key way to start thinking about and reevaluating your wardrobe! xx
ReplyDeletethank you xx
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear it works for you, Karen! Do you have any other suggestions that I left out? (:
ReplyDeleteI'm still working on this-- I'm donating a lot of stuff this week!
ReplyDeleteThat's so exciting! Best of luck Harper! c;
ReplyDeletelove these tips! looking forward to spring cleaning
ReplyDeletehttp://heyprettything.com
:)))) that's exactly the contrary of what I'm practicing - but sometimes dreaming about a wardrobe how you describe it and have no worries......
ReplyDeleteRosa
Styleyourselfinstyle.blogspot.com
Love these tips! Very helpful especially number 2 and 3 as I am currently decluttering my wardrobe! :D
ReplyDeletexx
GARNETIA
<3 Now if just the spring weather would actually come! ;)
ReplyDeleteHaha oh trust me, I definitely spend my fair share of time dreaming about all the clothes I would buy in an alternative life, but I think once I actually purged through my closet, I realized that I actually prefer a smaller, more distinct wardrobe rather than a mess of clothes that I know I wouldn't really appreciate as much :) You should give it a try! Maybe start small? :)
ReplyDelete<3 Glad you found it helpful! Best of luck on decluttering--it's just a long but rewarding process! xx
ReplyDeleteThat's definitively not me, as I love vintage and buy a lot constantly - and have a life-long dream about a big big room as walk-in wardrobe :))) (see my latest blogpost, by coincidence) But I envy people that are able to buy one actual designer garment and use it immediately (I'd be waiting anyway thinking it's a pity to ruin it :lol)
ReplyDelete:)) Rosa
Really great tips. Although, I do not know if I could really pair down to a super streamlined minimal closet, I am working on getting rid of a ton of stuff I just never wear anymore.
ReplyDeleteRae | love from berlin
Such good tips lovely, definitely something that I need to do. Beautiful imagery too :)
ReplyDeleteElle
www.theellenextdoor.com
xx
Great advices, I've been doing this for a while, choosing clothes that fit my personality and my style, clothes that I'm sure I will wear and that match my lifestyle.
ReplyDeleteherplaceattheuniverse.blogspot.com xx
This is the perfect post for me, when I was moving recently going through all my clothes, I couldn't decide so i packed everything. I will definitely keep this in mind when I find the time to clean through it.
ReplyDeleteHooray! I'm so glad that you found this post helpful. Cleansing your wardrobe for a move feels particularly refreshing--book the next Saturday and go through your closet--start out in your new place clutter free!
ReplyDeleteWelcome to the blog and thank you for dropping by! xx
it is so important to organize your wardrobe! You may be wearing same clothes, and left out lots of cute pieces, simply because you forgot they're even there! And, I think it takes courage to get rid of old clothes, but it is crucial to gain more spaces.
ReplyDelete★ meilijourney.blogspot.com ★
I love this! I'm getting ready to move across country and I'm having trouble parting with things - especially my handbags! Any tips on those? I hate to get rid of some of my nicer name-brand things, even if I don't use them that often!
ReplyDeleteUgh handbags are *the* worst! If you would prefer not to part with your nicer handbags but still don't ever use them, I would recommend to either hang creatively on your wall and use it as decor or put it in a box and hide away (this box usually takes the form of my "unsure" pile). If, after several months, you didn't need anything from that box, it's a sign that you are ready to part (this could also mean doing a swap with a friend so it's still accessible, as that might make parting with it easier!).
ReplyDeleteI hope that was semi-helpful! Also moving across the country is a big deal--kudos to you! Where are you moving, may I ask? :)
These are great tips! Hanging them up is a wonderful idea - in fact, the reason I don't use them is because they are tucked away and I forget about them!
ReplyDeleteAnd yes, moving will be stressful but I do have some time to plan. I'm moving from San Francisco to attend business school in Chicago! So excited :)
You're kidding, right? You know I'm a student in Chicago! What university!?
ReplyDeleteNo way! I'm going to Kellogg at Northwestern. Where are you?!
ReplyDeleteUniversity of Chicago! You're going to be only about 45 mins away!
ReplyDeleteAh! My boyfriend almost went to Booth :) Well hopefully we cross paths soon! xo
ReplyDeleteYes, for sure! ;)
ReplyDelete