Ever feel like your closet is full of clothes yet you still struggle at times with feeling like you have “nothing to wear”? I used to feel the same way. After I simplified my wardrobe, I now have a feeling of having numerous options, and picking out an outfit for each day is effortless & enjoyable.
I know some minimalists go crazy with numbers and rules. I’m sorry, but I don’t think there is a one-size-fits-all when it comes it simplifying. You could curate your closet to have 9 shirts, 4 pants, and 3 shoes and feel miserable with your decision because following someone else’s rule about the perfect minimalist closet might not work for you or make you happy.
So, let’s break this down for you. I want you to create a simplified wardrobe that fits you and your lifestyle. A simple closet that brings you joy when you walk into your closet each morning to pick out an outfit, rather than overwhelm and stress.
Before I try to change anything in my life, I like to know why and the positive benefits/impact this will have on my life.
Benefits of a simplifying your closet
- Quicker way to choose outfits each day and find items you’re looking for.
- Decreases decision fatigue, so you can preserve your energy and focus.
- Confidence in knowing whatever item you choose will look good on you and fit you correctly.
- You will have plenty of options without having too many choices to choose from.
- Save money. By curating your closet to pieces of clothing you love. It’ll help identify when you’re shopping if you REALLY want a specific item or if it’s a trendy/impulse purchase. You become “picky” when buying clothing by learning your unique style and living minimally.
- Increases your confidence. By building a closet of clothes that you love and fits you correctly. Your confidence will boost daily as a result of feeling good about how you look and what you’re wearing.
- Creating a wardrobe that works for you and your lifestyle without thinking so much about your clothes each day.
- And many more!
START TO DECLUTTER
Start easy. I know the thought of decluttering can feel overwhelming. If the idea of cleaning out your entire closet gives you anxiety. Then just start somewhere easy. Any progress is better than no progress.
The easiest place to start is by going through your clothes and eliminating any items that are worn or torn. Then, the second step to this is getting rid of anything that DOES NOT FIT YOU.
Yup. You heard me. I know you didn’t want to. Listen, we all have that one dress, shirt, or pair of jeans that’ll “fit” us one day. Well, today’s the day you’re going to remove all pieces of clothing that do not fit you. If you lose the weight that you wanted to so you can finally fit in those jeans. Then, girl, buy yourself a new pair of jeans because you deserve it. Keeping items in your closet is not only taking up space, but is subconsciously making you feel poorly about yourself. Just trust me on this.
TIME TO PURGE
First, remove all clothes from your closet and/or drawers. As you start to go through clothes. Try thinking to yourself.
“Have I worn this the past 6-12 months?”
If you answer no, get rid of it. When you’re simplifying and trying to create a minimalist closet. Try to think of how each item makes you feel?
Discard everything that does not spark joy.
– Marie Kondo
Only keep pieces that you love and make you feel good about yourself.
When in doubt always go with neutral
A good rule of thumb when it comes to creating a minimalist wardrobe is to try and keep most items neutral. This makes it easy to mix and match. Helping you create more outfit ideas and get the most use out of your clothes.
Try to eliminate duplicate items. For example. If you own 3 black shirts. You most likely only need one. Keep your favorite black shirt and donate the rest.
Take notice of what items you go to grab most days. If there’s a piece of clothing you had no idea was even in your closet. That’s another good indication you don’t need that piece of clothing and should donate it.
WHEN CREATING A MINIMAL CLOSET KEEP IN MIND
It’s not about how many shirts you have, the number of jeans or only owning one pair of shoes. It’s about creating a closet that BEST SERVES YOU!
Maybe, owning a lot of clothes brings you joy and you just want to eliminate some items that may not be in style anymore, etc. That’s okay. If you’re overwhelmed by your closet and just want to declutter everything and start with a fresh baseline. That’s okay too. It’s not about a specific rule or number. It’s about creating a space that makes you happy and fits your lifestyle.
I hope some of this was helpful. If you have any questions, drop them below. I would love to help answer them.
