Last Updated on January 1, 2024 by Ellen Christian
If you’re wondering how to simplify your closet, keep reading for tips to simplify your wardrobe. Go from too many clothes to finding your personal style using key pieces.
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Table of Contents
How to Simplify Your Closet
Whether you want to develop a capsule wardrobe or minimalist wardrobe or you just want to weed out excess clothing, keep reading. These simple tips will help you feel confident about your wardrobe and make your life easier.
Why should I simplify my closet?
Having a well-organized wardrobe can save you time and stress each morning because you won’t have to rummage through piles of clothing. Plus, it allows you to see and appreciate the items you own, making it easier to pick out outfits that match your style. Streamlining your wardrobe also means fewer laundry chores and less space occupied by unused or rarely worn pieces.
A clean and decluttered closet can translate into a less cluttered mind, leading to better focus and productivity. Knowing every piece in your wardrobe and how it fits into your style can also boost your self-confidence. Furthermore, it can help you become more mindful and intentional about your shopping habits, supporting a more sustainable lifestyle.
Some people choose to create a capsule wardrobe or even a more minimalist wardrobe. But, it’s all about getting rid of what is collecting dust and keeping what you wear.
What is a capsule wardrobe?
A capsule wardrobe refers to a compact collection of timeless, versatile clothing pieces that can be mixed and matched to create a wide variety of outfits. It typically consists of 30 to 50 items, including tops, bottoms, dresses, outerwear, and shoes.
The goal is to own only garments that you love to wear, that are suitable for your lifestyle, and that can work together seamlessly. This approach promotes conscious consumption, reduces wardrobe clutter, and can save you time and money in the long run.
What is a minimalist wardrobe?
A minimalist wardrobe is a concept that takes the idea of a capsule wardrobe to the next level. It involves reducing your clothing collection to the absolute essentials—often less than 30 items. The goal is to eliminate the stress of choice and enhance your style. Minimalist wardrobes typically consist of clothing pieces in neutral colors that can be effortlessly paired together, allowing for maximum outfit options with minimal pieces.
The beauty of a minimalist wardrobe lies in its simplicity and functionality. Rather than owning a large number of clothes that go unworn, you focus on quality over quantity, choosing durable and versatile pieces that will stand the test of time. This not only frees up closet space but also reduces decision fatigue, making it easier to decide what to wear each day. It’s a powerful tool in promoting a more sustainable, conscious, and intentional lifestyle.
Learn more about luxury minimalism.
How to Find My Personal Style
Discovering your style is a journey of self-expression. It begins with understanding your lifestyle, preferences, and body type. Start by evaluating which colors, patterns, and silhouettes make you feel the most confident and comfortable. Then, look for common themes or elements that resonate with you.
In the beginning, it may be helpful to create a mood board with images of outfits that inspire you. Pinterest and fashion magazines are great resources for this. Once you’ve gathered these images, identify the recurring elements.
Are there specific colors you are drawn to? Do you prefer fitted or loose clothing? Do you lean towards classic styles or more trendy ones? What are your favorite premium brands? Observing these patterns will guide you toward defining your unique style.
Why do I have too many clothes?
It’s common to accumulate a surplus of clothes over time for various reasons. One of these could be the influence of fast fashion, which promotes a continuous cycle of buying the latest trends, leading to a closet packed with items that are rarely worn. Additionally, emotional shopping or buying items on sale that we don’t need also contributes to the overflow.
Another factor is holding onto clothes for sentimental reasons or because they might fit ‘one day’. This leads to a cluttered wardrobe filled with items that don’t reflect our current style or fit our present lifestyle. By understanding these reasons, we can start to make more conscious decisions about what we bring into our closets, helping us maintain a simplified, functional wardrobe.
How can I downsize my closet?
Downsizing your closet doesn’t have to be a daunting task. In fact, it can be a liberating experience that brings a sense of tranquility and order to your daily routine. In this section, we’re going to delve into some effective strategies to help you declutter your wardrobe and maintain a streamlined, functional collection of clothes that truly reflect your personal style and meet your lifestyle needs.
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Start by Decluttering
First and foremost, it’s time to declutter. This might seem overwhelming at first, but don’t worry – take it step by step. Start by sorting your clothes into three categories: keep, maybe, and donate or discard. Clothes that fit well, make you feel good, and you wear frequently obviously belong to the ‘keep’ pile.
On the other hand, clothes that you haven’t worn in a long time, don’t fit or are no longer in style can be donated or discarded. For items you’re unsure about, place them in the ‘maybe’ pile and revisit them after a few weeks.
Organize Your Wardrobe
Once you’ve decluttered your wardrobe, it’s time to organize it. It’s a good idea to group similar items. For example, keep all of your jeans in one area and your T-shirts in another. This will make it easier for you to find what you’re looking for.
Consider investing in simple storage solutions like shelf dividers, drawer organizers, or hanging compartments to keep your clothes neat and visible.
What clothes to keep and throw away?
Deciding what clothes to keep and throw away ultimately depends on your style, lifestyle needs, and comfort. Generally, you should keep items that fit well, make you feel confident, and can easily be mixed and matched with other pieces in your wardrobe.
These often include staple items like a good pair of jeans, a classic white shirt, a versatile dress, and a comfortable pair of shoes. On the other hand, consider discarding items that you haven’t worn for over a year, no longer fit, are damaged beyond repair, or don’t match your current style or lifestyle.
Remember, the goal is to create a functional, clutter-free wardrobe that makes dressing up a stress-free experience. Keep only what you enjoy wearing and get rid of the remaining pieces.
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How do you get rid of too many clothes?
Getting rid of surplus clothes can be done effectively through several methods. Capsule wardrobes are typically made up of wardrobe staples that you can use to create several outfit combinations.
You don’t have to have a minimalist closet or even a capsule wardrobe. It’s all about having fewer clothes to save time and create space.
Donating
Most communities have local charities that accept gently used clothing. This is a wonderful way to give your clothes a second life while supporting a good cause.
Selling
If you have clothes in good condition or designer items, consider selling them online. Websites like eBay, Poshmark, or Depop make it easy to reach potential buyers.
Swapping
Hosting a clothes swap with friends or family is another fun and eco-friendly way to declutter. It’s a chance to update your wardrobe without spending money or contributing to the waste associated with fast fashion.
Recycling
For items that are worn out or damaged, look into textile recycling programs in your area. These initiatives ensure that clothing waste is repurposed or recycled, instead of ending up in a landfill.
By using one or a combination of these methods, you can effectively reduce your wardrobe size while ensuring your clothes are repurposed responsibly.
Can I buy new clothes after I simplify my closet?
Yes, buying new outfits is perfectly fine, especially if you’re replacing clothing items you’ve outgrown, worn out, or discarded during your decluttering process. The key is to shop mindfully. Aim for quality over quantity, and choose versatile pieces that align with your personal style and lifestyle needs. This way, each item in your closet serves a purpose and contributes to a cohesive wardrobe, reducing the likelihood of accumulating excess clothes in the future.
I hope that you try a few of these great tips to create a simplified wardrobe. It can be a game changer when it comes to finding your personal style and simplifying your wardrobe.
Now that you know how to simplify your closet, you may want to simplify your beauty routine.
Ellen believes you can feel beautiful at any age and size. She shares healthy beauty and fashion information geared toward women over 40. She is a direct sales rep for several fashion and beauty businesses.