Image c/- Pinterest
When I relocated almost 6 years ago, I brought with me enough clothing to fill two closets and three large plastic tubs. For some that may not be a lot, but for me it was definitely too much clothing. It was weighing me down. And like so many women before me, I was wearing only a small percentage of what I owned. I bought items that were 'near enough' to what I wanted, and I would often 'settle' for a less than perfect item, which of course I would never wear. Step One was the Big Closet Clean Out! Now you need to know, it wasn't just one big clean out, I actually had to do this about three times, but each time I was taking steps toward achieving my goal of a smaller, more cohesive wardobe with items that are worn often. I made sure I had a reasonably free day (and plenty of hot tea and chocolate... just saying) and emptied everything from my wardrobe onto my bed. I then went through each item piece by piece, trying on if necessary, and asked myself the following questions:
Do I find this flattering on me or rather, Do I like how I look this? (Did you know an item doesn't have to be conventionally flattering, it just has to make YOU happy?)
Does it fit me properly? I would often buy something a size bigger or smaller, because my size had sold out and I thought it would be fine. It never was.
Would an alteration make me want to wear it? I have quite a few items tailored to get just the right fit for me. An adjustment in the length of a skirt can make all the difference. I often have dresses tailored because a good fit in the bust area can often mean the hip/thigh area has too much fabric and needs to be taken in.
Is it dated?
Is it in good wearable condition? No balling, obvious wear and tear.
Does the colour and/or pattern suit me? Do I like what I see. Does this colour/pattern make me feel good.
Is it comfortable? I made a decision some years back that I will never wear uncomfortable clothing or shoes again.
Does the item reflect my current style preferences? This one is really important to me. I feel very uncomfortable in clothing that doesn't 'feel' or 'look' like me, no matter how lovely it may be.
I then separate items into categories.
Donate - these get folded into a pile and then bagged up and taken to my local op shop (thrift shop)
Sell - these get hung on a free standing rack in my spare room and are items that are in excellent condition, good brands and have some resale value. I then either list on Ebay or a couple of times a year hold my own little pop up store.
Holding Zone - items that I am not sure I will wear but have hesitation in moving on. These are hung in my spare room closet until I decide what to do with them. I often find that after a couple of months, if I haven't reached for these, I feel free and ready to move them on.
Closet - items that I have assessed as being worthy of being in my wardrobe. These are hung back in the closet straight away.
Photo c/- Pinterest
My first major clean out saw a lot of clothing returned to my closet that probably should have gone out. My holding zone also ended up housing quite a lot of clothing. As time has gone on I have become more brutal... or shall we say efficient...and I have much better clarity in recognising when it's time to move things on and my holding zone now generally only has one or two items.
I now try to keep to a one in, one out policy and do regular edits that take no longer than say 15/20 minutes as I quickly review what's in the closet and what is and isn't being worn.
How much clothing you decide you need/want is a very personal thing and only you know what will work best for you, but definitely considering things like your lifestyle is helpful. I have very few formal events for example so having three specific dresses in my closet that can be accessorised and worn with other items to make them appropriate for a wedding, funeral, cocktails etc is all I need. My process is not rocket science, and I am sure it doesn't differ a whole lot to your own. What can be difficult is making a start. I would love to hear how you organise your wardrobe and what your process is for deciding it's time to let things go. xxx Deborah