Is your closet packed to the gills with too many clothes? Open your closet doors to a wardrobe that you love by downsizing your closet. Read Part 1 here.
Turn hangers backward
A simple technique to track what you wear is to turn all hangers backward. When you wear something put it back the usual way. At the end of a season, or 12 months from now, see what was never worn and say goodbye!
create a capsule wardrobe
Shira Gill’s blog post “How to Build a Capsule Wardrobe for All Seasons” resonated with me. She aims for 50 pieces in total which does not include basics like socks, underwear, pjs or workout gear, or accessories like jewelry or hats. Here is what she recommends year-round:
5x Jeans / Pants
2x Shorts
5x Dresses
5x Sweaters / Cardigans
10x Blouses / Tops
1x Warm Winter Coat
3x Lighter Jackets
1x Winter Boots
1x Warm Hat, Gloves + Scarf
1x Summer Sandal
2x Swimsuits
8x Year Round Shoes – flats, sneakers, heels, etc.
3x Bags – clutch, tote, crossbody, etc.
I think this is a great jumping off point that can be tailored to your needs. Aim for pieces that can be mixed and matched for optimal versatility. And from part 1, always opt for quality over quantity. Canva works great for creating a vision board of your favorite items.
Create a space for clothing purgatory
Unsure about some items, but not ready to part with them? Hang them in another closet – like in an office, or a coat closet, or box them up and write the date on them. If you don’t wear or think about them in the next 6 months, it’s okay to say goodbye.
consign like-new items
A way to make a little back on your like-new, clean, stain-free items is to take them to a local consignment shop or send them to thredup. You’ll receive cash for your sold items or store credit. Most consignment shops will accept items based on the season.
check-in with your buying habits
When you’re shopping, ask yourself these questions: Do you LOVE it? Is it comfortable? Do you feel like you could live in it and do not want to take it off? Are you wanting it because it’s a good deal? It is versatile? Will it hold up? These are all good questions to ask BEFORE bringing clothes home. Or to ask when trying on items you ordered. If something feels “off” it’s probably not best to stay. Every clothing item takes up space and your energy by needing to care for them. Make sure they are worthy of your attention and love.
