Editor’s note: This is a guest post by Jennifer Burger of Simply + Fiercely.
Have you ever felt like you have a closet full of clothes but nothing to wear? Or spent way too much time and money shopping for clothes, only to wear them once or never at all? If so, you’re not alone. Many of us struggle with a cluttered and overwhelming wardrobe that drains our time, energy, and money.
That’s why simplifying can be a game changer. By intentionally curating your closet and adopting a more mindful approach to dressing, you can create a wardrobe that’s both functional and joyful.
But let’s be real: simplifying your wardrobe is easier said than done. It’s not just about getting rid of clothes you don’t wear or buying less. It’s also about finding a style that fits your personality, lifestyle, and values, and learning to let go of the pressure to keep up with trends and social expectations.
That’s why in this post, I want to share with you four practical and compassionate ways to simplify your wardrobe. Whether you’re a busy mom, a minimalist enthusiast, or just someone who wants to streamline their wardrobe, these tips will help you create a closet that sparks joy and reflects your unique style. From dressing with a personal uniform to decluttering your closet, we’ll explore simple but powerful strategies to simplify your wardrobe and avoid common pitfalls along the way.
1. Dress with a personal uniform
A personal uniform is a simplified approach to dressing that reflects one’s unique style, values, and priorities. It saves time and reduces decision fatigue by eliminating the need to constantly come up with new outfits from scratch.
Instead, you choose a few outfit “formulas” that you love and wear them on repeat. For example, wide-leg trousers worn with button-down blouses or long cardigans paired with leggings.
You still have the option to mix and match colours, fabrics, etc., but you’re not reinventing the wheel every day. You know what works, stick to it, and feel better about yourself because everything is tried and tested. (Gone are the days when you look in the mirror after lunch and suddenly realise you hate your outfit!)
Of course, if you want, you can take a stricter approach to a personal uniform by wearing the exact same thing every day. But if you want more flexibility, you can still use the concept to simplify your wardrobe.
2. Try a capsule wardrobe
Do you have a closet full of clothes and nothing to wear? A minimalist capsule wardrobe can help with that!
The concept is simple: curate a collection of clothing items that can be mixed and matched to create a variety of outfits. Aim for quality over quantity and, of course, versatility.
For many, this means a foundation of essential pieces in neutral colours, such as t-shirts, jeans, and a blazer or cardigan, that you can dress up with more unique or colourful pieces to create different looks. But that’s just a suggestion—if you prefer bold design and bright prints, go for it! As long as you can mix and match, don’t feel limited by a particular style or colour pallet.
Pro tip: I recommend creating a personal uniform first and then building a capsule wardrobe around what you like to wear. The two go hand in hand beautifully!
3. Declutter your closet
Decluttering your closet is an essential part of simplifying your wardrobe, but it can be a mystery for many people. The thought of sorting through clothes one by one and deciding what to keep may seem simple, but in reality, it can be challenging. If you’re struggling to make decisions about your clothes, it’s time to take a two-part approach.
First, it’s important to get clear on your personal style. One way to do this is by looking for patterns among the clothes you wear most often and those you never wear. Use this information to make intentional decisions about what to keep, and you’ll be on your way to creating a well-curated closet.
However, closet decluttering is not just about making decisions about clothes. Our clothes are personal and say a lot about who we are and who we want to be. That’s why letting go can be challenging. If you’re struggling, spend some time reflecting on your stories. Self-awareness is often the first step to letting go.
4. Stop buying clothes you never wear
One of the best ways to simplify your wardrobe is to stop buying clothes you never wear! Obvious right? But sometimes, it’s easier said than done.
However, once you go through the effort of defining your personal uniform and creating a capsule wardrobe, then you’re on the right track. The more clarity you have about what you like to wear, the easier it is to avoid buying clothes that never make it out of your closet.
One tip is to pay careful attention whenever you declutter an article of clothing. Get specific about why you’re letting go (was it the fit, the colours, etc.), and then use this information to make better decisions moving forward.
In addition, I recommend setting aside some time for self-reflection and getting to the root of why you shop. For some people it’s obvious—they need new things—but for others, shopping is a way of dealing with complicated feelings or avoiding problems. The dopamine hit helps in the short term, but you’re left with clothes you never wear in the long run. Finding healthier coping methods will help you simplify your wardrobe.
Simplifying your wardrobe is a process
Creating a simplified wardrobe can be a transformative experience, allowing you to not only streamline your closet but also free up mental energy and time. I know because I’ve been there, and I’m currently experiencing the benefits.
However, it’s important to remember that simplifying your wardrobe is a process, not a one-time event. It takes time, patience, and self-reflection to clarify your style and edit your closet until it aligns with your goals.
But by following the four tips outlined in this post – dressing with a personal uniform, creating a capsule wardrobe, decluttering your closet, and breaking the cycle of buying clothes you never wear – you can make meaningful progress toward simplifying your wardrobe.
Remember to be kind to yourself and approach the process with compassion, and you’ll be well on your way to creating a wardrobe you truly love.
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As a shopaholic turned minimalist, Jennifer Burger is passionate about helping overloaded women clear their clutter and create space for joy. She blogs at Simply + Fiercely and is the author of Mindful Decluttering, a free guide to help clear your clutter.
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