In the past year, I’ve strived for a three part approach when it comes to my wardrobe: add intentionally, wear frequently and edit routinely. My ultimate goal is to LOVE every single thing in my closet and to focus on quality, versatility and wearability. Ideally, items that make their way into my wardrobe – and stay – can be worn multiple ways, on multiple occasions and during multiple seasons.
I wasn’t always this way though. Having grown up loving clothes and working in retail, I can count on more than one hand how many times I purchased something on a whim, because it was on sale or to wear once to a specific event. Tweaking my thought process and my shopping process has not been easy and I am most definitely a work in progress!
THE BACKSTORY || It all started last year, pre-blog and public Instagram, when Elsa and I did a “no shop” challenge and aimed to wear something old or barely worn every. single. day. Each morning we got dressed, snapped a mirror selfie, and texted each other the details. It was sort of like LTK but just us! It was awesome to have an accountability buddy and the process really forced me to think through what was in my closet: what I liked, what I loved, and what I could part with. That top I bought because it was on sale? Still had the tags on. The dress with the big bold print that I got for a special event? Only wore it once. And why was I holding on to those low rise jeans from college?!
THE PLAN || Needless to say, I was really overwhelmed. I realized I had to make some changes – in terms of my mentality around clothes and shopping and what I was actually purchasing, keeping…and debatably hoarding. For me, that started with a little soul searching.
What do I actually wear? What do I LOVE and feel best in? What feels true to me, for my life, RIGHT NOW? I’m a homebody. I have a 9 to 5 with a corporate but flexible dress code and on the weekends I like to walk, hang out with C and B and explore the city. I prioritize comfort but like to look and feel put together. I prefer pants. I’ve always loved classic cuts and silhouettes and as I’ve gotten older, I’ve learned that I feel best in a neutral color palette with tailored pieces, a variety of textures, muted colors and small scale prints that I can mix with ease. I also love a little edge, a dash of prep and though I’m not overly girly I do enjoy feminine touches like tasteful ruffles and Peter Pan collars. Other things I’ve learned? High waisted denim is my favorite, I’ve never met a leopard print I didn’t like, cashmere is worth it, mid-height heels make me feel sexy and monochromatic is always a good idea. Also, black. Always black.
Having that foundation and understanding of myself really helped me build out a process that I knew I could incorporate and stick to. Here’s what it boils down to:
ADD INTENTIONALLY | Each season I keep a list of gaps in my wardrobe or things I’m really lusting after. That way, when I’m thinking about purchasing something, I think about whether it is on that list and if it’s a NEED or a WANT. Depending on our life circumstances and budget, the answer to that question really matters! I’m also working on shifting my mentality from “I can always return it” to “do I LOVE it?”. Sleeping on decisions and then re-evaluating a day – or ideally a week – later also helps. The “fewer better things” motto comes into play here too! I’m trying to prioritize high quality, well made and versatile pieces when possible because those are the ones I find myself gravitating towards the most. I’m also learning more about ethical and responsibly sourced brands and materials, which I plan to address in another post 🙂
WEAR FREQUENTLY | Wearability is key! The more I can wear something, the better. I like to “work my wardrobe” and aim for most of my clothes to be wearable for work, play and everything in between. I’m fortunate that my job toes the line between business formal and casual, so what I wear stays pretty consistent from week to weekend. For example, if I’m deciding between two pairs of jeans and one is distressed, I’m more likely to do the non-distressed option because I can also wear them to work.
EDIT ROUTINELY | This could also be called revisit seasonally. A part of my problem was that I never did a significant purge. Yes, you read that correctly. NEVER. I had clothes in my own home, my parents home AND my in-laws home. That’s three closets in three states, folks. I was the queen of holding onto things “in case I…” or “when I…” or “because I spent x” or “but I wore that at…”. So, when I revisited all THREE closets – I mean take everything out and try it on revisited – I was blown away by the number of things I only wore a handful of times or loved but hadn’t worn in years. Those things just sat in my closet, taking up space. I live in a 500 sq ft apartment – space is valuable! And not just the physical space, but the mental space too. Having too many options is a stressor in and of itself. Now, I revisit my wardrobe every season and categorize items into four categories: keep, store, sell and donate. A few other tips:
TIP 1: If I’m really torn on something then I’ll keep it – but under the bed or in storage aka out of sight, out of mind! I give myself one year to think about it and if I don’t, then the following year I give it away. Kondo disciples may not agree, but for me, this system works.
TIP 2: Utilize recycling programs like TheRealReal, ThredUp and Poshmark. All have pros and cons. If I can consign then I will, and if I have the energy I’ll list items on my own but most of the time the process is more of a hassle than it’s worth. Remember – when you donate your clothes someone else gets the chance to wear and love them! And that should bring you joy, too.
TIP 3: When you buy something, give something away – but I haven’t managed to conquer that one yet!
THE RESULT || Since our challenge and my gradual mindset shift, I’ve made a conscious effort to cultivate a closet with consciousness and care. Having pared down my wardrobe significantly in the last 12+ months, I’ve noticed a few things: I’m happier and more confident when I get dressed, I have more time in the morning because I spend less mental energy deciding what to wear and, most months, I’m spending less. The pieces I choose and love – the ones that have the privilege of calling my closet their home – are staples that pass the test of time. Do I still buy the occasionally trendy piece? Of course, but only if I really love it. My goal is for most of my wardrobe to be loved and worn year after year. That doesn’t mean I have to spend a lot of money! I still dabble in fast fashion (something I’m learning more about) but the pieces I buy still fit within my parameters.
Now you might be thinking, okay, so what made the cut? This week I’ll share my top 5 tried and true wardrobe staples that I cannot live without. Stay tuned to see how I style them in the coming weeks!
- Black Blazer || A black blazer is a timeless, multi-seasonal staple that can easily be worn to work, dress down with denim or as a light jacket. Any style works – I find a tailored one-button or boyfriend style in a four season weight is the most versatile! Favorite brands: Theory, J.Crew
- White Button Down || A classic, crisp white button down is my ultimate must have. I wear mine year round – buttoned up, tied, as a layer and even a cover up! Favorite brands: Theory, J.Crew
- High Rise Denim || Is there anything better than a pair of jeans that makes you feel fabulous? Methinks not. Right now I’m loving a slim-straight leg, high rise and a hint of stretch. But let’s be real, I also love a good mom jean! Favorite brands: Agolde Nico, Rag & Bone Nina
- Black Dress || I love having that dress that I can throw on for any occasion and instantly feel put together and appropriate. For me, it’s my Everlane wrap dress. Favorite brands: Everlane, Tuckernuck
- Striped T-Shirt || Can you ever have enough? I wear a striped shirt at least once a week. Comfy and casual or pretty and polished, it’s a true wardrobe chameleon! Favorite brands: Everlane, J.Crew