Always on the quest to simplify my life, I’ve been working with a smaller, easier wardrobe for some time.
Last year, traveling to and from Chicago – while studying for my doctorate – I learned to live with a 10-piece wardrobe. This worked quite well and the decisions I used to pare down to just ten pieces worked surprisingly well for the rest of my wardrobe:
- Remove whole categories of clothing. For example, I no longer wear dresses, skirts or high heels. This also eliminates hosiery, slips and most shape-wear.
- I eliminated blazers, high-loft tops (mohair sweaters, chunky knits) and hip length tops which add pounds.
- Anything that shines, has sequins or shimmers adds pounds. That’s out.
- Instead low-hip or thigh length cardigans and blouses can work as jackets over shirts and tank tops. Longer tops also create a long, flattering line over skinny pants and jeans.
- Basics like a white shirt, denim shirt, black and white slacks and a gray cardigan go a long way. Think about what pieces are the “basics” in your own wardrobe.
- Shorts and utility pants with zippers add pounds. Forget that! Stay with lighter weight, longer pants for warm days.
- Clear, bright colors are flattering on me as are grays, taupes and browns. But pastels and olive-toned colors don’t work very well for me. Editing to one color intensity range immediately minimizes what is in my wardrobe – and insures that what I have can be mixed and matched through the seasons. It makes shopping easier too.
- I don’t carry a purse or bag. This cleared out an entire shelf in my closet along with the expense.
- Wear flattering, comfortable jeans in darker colors that don’t require belts. Another accessory gone. Darker jeans can work for casual looks but can be dressed up too. One pair of white slim-legged jeans adds variety.
- Use scarves as jewelry. They add updated color and textures inexpensively. When traveling scarves can be used as shawls, sarongs and even purses.
- No dry cleaning. Too many chemicals and another expense I don’t need.
- No ironing. Machine wash fits my lifestyle and my suitcase. Besides, you can get beautiful, luxury-feeling fabrics that are machine washable. Even merino wool and silks are now machine washable. Who wants to spend time ironing?
- Footwear consists of 3 pairs of shoes and a pair each of slippers, boots and sandals. I wear Earth shoes because they make my back and legs feel great when standing for long periods of time while teaching.
- A water-proof, hooded raincoat and a wool car-length coat serve as outerwear year ’round.
- Shop sales in January and July. Frequent local consignment stores. Classic styles on basics and quality fabrics will still be in fashion the following season.
This smaller, more flattering wardrobe frees up my resources and my time for more important things in my life. I’ll continue to pare back and make changes as I go. What about you? What works for you?
You may also like Simple Wardrobe and Richness of Simplicity.
