A minimalist wardrobe is a wardrobe filled with items that you love and wear consistently, and they all fit well. It is essential to feel confident and comfortable in the clothing we wear. To create a minimalist wardrobe, start by taking inventory of your current clothes and organizing them into piles or hanging them back into place.
Define your personal style, clear your closet, and consider your needs. Start by choosing versatile basics that align with your lifestyle and focusing on fewer clothes.
To create a minimalist wardrobe, start by taking inventory of your closet and sorting and organizing your apparel. Invest in staples like classic shirts, well-fitting jeans, and layering pieces, and experiment with mixing and matching to create various outfits.
A game plan is crucial before starting to touch your closet. Create your first capsule wardrobe in just a couple of hours with this simple, 3-step guide and the clothes already hanging in your closet.
A minimalist wardrobe is a closet filled only with things you love and wear consistently (and it all fits too!). Ideally, good quality pieces. This post will walk you through key principles of a minimalist wardrobe, how to create one, and why the typical step-by-step process found elsewhere isn’t effective.
In summary, building a minimalist wardrobe involves taking inventory of your current clothes, defining your style, clearing your closet, and considering your needs. By following these steps, you can create a wardrobe that is both functional and stylish, ensuring that you have a well-organized and versatile wardrobe.
📹 decluttering my ENTIRE closet | minimalism + capsule wardrobe tips for beginners
My first minimalist declutter video! I hope these closet decluttering tips are helpful to you if you’re working on minimalism or on …
What is the 70 30 wardrobe rule?
The author follows Vivienne Westwood’s motto, “Buy less, but choose well”, and treats shopping as a treasure hunt for the ultimate wardrobe. They create a shopping list, size up options, and follow the 70/30 rule, which suggests that 70% should be classic pieces like a white top and black handbag, and 30% should be trendy, fun pieces like orange skinny jeans. This balance helps them find better clothes for their body, personality, and budget, building a wardrobe they love wearing every day and can afford. The author encourages others to shop on a budget while still buying nice clothes and having fun.
How to create a minimalist closet?
To create a minimalist wardrobe and closet, admit to owning too much clothing, wear fewer colors, embrace the idea of one, donate, sell, recycle, discard, impose an arbitrary moratorium on shopping, set a monthly spending limit, and purchase quality over quantity. Consider how your life would look if you owned a minimalist wardrobe of fewer clothes, focusing on quality over quantity and embracing the idea of knowing who you are before adorning yourself accordingly.
What is the 33 closet rule?
The author participated in Project 333, a program that aims to reduce wardrobe clutter by wearing only 33 items of clothing for three months. Clothing, accessories, jewelry, outerwear, and shoes count towards the number, with exceptions for wedding rings, underwear, sleepwear, loungewear, and workout clothing. Clothing that no longer fits or becomes in poor condition can be replaced. The author found the project challenging, reasonable, and encouraging, and found it helpful in reducing clutter in their closet.
When to get rid of clothes rule?
To start decluttering, set a goal for how much you want to get rid of. Sort clothes by category to make it easier to identify duplicates. Be honest with yourself and ask if you need or love each item. If the answer is no, it’s time to let it go. Use the “one-year rule” to let go of sentimental items. Consider the fit of items if they don’t fit well or are uncomfortable. Be ruthless and get rid of them. Create a donate or sell pile to feel better about getting rid of items.
Use the “one in, one out” rule to commit to only bringing new items into your closet when you’re willing to get rid of something else. Remember, being ruthless doesn’t mean you have to get rid of everything. Keep the items you truly love and wear and let go of the rest. Happy decluttering!
How many outfits should a person have in their closet?
Researchers have found that a “sufficient” wardrobe for a person living in a two-season climate consists of 74 garments and 20 outfits, and 85 garments for those living in a four-season climate. A modern capsule wardrobe could consist of six outfits for work, three outfits for home wear, three outfits for sports, and two outfits for festive occasions, plus four outdoor jackets and pants or skirts. The exact mix depends on a person’s individual lifestyle needs, but the 74-85 garment recommendation is generous and more than most previous generations possessed.
The report suggests that if other actions are taken by brands and consumers, we could return to consumption levels of 2010 while still being within fashion’s carbon budget for a 2. 7 degrees Fahrenheit pathway.
How to start a simple wardrobe?
To build a minimalist wardrobe, start by taking inventory of your current closet, discovering your style, creating unique looks, saving for staple items, shopping secondhand, caring for your garments, and relying on your community. Transitioning from a fast fashion closet to a capsule wardrobe is a meaningful way to practice sustainable living, but it can be overwhelming. With a few simple steps, you can simplify your wardrobe, spending less time and money on filling it and more time on wearing what makes you feel your best. Creating your minimalist aesthetic has never been easier.
What is the minimum amount of clothes needed?
Researchers have found that a “sufficient” wardrobe for a person living in a two-season climate consists of 74 garments and 20 outfits, and 85 garments for those living in a four-season climate. A modern capsule wardrobe could consist of six outfits for work, three outfits for home wear, three outfits for sports, and two outfits for festive occasions, plus four outdoor jackets and pants or skirts. The exact mix depends on a person’s individual lifestyle needs, but the 74-85 garment recommendation is generous and more than most previous generations possessed.
The report suggests that if other actions are taken by brands and consumers, we could return to consumption levels of 2010 while still being within fashion’s carbon budget for a 2. 7 degrees Fahrenheit pathway.
What is the 3 3 3 dress code?
The 3-3-3 dressing method is a versatile and practical approach to creating outfits for easy, chic looks this season. It involves taking 3 tops, 3 bottoms, and 3 shoes to create 18 looks. This method is popular due to its versatility and the ability to maximize wardrobe items.
The best-selling Z Supply Sloane V-Neck Tank is used for a relaxed, slightly cropped look, while the Z Supply Kaili Gauze Button Up top is a classic staple piece. A neutral printed blazer from Liverpool is a go-to for comfort and style, transitioning effortlessly from day to night. The distressed straight leg jean from the Just Black Denim mom jean is a light wash and easy-to-fit option. A clean leg kick flare jean from KUT’s Kelsey Ankle Flare is a go-to for any body, and a knit wide leg pant is a versatile and comfortable option.
In summary, the 3-3-3 dressing method allows for easy and chic outfits by combining key pieces from your closet. This versatile and practical approach ensures that you can create a variety of chic looks this season.
What is the 333 outfit method?
The 333 styling method is a minimalist fashion challenge that encourages individuals to wear only 33 items for three months, including clothing, accessories, jewelry, outerwear, and shoes. Created by Courtney Carver, it aims to simplify wardrobe choices and promote sustainable fashion habits. The method encourages mindful consumption and can lead to significant savings by reducing decision fatigue, decluttering space, and discovering what clothing items you truly love and use. It also encourages people to find contentment with less and promotes sustainable fashion habits.
What is the minimalist closet rule?
The 30/30 rule is a minimalist wardrobe guideline that suggests owning 30 core clothing items and 30 accessories. To build a 33-item minimalist closet, declutter your existing wardrobe, identify your lifestyle needs, prioritize versatile, high-quality pieces, invest in staples like classic shirts and jeans, and experiment with mixing and matching. This approach offers benefits such as reduced decision fatigue, time and money savings, increased confidence, and promoting a sustainable lifestyle. By simplifying your wardrobe and prioritizing quality over quantity, you can experience the freedom and empowerment of dressing with purpose.
📹 Minimalist Wardrobe: How to create a Simple Wardrobe from the clothes you have
You may already have a minimalist wardrobe and not even know it! Today let’s talk about how can simplify our wardrobe quickly …
Thank you for perusal!! Our Simple Homes & Homeschools Membership Group is open this week only! Led by myself (we’ll talk about our best tips for decluttering your homeschool space & the rest of your house, too!), Angela Braniff from This Gathered Nest (she’s helping us choose curriculum & plan out our first quarter for a successful start to the year) and Lisa from Farmhouse on Boone (all about simple luches & practical meal planning). The group is just getting started and is already SO awesome!! We post daily articles with tips & encouragement and the community is SO helpful…we can’t say enough good things about it! We’d love to have you join us, too!! WHAT: This is a private Facebook group that can be joined by paying a monthly membership fee LEADERS: The group is led by myself, Angela Braniff from This Gathered Nest and Lisa from Farmhouse on Boone. COST: $13/month (cancel anytime!) BENEFITS: – Support for homeschooling parents (new, experienced & those facilitating school at home) – Help with choosing curriculums, creating schedules, routines & homeschooling spaces – A printable homeschooling planner, sample letter of intent, supply list & daily planner – Ideas for simplifying your home & meal planning – Daily article posts by the leaders with helpful information, encouragement, tips & support – Monthly group focuses with printables – The ability to share your progress, questions & wins- we CAN’T WAIT to celebrate with you! – The opportunity to ask questions specific to your process & family – Twice monthly Facebook live Q&A sessions with the leaders & other guests (Replays available for those unable to view live) Questions may be submitted prior to the session or during it.
Years ago farmhouses did not have closets in them. A wealthy home would have an armoire, but a farmhouse didn’t have an armoire or a closet. People who lived on the farm had two sets of clothes, one for Sundays and special occasions, and one for the week – one or two “work dresses” and an apron worn over it. They either folded their clothes into a trunk of hung them on a hanger from a nail in the wall. They were minimalists too 🙂
I always remember so fondly when I moved to the UK from Australia for a working holiday when I was 20. I had 1 large suitcase and a carry on bag. Those contained all of my possessions, including clothes, shoes, accessories etc. It was a true capsule wardrobe. I went to the laundry mat only once a week. Life was so much simpler and many times I’ve reminisced about how living out of a suit a case made life simple. This article has inspired me to simplify my wardrobe once again and regain that peace I once had all those years ago.
Thank you Dawn! I saw one of your articles (I don’t even remember which one) a couple of weeks ago and it has truly sparked change. I was starting to go through some depression and was constantly trying to “escape” my stress and clutter. It was just too overwhelming. I still have a long way to go and am only on my first onion layer, but already I feel like I can breath again and am finding a rekindled contentment in my home. I will watch a article and then declutter one space or drawer before I allow myself to watch another. I feel like you’re a friend cheering me on along the way. =) I have gone back and watched most of your previous articles now and even though I tend to be on the more serious side have caught myself laughing out loud and something you (or Tom) say. My favorite was your 100k subscriber article where Tom and Diana were talking about you going into other people’s homes and you started listing the entourage it would take to make that happen and Tom says “That doesn’t seem very minimal” hahaha I actually spit out my water laughing when he said that. You make me smile and I am thankful for your website.
I agree with you about only keeping clothes that fit properly. Another great tip to declutter your wardrobe is to do a personal color analysis test. It’s not cheap, but it will help you to keep the clothes that make you shine and get rid of the ones that don’t look good on you. And it makes shopping for new clothes waaaaayyy easier!
I love how this mind set helps me appreciate my closet and the size that it is. Our house was built in the 1950’s (I know, not that old.) But the closets are much smaller than what they would be in a new house. For the past 7 years I’ve been trying to come up with a way to give us more closet space and now I dont feel like I have to. FREEDOM!
Hi Dawn! I just found your website about 2 weeks ago and you have changed my whole mindset! I bought a planner and write one goal for each day (decluttet/organizer under kitchen sink). I write it on a post-it as well and each day I put the post-it on my fridge. Seeing the daily reminder helps me to work on that goal little by little throughout the day. If too many post-its are on the fridge, then I focus on completing the tasks. I have A LOT of work ahead of me but your articles are so encouraging and I love them!!! Thank you sooo much!💕
Dawn!!!!!!! I’m sending you to time out!!! I was thinking that i need to get to work on my closet (she says from the cavern she’s created between the two sofa cushions). But I also thought nah, tomorrow (wink wink). Then what happens???????? Your closet article notification popped up on my phone!!!!! Nooooooooooooooooooooooo 💗
Dawn: “I know…It doesn’t seem like it makes sense.” Me: “Dawn, EVERYTHING that you say makes sense.” 😊😊😊😊 Thanks to your advice, guidance, and wisdom, my closet has now become simplified!! Good-bye, “closet taunting.”🤗 Fun fact: I used to have a “stash” of paint shirts and those grubby t-shirts too..I thought that I was the only one! AND… I don’t even paint. ( although we SO need to! ) It’s my biggest task to procrastinate on😣 Oh! And the numerous “extra jammies ” Used to have those too😉 The dressy top that you sent to “quarantine” looks like a top that Diana would really love😉 P.S. I really love your hairstyle lately!
I love this. As a breastfeeding mom with 3 little kids, I don’t feel like the super dressy monochromatic capsule wardrobe works for me. I have a few patterened blouses (in case I spill on myself the stains won’t show 😆) a couple pairs of jeans, and some nursing friendly dresses. That’s it. Makes things so much easier.
I did something like this based on one of your older articles, and it is SUCH a relief to only have the clothes I’m wearing /right now/ and that fit and are comfortable in this moment. I had my husband do the same with his clothes, and our room feels way better! I’ve done something similar with our kids’ clothes. Before I’d just have anything and everything that was close to fitting them out at any given time, and was drowning in laundry. Now I’m about 2 weeks into doing this and laundry went from “I’ve done 10 loads and there’s still 10 to do” to “There’s a total of 4 loads, and we used a lot of towels this week.” I’m finally getting to laundry that I’ve been putting off for months because the clothes laundry was so daunting. The bit that made the biggest difference to me was putting the clothes “in quarantine” as you say. I would have such a huge hangup with getting rid of anything, now I’m putting the clothes into bins boxes and bags with the intent that I’ll go through it again, even if I end up taking it to the thrift store. I still feel like I have the option to go through them again. It’s not the end of the line for the items. I’ve also been working on this with my kids’ toys and other items. We’re going through room by room and only keeping what actually goes with that room’s purpose, everything else is going into a different place until we decide to keep it or find its home. You and Cass from Clutterbug have been such a huge huge help in my journey. I grew up in a home that was always messy and I have learned how to clean as an adult.
I somewhat did this two months ago. I removed all of my too small clothing and clothes I knew I wasn’t going to wear. Then I washed all of my dirty laundry. I sorted from that what I had to have and put it away. Without looking at the rest, I put them into tubs, just dumped it in tubs, and put them in our “catch all” storage room. If I don’t need them next year, I’ll donate. I only own a week and a half worth of clothing. I have 1 decent dress so I’m ok. If I have to work outside of the house, I’m sunk. Good will doesn’t carry my size. But I’m working on it. Thank you for sharing.
I love this! We practice this method when we comb beaches for seashells. We can only keep what we can carry. So after a while we ask if we like the new found shell more than one already in our hands. I love fitting into our space and I find even with simplifying my clothes I still don’t use even half of it all.
I really appreciate your articles. It was two days after stumbling across and perusal your articles that I went to bed thinking so differently about MY STUFF. For years I kept thinking that we are so poorly organized and need more shelves or storage to get our STUFF organized. This issue with stuff was actually stressing me to no end. And I eventually began to realized that my husband (much more than I) and I latched on to a hoarding mentality. I see where you are actually teaching your viewers to think in a different way concerning clutter. As you said in this article concerning our wardrobe, as we look at our clothes our thoughts do often veer to how we don’t fit in some, don’t like the way some fit, etc, and many of us just keep pulling out the clothes we favor and wear them over and over. You do provide some very good insight to the actual way in which we think towards clutter. Your article content has greatly helped me to see things differently about STUFF, and motivated me in the right direction. And for that, I’m very thankful. Thanks for sharing your decluttering journey with us.
I see so much comments that say that they get rid of dressy clothing because of corona. I just wear my dressy clothes on a normal day. Its makes me happy and one can totally wear a nice blouse and a skirt to the store. Also someday corona will be over and we will go out again. So why get rid of it? Especially because my dressy clothing is made out of such nice materials as silk and cashmere. Its supposed to last me for a long time. I think its not smart to get rid of it because of one very special year. Unless you sell it maybe.
Thank you for this! After perusal, I did an initial round of “Is this something I commonly pass over?” and it was super clarifying. When I’m ready, I’ll lay the rest out and consider what my favs are. This was a breakthrough for me: I already have a minimalist wardrobe because I only cycle through select items.
Yes! It works 🥰. I’ve been perusal your articles and I did what you said I put everything on the bed that I liked and fit and put the other clothes in a container, I have not gone bk to the container in over a year😊 so I donated them . It makes me so happy to go into the closet and pull out clothes for the day I’m not trying 2-3 outfits to wear. I do like this new article you just did ……..also quick question what about handbags ? I’m finding I’m using smaller bags then before carrying less. Keep your articles coming!! Can’t wait to see more of your new camper😊
I find the thing that is really keeping me from significantly reducing my wardrobe is the 3 distinct seasons. We have super hot summers, warmer fall and spring and winters that can get really cold(but only a couple days at a time). I tried this year to just keep my tank tops for winter and add a sweater but on the warm days it’s too hot and cold days it’s too cold
Tip # 4 for saving your money, if shopping for an item always compare price first, then go into the store and ask for a discount, the usual reply from the clerk is that I am not authorized, fine then ask to speak to a supervisor or manager, sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn’t but if you don’t ask then you don’t get.
Love this! But when I say I fluctuate in size, I actually gain a bra cup size and a pant size the week before and on my period. So I literally have half of my clothes that I can only wear half of the time! I can’t quarantine it because I would be flipping clothes every 2 weeks! Anyone else with me or am I the only one? 😂😭
I’ve actually been working on this because I’m in between my “notmal” clothes and maternity clothes. I’m trying to be really intentional (and have a list) about my new pieces being both maternity AND nursing friendly so that I will get the most wear out of them in this ever changing season of life. Thanks Dawn for yet another simple made easy article❤❤
Yes it works! I simplified my wardrobe late last year. I love everything I own. I can see ALL of my clothes in the closet and the one drawer I use. I usually wear shorts around the house. If I have to run somewhere, all I have to do is put on “real” pants and my shoes. So much easier than having to completely change just to run a quick errand
The season is changing so I’m breaking into my sweaters. I have 5 pairs of jeans. I’m weeding out my wardrobe. It’s hard. I bought them because they appealed to me. Getting rid them is the biggest challenge of anything I have been decluttering. I weeded out my black shirts. I’m pushing 60 and I’m left with brighter colors. I rarely dress up. I’d like to, but there is no real need to do so. I weeded out clothes that taunted me. I love putting on clothes that fit.
In order to help myself be generous and “let it go” I remind myself, “Kristin— this (item)is probably exactly what someone else is praying for!” And then I utter a quick prayer as I stuff it in the ” Thrift Bin”: Lord, please answer their prayers, & make sure this gets to whoever it is that’s praying for it!” I may not see the answer to their prayers, but I sure know that me keeping less ” jun’que” is answer to my family’s prayers!!
I have always been minimalist, since I never had really much money to buy clothes. I really wear something until it gets really too tight or damaged. I really need clothes shopping. I have one tshirt that fits me and 2 pairs of pants. I don’t need dress clothes, but will buy 1 or 2 tops that looks nicer with black pants. I am really minimalist for my kids since I have to change their wardrobe so much, I don’t want to have pieces that weren’t worn before being too small. Each kid has 5 t-shirt, 4 pairs of shorts, 4 pairs of pants and 3 pj’s. I have to change their clothes, so I try to keep it simple.
I just have to say I am so happy to have found you! I am really waiting until we move from our fifth wheel into the house to really minimalize but honestly, I went into my PJ/workout drawer the other day and ditched so many tshirts I dont wear or like! I dont even know why I held onto them! You have given me so much inspiration. I was such a chronic clothes holder my husband told me the other day that he was cool with getting rid of stuff and I HAD CONVINCED HIM NOT TO! WHAT!? SMH. Thank you for your inspiration! I also watched a Christmas article you did and while I had already done all my Christmas shopping, you totally inspired me for next year to go easy! I am so excited to implement all I am learning.
I want to thank you for making these articles! Hubby and I are grandparents of 2 amazing kids who has been living full-time in our RV for 3 1/2 years. I thought I had decluttered everything! Boy was I wrong! After perusal many of your articles, I’ve found so much more to declutter! Have a Blessed Day, Dawn
I just want to say Thank You! After about 6 months I have finally simplified my house to a point I love. I recently simplified my clothing. The first place I started was my pajama drawer. It was so nice to be able to pull anything out of that drawer and put it on. It really inspired me to simplify the rest of my closet and I can pretty much put anything on and wear it. It is great!
Yes I’ve been doing capsule wardrobes for three years and yes you learn what you need in your closet instead just splurging. I keep a shopping list on my phone that way I know what I need after three years I’m still curating I don’t think that stops! We go through changes either body wise life style wise. If there is something I don’t wear during that capsule season I either donate it if I know I will never wear it or put it back for another seasn. New subscriber!!! Great article
I LOVE this idea. My closet is absolutely stuffed with clothes from size 10 to size 20 that have all fit at some point within the last five years. The “spark joy” and “thank it for its service” mantras actually did work well for me to a point, but then I hit roadblocks. The idea of choosing those clothes that are my actual favorites and quarantining everything else is exactly the compromise I need. I’m so excited to get started TODAY!
I have reduced my wardrobe significantly! I used the turned hanger method. All of my hangers are turned in one direction until I wear it. Once it is worn the hanger is turned the opposite direction. If an item stays in the original position for most of a season, or if I put it on and the fit isn’t right, or I don’t like how I feel in it, I place it in a bag I keep in my closet for donations. This has made the process less intimidating. Good luck with your journey to minimalism!
In a previous article, you said something addressing expensive items, that could potentially be sold/consigned. You stated something like, do you know how excited you are finding an amazing deal (great item, at a great price), and that you could be that for some one else. That offhanded comment, was KEY for me as I went through my clothes. I keep thinking this item was expensive (still had value) and someone else is going to think they scored! It was worthless to me, and actually negative to me… Took up space, guilt, bad feelings… But to someone else it was a major find! Seriously girl, thanks. Blessings.
Yes! I did this a few weeks ago. I put the smaller clothes in a tub And stored downstairs. There were some staple items that I didn’t want to part with. I hate clothes shopping so, even when I lose weight I still won’t want to shop for clothing so totally worth saving them. Plus, for right now, I open my closet and I dont see everything that’s to small. Just what fits and it has been liberating. I fit all of my clothes, other than coats, in my closet and one drawer or my husband’s chest of drawers. I think I may have less than he does now!
If that stain on blue shirt is oil or grease, use this combo and it will come out. Squirt dawn on the stain and rub in a bit with your finger, then shake some baking soda on the stain. Last spray some peroxide on it and rub around. Throw in washer immediately! I use a soft toothbrush on the stain sometimes. 💞
I’m SO glad to watch this! Thank you! I have been being so overwhelmed by the ammount of clothes I have and realizing I don’t even wear half of them and feeling overwhelmed every time I start going through them. Now, I’m looking forward to going through my clothes, because I have some direction! Thank you again!
I decluttered my closet a while ago and got rid of most of the clothes that were too tight because I wanted to have a closet with clothes that fit. Then miracle of miracles I found something that actually worked (Eat Like a Bear on facebook). Of course it was when all of the stores were closed and there would be no shopping. Oops! I wore looser clothes for a while and have slowly been buying nice new stuff now that the stores are open again.
Can you do a phases of life episode? With COVID i am currently in pjs 24/7. When i had my baby i was not working and wont be for a while, so do i keep my work clothes? I went through a modest religious phase… should i keep those clothes? What if I want to be that person again. I just keep things fearing that i will be that person again.
I just want to say thank you. After finding your website I’ve started decluttering our home. I thought I would just start simply with a hallway cupboard and amazingly got 2 medium boxes full of stuff to donate and organized the rest. I don’t remember some of the things I got rid of and haven’t missed one thing in daily living. This has energized me to keep going with the rest of the house and am eager to tackle my wardrobe today.
I average about 40 items for my year round wardrobe, so I would have to add for these numbers. I am probably a little shy on shirts and bottoms right now though just because I had been in work uniforms s ok much I was way down on non-work clothes. I have added some shorts and shirts, but will have to add more for winter.
I did this a few months ago! I put the clothes I thought I could live without in a box in the top of my closet so they were easily accessible if it turned out that I really do need that one shirt. And this morning I drove all of that plus a few more items of clothing to the thrift store. I think I can actually get rid of a few more shirts, but my wardrobe is in flux right now so I’m going to wait until I make the skirt I have cut out because I might wear the shirts more with that.
May I share an Old Testament Verse with you from Daniel 7:14 “And there was given him dominion, and glory, & a Kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should SERVE Him; his dominion is an Everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom shall not pass away, and His Kingdom that which shall not be destroyed.” God the Father loves you so much that He sent Holy Sinless Jesus (His Holy Son) to earth to be born of a virgin.Then, to grow up & die on a cross for our sins. He was in the tomb for 3 days, then Father God raised Holy & Sinless Jesus Christ (Y’shua) to Life! He appeared to people and went back to Heaven. We must receive Sinless Jesus sincerely to be God’s child(John 1:12).After we get saved by grace through faith in Christ, if we truly love the Lord Jesus Christ, then we will obey Jesus(John 14:15). Mark 1:15 “And saying, the time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: Repent ye, and believe the gospel.” Jesus said in John 14:15 “If you love Me, keep My commandments. “There’s a real hell. It says in Revelation 21:8 “But for the cowardly, & unbelieving, & abominable, & murderers, & immoral persons sorcerers & idolaters & all liars, their part will be in the lake that burns with fire & brimstone…” Please sincerely receive Holy Jesus and put your true faith and trust in Him today and please repent. Will you have a Real encounter with Holy Lord Jesus (Y’shua is His Hebrew Name) & stay in a Genuine relationship with Him daily please?
PSA Oh boy, I wish I had seen this awhile ago. My sister convinced me to ‘KonMari’ my closet and I pulled everything out onto my bed. I got called away and ended up pushing the clothes off on to the floor that night. 6 months later I still have a waist-deep pile of clothes which are now all wrinkly. What is the opposite of ‘sparks joy’!
I went through all of my clothes and accessories using the KonMari method and got great results, including losing 30lbs. I had so many clothes (including ones with tags still on them) and nothing to wear, just as you said. It has been two years and I have managed to accumulate a closet full again. I’m glad you discussed this today to remind me that I don’t need to keep purchasing random items just because it’s cute or on sale. I’ve ended up with a lot of items that don’t go with anything I already own. I plan to tackle these items this weekend. Thank you for the motivation.
One tip I’ve learned: I have seven outfits. 7 shirts, 7 bottoms (plus, a pair a jeans as I wear leggings 24/7), 7 bras, underwear and socks. To save time in the morning, I have every outfit already together. Every time I have finished laundry, I pair the items. I realize this is so much easier! Of course, I still have a sweater (along with a pair of fuzzy socks, I wear this pair every night lol!), light jacket, and a fancy outfits I don’t wear every day.
Any suggestions for reasonably priced places to buy (non-trendy) clothes? I have had a minimal-ish wardrobe for years due to finances, but I only love about 50% of it. I just keep wearing them because “it works”. 🤷♀️ I really dislike shopping because it’s hard to find stuff I love. I guess I’m hard to please….
I have a time capsule gray white black navy. I wear zero other clothes. I wear black ua capris from kohl’s. Ann taylor chico s and j. Jill shirts. Nothing sleeves or short sleeves. I hate prints florals and stripes. I tried stitch fix. Their items were poorly made. UA holds up. I am stay home mom. I was a program analyst years ago. I have 6 pairs of american eagle. My jeans are so tight from Levi’s and American eagle. I kept a few items for I might fit into them. I have 6 shirts. 2 solid black dresses. I have the funeral dress and the wedding dress. I have 6 pairs of converse sneakers. 3 pairs of black flats 1 pair of uggs. 1 pair hunter boots 1 pair of sporto snow boots. My oldest is 20. My youngest is 10. I struggle at Marshall’s tj max. So difficult to find items. I know after 3 kids I am pretty much living in ua compression pants. I never go back in size.
SO funny you brought up the “grubby clothes”- oh my word, that’s my thing too. Seriously, how many does a person truly need? Am I an oil rigger or a septic pumper?? No, I’m a retired social worker, who does normal, occasional tasks that may or may not forever-stain-my-clothes once or twice a month. Not counting cooking~ for which I’ve learned to use full aprons =). We humans are funny, yet it’s encouraging that we place value on things we spent money on, & are not quick to dismiss w/out some conscious thought. *My best tip is to find a charity you really feel good about donating to~ makes it far easier to “let it goooo” =)
It’s winter here in Australia….I’m 3.5 months post natal (baby #8) and I’ve just realised I have a wardrobe of clothes that I only wear a fraction of! This article is so helpful and inspiring, Dawn. Thank you so much! I’m just curious about your seasonal wardrobe – how do you manage it with cold weather (or do you not go out in winter?!?!). It gets cold where I live but nowhere near the weather in Minnesota! Do you have a summer and winter wardrobe or do you just have a few items you wear in the winter months (like snow jackets, scarves, etc)?
Thank you so much for this article. Yesterday morning I wanted to get dressed but couldn’t find anything (I’m four months postpartum for the fourth time, been here before 😅😅). Had such a meltdown, it was terrible. And I spent last Saturday thrift shopping for clothes thinking my problem would be solved- it wasn’t. I saw a recommendation for you on Cas’s Facebook page from a commenter this week- I loved your stuff immediately and have been perusal a article for encouragement everyday. We recently moved and now that we’re unpacking I really learned how I had TOO MUCH to deal with. I finished your wardrobe method yesterday evening and I felt SO MUCH PEACE afterwards. It makes so much sense and even though I have the same clothes as before, and actually less even though I’d already gone through them several times, I don’t feel stressed. I have a list of a few things to fill in the gaps but I’m actually excited about it, knowing what I actually want and need for a wardrobe I’ll wear! I actually made a list on my phone of my whole wardrobe because I am a words person and I don’t have to try to remember what I liked in my wardrobe for later when my sizes are changing again. 🤷🏼♀️ Anyway, thank you again, this was seriously a lifesaver. I will be recommending this article to anyone struggling to declutter their clothes. Oh and a tip for anyone like me, I actually had to hang all my clothes because the separation of certain pants or shirts in a drawer instead of with the others hanging would make me feel all over the place.
A full length mirror helps. Checking how the back and sides look helps. Major tip: if you have to constantly adjust it when wearing it; it’s NOT working FOR you, it needs to go. Donating makes you feel good, esp if you spent a lot on the item – it’s a present for someone else! Luv your vids – keep up the good work! 😊😍
Angela, I’m curious what your thoughts on moms with post baby weight. I have a 9 month old, and I’m not at my pre baby weight yet. But, there a lot of clothes I enjoyed wearing when I could fit into them. For mamas who fluctuate in weight because of having children, what do you suggest? Should I keep a few outfits in different sizes? Any suggestions would be wonderful! Thank you for making these articles 😊❤
I do LOVE your process! While I love Marie Kondo’s method of sparking joy, there are things that spark joy but they don’t fit. So I end up keeping things that “spark joy”, but I don’t fit into or they don’t fit ME right. I get super overwhelmed when I think of purging clothing. There are items I wore on our honeymoon 3 years ago and my thought process is “I wouldn’t necessarily buy that again, but I’m glad I had it. It’s really pretty. I wouldn’t want to go shopping to find something to replace it someday.” Or my current struggle is that I’m pregnant ……. so of course the clothes that used to look good (like those honeymoon dresses) aren’t going to be so flattering right now. And I say to myself “I legit may fit into it after baby comes.” But I’ve already had one baby and to be honest, after that, I think I’ve worn a pair of jeans MAYBE 5 times in the last 2 years. I usually wear leggings and one of our company tshirts. So the idea of putting anything that doesn’t fit me right now, into quarantine is a great idea. And if I still can’t fit into it a year after baby is born, it goes away. There’s this notion that if I find something I like, I should get a lot of them, but now I have a bunch of maxi skirts that I don’t really wear. Or I have a bunch so I tell myself I liked them at some point so I must need to keep them. Or I try something on that is questionable and I say “with the right top, this would look really cute.” Or “If we go to a wedding that is blue themed, I’m going to want this.
Practice saying NO but thank you to friends or family giving you clothes. My siblings could not say no to our mother because she had 10 kids and didn’t have anything when she was raising us. She only struck 1 at a time. For me she would give whatever was in on QVC for fat people of the moment. I never gave them back unless I said they were too small. When our kids were little, we didn’t dare so no because that was one way she was sharing her love. But if a friend from church has an entire size 6 boys clothes, it’s easier to say no thank you ESPECIALLY if they offer to DROP THEM OFF TO YOU IN A Garbage bag. Lord knows I appreciated hand me downs but if I took all that was offered I’d still be going through bags and my kids are 35 and 36. So when it was time to me to bless a family, I really tried my best to ask the mom what they needed if they needed anything. Of course, being gracious is better than shooting someone down who may not have anything else to offer anyone! Thank them.
Yes, this times 1,000! I finally got my wardrobe down to only items I will wear and it is awesome. My goal (which is silly) is to have a wardrobe where a person could surprise me with a vacation and pack for me and no matter what they grabbed, there would not be a dud. I know, bananas right? 🙂 But once I only had items I would wear, my wardrobe suddenly felt huge! When you’re staring at a closet of clothes and every single item is an option, it’s amazing. And without realizing it, I used a pretty similar method to yours – how many days of work do I want to go without repeating an outfit? How many weekend outfits do I need? How many lounge clothes? Special occasion outfits? When you realize you go to two or three weddings a year at most (and that’s the only time you wear a dress), it’s pretty easy to only keep one dress. And working from home these past few months has been even more eye opening. I always struggled for weekend clothes – nice enough for a coffee shop or “hey, we’re out running errands, let’s grab lunch” but still comfy. Well, with quarantine and never leaving my house (like, ever), I found one pair of awesome jeans and two cute weekend tees. And THAT’S IT. I wear them on the weekend (if I leave), I wash, and I’m done. It’s so awesome.
So thankful that I have found you. So many great topics. I actually found you in December and started New Years day De-Cluttering. I feel like I can think clearer. We are also remodeling a farmhouse and it feels like it takes forever…I suppose if I would quit changing my mind about things it would go faster, and if we could quite finding crazy problems with this house. I work from home as well, I have an accounting/bookkeeping business as well as being a licensed Texas Realtor . Organization is mandatory with both. Keep the great tips coming. My husband loves it too!
This is so helpful. I grew up without enough clothes, and what I did have were hand-me-downs, including undergarments (ick), so I became a clothes hoarder. I keep it for.ev.er. Why? Because in the back of my mind, if I don’t keep it, I won’t have clothes should life change. I kept a suit jacket for 20 years just in case I got an office job! I never did. Of course, over the years I am no longer that impoverished child. Even if finances are tight, I am capable of picking up an extra day’s work here or there to earn $$ for a new shirt or pair of pants or bra. So, time to tackle my wardrobe with confidence!!
When I used to work in an office 9-5 – i remember buying ‘filler’ pieces that I didn’t ‘love’ – but that would ‘do’ – just to have multiple outfits to wear. and I NEVER felt my best on the days I wore those outfits, I wish I’d bought fewer items that I LOVED and just wore them more often! My mindset would have shifted for sure!! I’m down to a VERY few items now and loving it!
My big shift a few years ago was giving up my ‘seasonal’ clothing box. I vowed to fit everything in my closet and dresser…and I’ve been so happy since then. I hated the process of ‘switching seasons’ because in Ontario, the weather can fluctuate a lot — so I’d delay putting away the sweaters for weeks, and have the box sitting on the bedroom floor while the last of the warm gear went through the wash, or was left out just in case… so frustrating, and sometimes it was June before I finally finished putting the winter clothes away! Only to repeat the same process in reverse when Fall came… No more!!!! Now, I’m FREE!!!! What a time saver.
Get your colours done! Its a game changer. You will be able to pare down your closet and dressers in one go. There will be colours in there that are not really the best on you. You can just get rid. Honestly, I can’t recommend this enough. Its a little extravegant but saves money in the long run. My sisters got me mine for my birthday. Its a lovely experience and I felt pampered. 👍👍👍💚💚💚
Personally couldn’t pare down that much, but I know I need to get rid of a lot. For me paring down would be 10-14 days worth of work and casual clothes. Plus dress clothes pare down is a must, only keeping what I really like/will wear/is comfortable with, and the shoes to wear with. This would be a huge deal to actually accomplish for me but you’re motivating me!
Losing 30 lbs forced me to do this. Now I’m very cautious about what I buy and it’s great. Right now I’m sorting through all my paperwork… Articles I’ve read for grad school. I use this same concept: have I cited it in papers in the past year? If not, in the trash. It’s not like I don’t have a PDF copy on my computer if I should happen to need it for my dissertation.
I simplified my wardrobe about 9-10m ago. I love it. All my clothes fit, I like them all, lots match with different things, I don’t have to spend ages deciding what to wear. I also did my accessories and shoes. I now have 2 pairs of going out shoes 1 black, 1 nude, I have 2 going out bags ( 1 black 1 nude) a rucksack and a small handbag. I have 1 pair of boots 2 trainers and 2 sandals they all match my clothes and are comfortable.I like to look nice but I just don’t have the time or energy to mess around. Totally recommend it.
Your system wouldn’t work for me because of all my body and season changes. :/ This is a great idea for a quick fix though. I follow Use Less’s fluid capsule wardrobe—a year-round collection of basics which make up most of the wardrobe, a small capsule for each season, and an occasion wear capsule. I keep the year round wardrobe and seasonal wardrobe in the exact same closet you have from Ikea, and the occasion capsule in a drawer out of sight and away from dust. I wear everything by laundry day—about every ten days. I’m also in my third trimester, so I have micro capsules that accommodate maternity and nursing. I keep out of season items in two storage containers. This system seems to work for all of the changes in my life.
I am a hoarder. It is awful. It isn’t that the floors and house are filthy, and it isn’t that there is no room to walk (thinking of the houses you see on tv), but I do tend to fill EVERY possible space in my home with STUFF. Decorations, plants, kids toys, etc, etc. I have been struggling to declutter for about… well, honestly about 20 years. But Seriously for about the last 8 years. I have gone through so much, bagged it, and then it stops. I cannot, for the life of me, bring myself to “fully deal with it”, as you say. I HATE throwing things away that “could be useful” to someone else, and there is no good place to donate stuff here where I live. I have tried to sell stuff but never had luck and it was so much work for no benefit that I just don’t think I want to do it again. But throwing stuff away… I feel like I am not only throwing away money, but also being bad for the planet and depriving someone else who might have had use for it. It is a complete block that I don’t know how to get over. Unfortunately it has led to my garage, workshop, and spare rooms being filled to the brim with piles of bags and bags and bags (and bags!) of stuff I wish I could donate or sell. How do I get rid of this stuff and avoid the guilt of actually getting it out of my house to the trash?!
I found it so hard after children, my body changed – tummy stretched etc – twins full term. And I’m not doing plastic surgery cos it’s me. But I noted my clothes had to change – my hour glass was gone and even getting fit, I still had a tummy. It affected my classic curvy styling. I just couldn’t figure out my figure anymore and what suited. My head had to change – I was changed now after children, and that was ok…. But that’s hard when you’re both stubborn and I suppose vain, really, or locked.
Amazing when you find you, how much better your wardrobe is. E.g.. I love fashion, so I het confused. But when I remember I’m really classy quality flattering then the rest doesn’t matter. Like you as a person, if trying to be someone you’re not, e.g. I was trying to be normal. My brother said – what’s so great about normal anyway! Conversely I went through a time in my life i got sick of being an achievementaholic, and I just wanted to be, instead of being great.
Great idea! I also like to do something like this. Only I pretend I am packing for a trip for two weeks. Normally we pack what we like and we wear, and it’s usually fits well. Just figure how many days your actually working and what clothes you would need for that. Like for me I work 4 days a week, and wear scrubs. That leaves me with 3 days I get to pick something “different.” So, basically I just need to remind myself, I only need a few nicer things for like church and other nice events. A few exercise/lounge outfits, and a few things to wear to run around the town in. Oh, and a couple of what you call paint, I call play clothes! 🤣😂
Thank you for this. Could you please advise what to do if you have a wide range of sizes in clothes. Currently I weigh around 270 pounds. 2 years ago I weighed around 132 pounds. Both the medication I have to take presently (and stuffing chocolate in my mouth) all make it very difficut to drop weight. Throughout my life my weight has gone up and down like a roller coaster, so I find it hard to get rid of the smaller sized cloths knowing/hoping that I will again be able to wear them. I don’t have the money to keep buying new sized clothes to fit my ever changing body .
I just got rid of 6 ‘grubby’ t shirts! Definitely silly, as I always end up doing the job in whatever I’m wearing (which is even sillier) What I need inspiration for is bottoms. My jeans don’t currently fit comfortably so I never reach for them, however I can’t decide if it is just the fit that’s the problem, or if I did have a pair that fit well do I enjoy wearing them anyway? I work as a yoga teacher so I fall into leggings feeling like uniform but that’s what I find myself grabbing because of fit and comfort. I just can’t visualise what my style is beyond comfort clothes, how does everyone else work this out?
A number of years back I went through my clothes and paired everything into outfits: each pair of pants and each skirt has its own top. I have about 18 inches of hanging space in the closet I share with my hubby and a 5 drawer chest of drawers for my clothes. (The same chest I have used since I was born) Winter coats and shoes are with my hubby’s in a closet near our back door. I only use 4 of the drawers in the chest for clothing. The very bottom drawer has some mementos I keep. Top drawer is undergarments, socks, handkerchiefs, misc. 2nd drawer is jammies and a few lightweight jackets. 3rd drawer is capris and tops. 4th drawer is long pants and tops. Closet is skirts and tops and in a ziploc bag attached to each hanger is the jewelry for each outfit. That covers my entire wardrobe. No separation of seasonal items. It’s simple and stress-free. I replace worn-out items on an as-needed basis.
This article was a game changer for me…wow! This article plus the one where you buys 8 shirts, brought them home and tried them on. All 8 looked great on you but when you started to talk about the fit and that you may need to adjust them through the day, that made me think. Wow. Yeah, I have clothes that I have to adjust and it’s irritating! Or I have cardigans that I love the color but don’t like the fit. Or they are worn out and lost their shape. The other part that resonates with me is having a lot of clothes but have GAPS in my wardrobe! Like that jean jacket that had a stylish cut 10 years ago but didn’t stand up to the test of time. So I’ll keep my white classic cut jean jacket and let go of the trendy outdated blue jean jacket. I feel less stressed already. When I was going through my clothes yesterday at lunch my husband called upstairs to ask what I was doing … When I said “going through my clothes!” He said “ok! go for it!!”. He was a happy husband! 🤗. The last thing that helped was when you talked about putting things in quarantine rather than donating right away. That gives time to see if the item is something you miss or not. As I am washing summer clothes today…that have sat in my closet…I realize there are some that I have never worn and I bought just to make myself feel better. But they cause stress. Thank you! This helps SO much!
Just tonight I went to my closet and was perplexed as to what can I wear? 3/4 of my closet is winter…long sleeves, sweatshirts, jeans that are tight (and in GA it’s way too muggy to have jeans on that stick to your legs). Plus, some are just a bit tight…I’m going to move the working stuff around and quaranteen the rest.
Every month for the past year or so, I’ve given away 10 items of clothing to gradually downsize my wardrobe. This week though, something came over me and I got rid of over 50 items of clothing. Last step is to take them over to the thrift store 🙆🏾♀️ I really find that slow but steady really does win the race when dealing with minimalism, but sometimes its good to have that bigger purge when needed.
I think this approach will be very helpful. This year I have been purging 1 garment every time I fill a garbage bag. Sometimes they go in the bag, sometimes they go in a laundry basket I keep in the car for donations. Being 72, some of my clothes are sooo old. Last week I pulled out a pair of capris. I decided to try them on and when I pulled them up the elastic disintegrated into dust. I did not feel bad about throwing those away. My sister teased me about this approach and then she said, “That’s the only way you can let go, isn’t it?” Guess the answer is yes. Thanks for your insights!
I crave variety and so I might start by doubling your numbers, but I like this idea and I know there’s definitely many things in my closet I only have for certain occasions or things that I put on for 10 minutes and change out of every single time because it doesn’t feel right when I have it on. The best part about this is that I know I’m not ACTUALLY getting rid of the stuff and so it’s still there if I need it. I will be trying this method out! Thanks Dawn!
I found your process quite practical and relevant to my lifestyle. Yes everyone has their own way to minimalism. But one should stick to what suits him/her. I really liked that you have different colours in your closet and not only black, white & grey like others 😂. That’s why you seem more practical and easy going. Just one thing, please cut a bit short those detailed descriptions.
I HEREBY THANK THE LORD FOR THIS website!!!!! I love the vibe and the advice. Everything feels down to earth and wholesome. It’s like having another aunt, lol. I’m currently sorting through my closet while binging all your articles. You’ve definitely helped me take a more honest look at who I am and what I really want/need to wear. Plus, I can finally combat the guilt I feel over choosing to remove clothes. I’m super excited to donate to an orphanage or girl’s shelter as a good work. Bless you and your family! <3