A calm closet is a sanctuary of self-expression. My walk-in-wardrobe, its contents, and dressing area are energizing, therapeutic, and confidence-boosting. This peaceful space is where I prepare body, mind, and spirit for the day. The daily ritual of creating the right outfit is a meaningful component of my self-care regimen, and one that I thoroughly enjoy.
Of course, I’ve experienced the opposite of closet calm. That’s when my wardrobe and dressing space were a source of daily frustration and stress. Over time, I made the best of it by improving things as I was able to. It’s taken decades of thoughtful planning and resources, lots of trial and error, patience, some soul searching, and a bit of luck to get there. I’m at a point where my closet is the calmest and happiest it has ever been.
Personally, I’m calmed by a mix of visual order, practicality, and emotional ease. Here are eleven ways I’ve created a calm closet.
1. Organized Space
Wardrobe items that are stored and displayed in a neat, clean, tidy, and orderly manner makes me feel in control of what I have, and it looks nice. It gets the creative juices flowing, and fabulous outfit combinations are amplified.
2. Practicality
Wardrobe items have to be visible and easily reachable, or I get annoyed and forget about the items I cannot see. It’s one of the reasons I do not swap out seasons. I need to see everything at all times. That, and the fact that there is nowhere to store non-seasonal wardrobe items in our loft where space is at a premium.
3. An Edited and Curated Wardrobe
Having a wardrobe that supports my lifestyle, sartorial preferences, and style goals simplifies life. It encourages an efficient and intentional way of dressing, and mindful consumption. Items have earned their place and work hard.
4. A Mid-Size Wardrobe
A mid-sized wardrobe suits my needs because it allows for plenty of variety across a four season climate, and it’s easier to manage than a large wardrobe. I like to have loads of options, but not to the extent that I’m wearing most items infrequently because I have too many of them.
5. Pretty Palettes
Colour is a very important part of my life because it creates positive emotions. Opening closet doors and drawers that are brimming with an abundance of my favourite colours puts me in a good mood.
6. No Holding Zone
I used to have a holding zone with items that I no longer wanted in my wardrobe, but didn’t want to pass on. This strategy works really well for many of my clients. However, I’ve learned that it doesn’t work for me. Once I’ve decided to pass on an item, that’s it. I move on and forget about it. So a holding zone is superfluous.
7. Wearing, and Not Staring
Searching for, nabbing, purchasing, and beautifully storing wardrobe items is a fun process in itself. But the best part about shopping for an item is WEARING IT once it’s yours. Decades ago, I used to stare at my gorgeous pieces, but fail to wear them for all sorts of reasons. Thankfully, I don’t do that anymore. Life is too short, and if not now, when? Being on team Wear As Soon As Possible And Frequently, is calming.
8. A Mix of Old and New
I enjoy refreshing my wardrobe seasonally with carefully chosen items that are on trend, or wildcards, or simply signature to my style. After all, I’m a fashion and style professional making it somewhat part of my job. That said, it is absolutely essential that I successfully remix new items with old items. Giving old items continued limelight is satisfying, sustainable, and calming. New items are exciting, and old items are well loved.
9. A Mirror In Natural Light
I’ve had my fair share of full length mirrors is bad light, and sometimes it can’t be helped. Having a mirror in good natural light makes a big difference. I make better outfit choices because I can see the colours and details clearly. I appreciate my wardrobe and outfit more because I see the best version of it in great light.
10. Basics Are Not Neglected
Wardrobe basics like underwear, sleepwear, socks, loungewear, and workout wear might not be fun to shop for or spend money on, but they are wardrobe workhorses that deserve our time and budget too. Once I understood the importance of having my wardrobe basics fully and beautifully sorted, I felt better about my entire wardrobe and style. Wearing superb undergarments is also greatly underestimated.
11. A Digital Representation
Keeping an updated digital representation of my wardrobe through YLF Finds is indispensable to me. I can see my wardrobe at the press of a button so that I always know what I have. This is easier and faster than looking at my wardrobe (especially when I’m not at home). Seeing items more easily allows me to make sense of what I have, which helps control and manage my wardrobe. A digital wardrobe representation makes putting together travel capsules and other capsules easier too.
Over to you. Do these ways of creating closet calm resonate with you? How do you create closet calm?
