YouLookFab Forum » Topic: If you pared down your wardrobe, how did you do it?

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: If you pared down your wardrobe, how did you do it? https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/if-you-parked-down-your-wardrobe-how-did-you-do-it Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sat, 18 Apr 2026 03:06:11 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php Susie on "If you pared down your wardrobe, how did you do it?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/if-you-parked-down-your-wardrobe-how-did-you-do-it/page/2#post-2057988 Wed, 04 Sep 2019 15:03:39 +0000 Susie 2057988@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ My numbers have grown again recently and I know that I definitely have more than I "need." But I think I am ok with that. I'm not very creative with my wardrobe....I would rather wear an item in just one way that I really like than to re-work it into a different outfit that is just ok. So that means that I prefer a larger number of pieces since each is used to create less outfits, if that makes sense. Also, I used to basically have one wardrobe since I could wear pretty much whatever I wanted to work, including jeans on a regular basis. For the last year and a half, I've had a more restrictive dress code and that means having work and a non-work wardrobes, though many pieces do double duty of course.  I've gotten much pickier about what I add to my closet. I don't have many orphans because my color palette is fairly tight and I tend to wear a limited number of silhouettes. And I try to buy better quality and nicer fabrics so that limits the number of pieces I can buy. But I admit that I like having new things each season. While I hold on to things for a few years, it's often the new pieces that I reach for first.  When I do counts, I don't include basics like sleepwear, swimwear or even workout wear (because I wear it strictly as gear.) I note the number of shoes and bags that I have but they are a separate count.  "Wardrobe" to me means clothing that is for out and about wear.  I do fairly regular purges to remove the things that I don't wear. And I do a bigger edit at the change of seasons. It's easy to let go of the things that look worn or are fussy or just not comfortable. Finding a re-sale shop that supports women lets me feel good about the things that I donate.  Cee on "If you pared down your wardrobe, how did you do it?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/if-you-parked-down-your-wardrobe-how-did-you-do-it/page/2#post-2057914 Wed, 04 Sep 2019 10:46:03 +0000 Cee 2057914@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Luckily in Australia, most of us only have two seasons ! Staysfit on "If you pared down your wardrobe, how did you do it?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/if-you-parked-down-your-wardrobe-how-did-you-do-it#post-2057913 Wed, 04 Sep 2019 10:39:34 +0000 Staysfit 2057913@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I admit there are times I have given away items that still have tags. For whatever reason, the item I thought I loved just did not work and when that happens I am always happier once it is out of my closet. No regret! I am happy to see it go to a friend or family member who will love it. In fact, I just gave my daughter one of my bulky and boxy sweaters yesterday when she came to visit. It’s one of my favorite colors so I kept one that is similar but more in keeping with my style. We are both happy! Suz on "If you pared down your wardrobe, how did you do it?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/if-you-parked-down-your-wardrobe-how-did-you-do-it#post-2057856 Tue, 03 Sep 2019 22:42:56 +0000 Suz 2057856@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Barbara Diane asked the question that came to my mind. Why? And now you've answered it.  It sounds as if your first task might be to determine your very favourite items and separate those from the ones that don't fit, bother you for some reason, bore you, etc. And then find a great donation option for the ones in the latter category. Angie's written some posts about this. It can be guilt-inducing from a budgetary standpoint to simply let things go and with all the clothing going to landfill these days, the social implications are even worse than the personal.  My personal solutions to donation:  1. My stepdaughter. She is vegan so will not / cannot wear all my clothes, but many items do work for her.  2. Consignment -- shop by consignment. I don't actually care about earning anything from the things I donate. But if I can get a credit at a store where I might find something "new to me" to satisfy my itch for a wildcard, that's a bonus. I also look for shops that donate any unsold items to women's shelters.  3. Friends. I have friends who donate to me, and I, in turn, donate to them, in a sort of unofficial swap. One of my most worn items this summer was a 10 year old dress by a Canadian designer donated by a friend! She had never worn it!!  When worrying about whether to pass on something that I've only worn a few times, I try to remember that the new owner will be so much happier if it is a). current, and b). in excellent condition. Worn out items are really no good for anything but rags. And very dated items don't make anybody happy. So... Staysfit on "If you pared down your wardrobe, how did you do it?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/if-you-parked-down-your-wardrobe-how-did-you-do-it#post-2057791 Tue, 03 Sep 2019 17:38:33 +0000 Staysfit 2057791@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ TammyB, I am one with what most would consider a very large wardrobe, but over the past five years, by taking multiple steps, I have pared it down so it now all fits into my closet and a bureau, plus a mud hall closet for winter coats and boots. Admittedly, my closet is giant.....15 feet deep! In the past, my clothes spilled out of my closet and into under the bed containers, the guest room closet, and the front hall storage closet as well. I have more than cut my wardrobe in half. I wrote a recent post about the evolution of my style. The steps I took to really understand what I enjoy wearing and what makes up my signature style paired with a well defined color palette have helped. I think in terms of seasonal capsules because I also live in a four season climate and have need for both a professional and more casual wardrobe for each season. I have sorted out about how much time I spend in various activities and am trying to make my wardrobe reflect those proportions. So, for example, I have a formal wear capsule, but in the past, I loved to purchase formal dresses but did not have as much need for them as their numbers. I have therefore significantly decreased the size of my formal wear capsule. I enjoy variety, and do not repeat outfits frequently. A couple years ago, I realized that I could go an entire season without repeating wears of not only an outfit, but the garments for that season.. That felt too extreme and extravagant. I can tolerate some repetition and decided on a very generous 3 weeks rotation of outfits, so that I would need minimum 15 professional outfits for a season, and fewer casual and loungewear options for weekends and holidays. I did a calculation of wardrobe size made up of the items of clothing I would use each season based on this assessment across the four seasons, and came up with something like 250 not counting accessories or gear. I am sure I have a larger number than that, because I have a surplus of jeans that I am working through....they fit, and I like them, but I have more than I need. I also have a huge collection of warm winter sweaters. I am slowly trying to build my wardrobe out of pieces that have more cross seasonal potential, but I have space for my sweaters, and love them, so they stay. I have confidence I could shrink my wardrobe further, and eliminate many more items in much the way Gaylene described. For one, I have duplicates of similar items like grey cashmere turtlenecks. However, I might have 9 of them and maybe 3 of them are perfect and 6 are very good. If I eliminated those 6 I would cut my wardrobe down significantly, etc. In the past, the idea of eliminating items like that would have felt overwhelming. The reason I could proceed now is due to solid confidence in my personal sense of style. In fact, the the best advice is probably to develop your signature style. Marie Kondo can only go so far if you are left with a closet full of wonderful but disconnected items. You also need to know your basics, essentials, statements and wildcards. These are specific terms Angie has defined in her blog, Know your colors and neutrals. Do a full closet edit. Make sure everything truly fits and is flattering. Keep only what is in good repair. Keep only what you really wear. Make sure shoes fit and are functional in the wardrobe and not sitting collecting dust. Do not keep too many items just in case it may come back in style, etc. Angie’s posts on closet edits are very helpful. There is a way to pass on anything you are not using anymore to good homes where it will be appreciated. Good luck! Stagiaire Fash on "If you pared down your wardrobe, how did you do it?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/if-you-parked-down-your-wardrobe-how-did-you-do-it#post-2057658 Tue, 03 Sep 2019 07:46:32 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2057658@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Based on your reply to BD, you might need a management system as much as you need a purge. There are several that people around here use. I’m no expert and don’t expect to have “the perfect closet” anytime soon because my life is in flux, but I can tell you a couple of things not to do. Don’t get so into the perfect closet that it becomes a thing unto itself; always keep the activities you are likely to do at the front of your mind. Don’t assume all black pants are alike. Some might be dressy, while others work for your best Western outfit, or for different seasons. Obviously, this goes for items beyond black pants. One thing I’ve heard people describe that sounds awesome if you can create the space is to have two “closets” for a while, either by moving everything to a different closet or by setting up a clothes rack. Then you take outfits from the “full” closet daily and put them back in the empty one. Once there’s enough in the “little” closet, you start there every morning. If you don’t have the space to keep it up for a year, you could do it for a week or two every season. I think this works because it forces you to include not just things that “bring you joy” (that part’s easy) but also the things that are essential to making those favorites work. Another place to donate, if you have dressy stuff, is your area high school, for girls going to prom/homecoming. Best wishes on your closet shape-up. Anonymous on "If you pared down your wardrobe, how did you do it?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/if-you-parked-down-your-wardrobe-how-did-you-do-it#post-2057636 Tue, 03 Sep 2019 04:08:24 +0000 Anonymous 2057636@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Go through and find out what doesn’t fit, from there get rid of old or worn clothing. Next find clothing that may seem out of style or something you tend to avoid wearing and donate all the clothing you don’t like. By doing all that you’ll eliminate more and have less clothing to put away. bj1111 on "If you pared down your wardrobe, how did you do it?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/if-you-parked-down-your-wardrobe-how-did-you-do-it#post-2053144 Thu, 15 Aug 2019 02:53:22 +0000 bj1111 2053144@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ After much weight gain, I went on a year long massive purge and replace. I bought 53 items last year and 93 items and counting this years. So not so successful at a small wardrobe but I purged more than that including items bought this year and last. Most painful lesson, do not buy final sale. Other than that I do not have any more lessons Jaime on "If you pared down your wardrobe, how did you do it?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/if-you-parked-down-your-wardrobe-how-did-you-do-it#post-2053133 Thu, 15 Aug 2019 01:03:22 +0000 Jaime 2053133@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I am with Janet and Christina enjoying my (very) large wardrobe, but I actually edit my closet all of the time! I love being able to pull out older items that reference trends that appeal to me (square toe shoes for example) and my preferences and self image are constantly evolving. I tend to wear a loose capsule at a time of whatever I am into and then switch. None of this is stressful for me (quite the opposite) because I have very little limiting what I choose to wear apart from the weather. This would not work if I had stricter requirements or less interest in playing in my closet. Tammyb on "If you pared down your wardrobe, how did you do it?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/if-you-parked-down-your-wardrobe-how-did-you-do-it#post-2053127 Thu, 15 Aug 2019 00:51:57 +0000 Tammyb 2053127@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Such great advice here. Thank you all for giving me your advice. Barbara Diane, thanks for asking why because it did focus me. I am tired of having a generously sized yet overcrowded closet where I don’t necessarily know what I have. Angie, thanks for reminding me of Dress For Success. I need to find drives in my area because it’s not always available. I think that if I had a great place to donate or a friend who likes hand me downs, it would be easier to let go. Cardiff girl on "If you pared down your wardrobe, how did you do it?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/if-you-parked-down-your-wardrobe-how-did-you-do-it#post-2053072 Wed, 14 Aug 2019 18:22:39 +0000 Cardiff girl 2053072@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I have found that recording my clothes,whatever way takes your fancy,really helps to organise my thoughts about my wardrobe.Having the statistics in front of me and the ability to move clothes around and create potential outfits is enjoyable and also helps to pick out duplications,holes and so on.lt also avoids me ignoring the stuff at the back of the wardrobe because its all laid out in front of me.l am going to Persue my recording for a full year then look at any clothes I haven’t worn and the reasons why,then I may lose those bits of clothing unless there are good reasons to keep them.I am not a fan of major purges though so this will all be a very slow and mindful process but I am happy with that. Carla on "If you pared down your wardrobe, how did you do it?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/if-you-parked-down-your-wardrobe-how-did-you-do-it#post-2053068 Wed, 14 Aug 2019 18:03:29 +0000 Carla 2053068@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ My clothing collection falls into the 'smaller' rather than 'larger' camp - and I love EVERYTHING! The last time I counted, I had less than 60 items of CLOTHING from bathing suits to ball skirt, and 12 pairs of FOOTWEAR. The most important things for me were identifying my style and being honest about my lifestyle activities (a week has 168 hours - how do I spend them?) I then 'shopped my closet' to create capsules from pieces I owned and loved to wear for all the categories - focussing on how I spent the greatest amount of my time, but not ignoring special events like celebrations or funerals. I passed on the usual suspects of damaged, worn, or ill fitting items and then what wasn't working for me or where there was some emotional baggage (work clothes after retirement and some hand-me down/vintage or gifted items.) What's working for me now: -practicing 'one in/one out' -sticking to a budget (about 4% of my personal take home income) -mix and match capsules -tight collection of neutrals (currently white, navy/Jean blue, and black) with signiture colours (currently red, olive, blush) - a couple of signiture uniforms or silhouettes -repeating outfit combinations I take shopping breaks (a month or two) from time to time and use my budget for splurge worthy items. I also shop thrift and sales. With a small closet, clothes get worn a lot and need to be replaced sooner. This provides me with enough churn to introduce new trends, new colours, and scratch my shopping itch. I'm not judgey about closet size or quantities of clothing and sometimes fantasize about playing in the closets of some fabbers who are collectors ! Barbara Diane on "If you pared down your wardrobe, how did you do it?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/if-you-parked-down-your-wardrobe-how-did-you-do-it#post-2053065 Wed, 14 Aug 2019 17:52:00 +0000 Barbara Diane 2053065@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ See Angie's post above, if you missed this nugget- a shopping alert for people in the Seattle area-if you are Angie's size, keep an eye out for her donations to Dress for Success. Barbara Diane on "If you pared down your wardrobe, how did you do it?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/if-you-parked-down-your-wardrobe-how-did-you-do-it#post-2053064 Wed, 14 Aug 2019 17:49:30 +0000 Barbara Diane 2053064@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ My first question when I read your question was why. Why do you want a smaller wardrobe? Is it just because it is in vogue, or to fix some problems?  I think it helps to start with your goals. If it is because it is hard to see your clothing, a different way of storing it might help. Or it might be time to thin it out. If you don't have items you need to complete outfits, then the question is do you want to complete the outfit or let the item go.  I am a fan of outfit try on sessions. Often I find out multiple ways of wearing an item that I would never have thought of before. Also, looking at examples here or elsewhere gives me ideas. And sometimes, Marie Kondo style, you just know something is a no, even if you can't articulate it. Definitely let those items go. I agree that it is a process of fine tuning, not a one and done process. Because your tastes, or size, or something else will change, and then items will leave and new ones will come in. Lots of good tips above. Gaylene on "If you pared down your wardrobe, how did you do it?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/if-you-parked-down-your-wardrobe-how-did-you-do-it#post-2053062 Wed, 14 Aug 2019 17:43:33 +0000 Gaylene 2053062@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Well, I did a drastic wardrobe pare down when we voluntarily decided to move from a custom-built house with huge amount of storage to a tiny, two-bedroom condo with VERY limited storage space. After being on the YLF site for several years, I think I had internalized many of the suggestions here, but, for me, the real illuminating moment was at the start when I went through my entire wardrobe quickly pulling out all the pieces I loved best. It was at that moment I realized that these individual items, when laid out together, reflected a very defined, cohesive style and palette preference. Armed with the realization my favorites could form the backbone of my new, smaller wardrobe, I started applying the ideas other have suggested here—considering activities, seasonal requirements, wardrobe holes, number of items in each category, total wardrobe count, etc.—until I was satisfied I had a functioning wardrobe. I think it also helped that I wasn’t trying to create a “perfect” wardrobe, just a reasonable one. Helena on "If you pared down your wardrobe, how did you do it?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/if-you-parked-down-your-wardrobe-how-did-you-do-it#post-2053052 Wed, 14 Aug 2019 16:50:00 +0000 Helena 2053052@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ And I should note that the majority of what I've learned is courtesy of Angie and YLF, with various and sundry articles and capsule wardrobe challenges thrown!! rachylou on "If you pared down your wardrobe, how did you do it?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/if-you-parked-down-your-wardrobe-how-did-you-do-it#post-2053051 Wed, 14 Aug 2019 16:43:03 +0000 rachylou 2053051@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ My wardrobe is huge, but it’s also half of what it once was. I started by creating a subset based on a colour/ style scheme, seeing how that worked, seeing what I went looking for outside of that subset. After awhile, I started getting rid of the things that I never thought about. Multi-year project in all honesty. Preppy Pear on "If you pared down your wardrobe, how did you do it?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/if-you-parked-down-your-wardrobe-how-did-you-do-it#post-2053049 Wed, 14 Aug 2019 16:32:02 +0000 Preppy Pear 2053049@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ My wardrobe has shrunk in the last couple of years. I am trying for a wardrobe of all 10s - to have only pieces that I love and that love me back. This means a smaller wardrobe by necessity - lots (though not all) of the clothes and brands I love are on the pricier side, and I’d rather have fewer quality choices that I feel my best in, even if it means sacrificing choices. I am also becoming quick to edit and let go of worn out items or items that no longer work for me. The right number for me is when I find it easy to get dressed, with some trends and fun in the mix. Like Janet, I also tend to forget what I have if my wardrobe is too big. I do like some variety, but I rely on some core styles/uniforms to get through busy periods. I repeat a lot of outfits and that helps my sanity. I also wear mainly neutrals. On another note, I’m really excited about my NAS purchases (yay, new silhouettes!) because my wardrobe was getting a little too small and repetitive. Angie on "If you pared down your wardrobe, how did you do it?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/if-you-parked-down-your-wardrobe-how-did-you-do-it#post-2053047 Wed, 14 Aug 2019 16:08:40 +0000 Angie 2053047@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ And to reiterate what I wrote in another post: I see a LOT of wardrobes in my line of work. I have seen it all. Wardrobes with 18 items, and wardrobes with hundreds of items and counting.... I support ALL size wardrobes as long as the wardrobe can be adequately and sufficiently stored, managed, worn - and sparks joy. I'm AS impressed with a very large wardrobe as I am with very small wardrobe if it's dead right for the wearer's needs and wants.  A moderately sized wardrobe is dead right for me because: I'm in the fashion industry, have limited storage space, live in 4 seasons, turnover some items fast, and like to wear the heck out of my clothes. More and my control freak self loses control. Less and I don't have enough fun with fashion. Angie on "If you pared down your wardrobe, how did you do it?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/if-you-parked-down-your-wardrobe-how-did-you-do-it#post-2053035 Wed, 14 Aug 2019 15:37:41 +0000 Angie 2053035@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ To answer your question - I never made the transition. It happened organically. If anything my wardrobe is bigger now than it has ever been. And I keep a strict control on the number because of storage challenges, and because I don't want to have more than I can manage. I repeat outfits all the time! Really like what Torontogirl suggested.  Angie on "If you pared down your wardrobe, how did you do it?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/if-you-parked-down-your-wardrobe-how-did-you-do-it#post-2053034 Wed, 14 Aug 2019 15:33:21 +0000 Angie 2053034@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Tammyb, have you thought of a magic number? Mine is about 150 which includes my 25 bags and large outerwear capsule, but NOT my scarves, belts, wardrobe basics, yoga wear, and few pieces of jewellery.  I am a fashion professional who likes variety, some trends, some classics, and lives in four seasons. I have a need for dressy and casual attire. I like to shop AND keep some items for many years. I also quite like high wardrobe churn because Dress for Success Seattle wants my stuff before it's worn out. That's one of my services to them - and since one of my good friends heads up DFSS, why not!. All that to say that, 150 items: <ul> <li>fits beautifully into my closet space</li> <li>gives me ample selection</li> <li>no laundry and travel bottlenecks</li> <li>easy to manage so that I know exactly what I have at all times</li> </ul> I would start with the number - and be realistic!  Christina F. on "If you pared down your wardrobe, how did you do it?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/if-you-parked-down-your-wardrobe-how-did-you-do-it#post-2053033 Wed, 14 Aug 2019 15:29:18 +0000 Christina F. 2053033@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <div>I have edited a lot but made peace with a large-ish wardrobe.</div><div> </div><div>I do keep track (using YLF Finds!) of items that get less wear. Then when I edit, monthly or so, I look at those pieces to see if I can wear them or if I am done with them. It's an emotional process for me so it's hard for me to quantify or identify criteria beyond the obvious (no longer fits or flatters, shrunk in the wash, looks shabby, etc.) </div> Janet on "If you pared down your wardrobe, how did you do it?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/if-you-parked-down-your-wardrobe-how-did-you-do-it#post-2053031 Wed, 14 Aug 2019 15:19:20 +0000 Janet 2053031@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ As a member of Team Large Wardrobe, I read threads like this with a mixture of fascination, admiration, and a tiny bit of fear. I like having lots of choices in my wardrobe, and I do often reach back and rewear some old favorites that fall by the wayside for a while. But I tend to lean too heavily towards having too much, and sometimes forget what I have. I know there are not enough days to wear everything. Which is all to say, keep the ideas and advice coming. I’m on the “reading along with interest” bandwagon. Anonymous on "If you pared down your wardrobe, how did you do it?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/if-you-parked-down-your-wardrobe-how-did-you-do-it#post-2053028 Wed, 14 Aug 2019 15:01:51 +0000 Anonymous 2053028@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I'm really interested in the concept of a tightly edited and carefully selected wardrobe, and am constantly reading about it, pinning examples of wardrobes I like, etc etc.  I have trouble actually getting it done, or getting it to work for me, because I think it goes against my personality and general how-I-get-through-the-day style.  I'm not an organized careful person, and am impulsive and forgetful and easily distracted. I operate at 100 mph, when this type of wardrobing requires working slightly under the speed limit.  I STILL want to make it work , and know that I have to spend and invest some quality quiet time figuring this all out .  I also shop quickly and impatiently , and use buying clothing as something to quell anxiety and a lack of confidence. It's a big hurdle , and sometimes I feel like throwing up my hands and forgetting about it. However, the frustration of having too many clothes and never the "right ones" is my ongoing motivation .   All this to say, I'm reading with interest here. Penny on "If you pared down your wardrobe, how did you do it?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/if-you-parked-down-your-wardrobe-how-did-you-do-it#post-2053000 Wed, 14 Aug 2019 13:40:39 +0000 Penny 2053000@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Happy to share some thoughts, having been paring and curating my wardrobe for the better part of a decade.  I finally feel like it's exactly where I want it, although it took years to get there.  A few points that worked for me, although there are lots of great resources from Angie on this site, and the size and scope of your wardrobe is very personal based on a number of factors, such as your preferences for variety: <ul> <li>After identifying what I loved and what felt right, I focused on removing what I didn't love and didn't feel right.  As I started letting go of more styles / types of items / colors that didn't resonate with me (and did this in many waves over the years), I further identified and refined my preferences, and in addition to letting go of additional items, I found the bar much higher for what I would want to add to my wardrobe.  Ultimately, this process has enabled my wardrobe has become very coordinated and focused, with a narrow set of style preferences and colors that make me happy while suiting my sartorial needs.  </li> <li>As tortontogirl noted, defining my needs was key for curating my wardrobe.  Although I wear exclusively dresses, I had far too many dresses and accessories for weddings and events, and eventually shifted the proportions so that the majority of my wardrobe serves my daily professional needs, the next largest proportion serves my weekend needs, and the smallest set serves my formal / event needs.  The best way for me to do this was not to add more items (as I had plenty), but to let go of less-loved items that were not needed until I got to my ideal proportions for each aspect of my life.  And now, how often I will wear an item is a key factor in a purchase: I would much rather buy a beautiful, sculptural piece of silver jewelry that I can wear to the office and casual weekend events than a super-sparkly piece that would only come out once or twice a year.  </li> <li>Along the lines of both of the above, for me, having a list of all the items in my wardrobe, and what purpose they serve, helps me stay focused and appreciate what I have.  </li> </ul> Good luck!  I've had a lot of fun and found a lot of joy in the process and the results.   Helena on "If you pared down your wardrobe, how did you do it?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/if-you-parked-down-your-wardrobe-how-did-you-do-it#post-2052995 Wed, 14 Aug 2019 13:13:48 +0000 Helena 2052995@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Tammy, because most of my clothes are casual (i.e. foldable), I have a clear plastic storage bin in my closet that I use as a holding zone for most items. I put a few drier sheets in to keep things fresh (I've never had a moth issue, knock on wood). A few items that need to be hung are at the back of our closet. I personally don't want them completely out of sight, because then they are truly forgotten (and I am more inclined to shop when I need a pick-me-up!). Unexpected bonus, a little off topic - my daughter has now starting using my holding zone to 'shop' for herself (again, mostly casual sweaters, etc. although she may just be the only 11 year old working on styling a black blazer!) ... ok, things are a little oversized on her, but that suits her style  and she has tons of fun 'dressing up' ... it's a win-win for everyone haha! Anonymous on "If you pared down your wardrobe, how did you do it?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/if-you-parked-down-your-wardrobe-how-did-you-do-it#post-2052991 Wed, 14 Aug 2019 13:08:41 +0000 Anonymous 2052991@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Good advice here! A good place to start paring down is the "wardrobe orphans". Those are the things you don't have mates for, maybe the shapes or colors don't harmonize well with the bulk of your wardrobe. Also, if you have things that are very similar to each other, but you prefer one over the other. In general, anything that you regularly pass up, due to fit/fussiness/etc, is a good candidate to live at someone elses house. Tammyb on "If you pared down your wardrobe, how did you do it?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/if-you-parked-down-your-wardrobe-how-did-you-do-it#post-2052986 Wed, 14 Aug 2019 12:00:19 +0000 Tammyb 2052986@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ The Cat and torontogirl- thanks. Great food for thought. Torontogirl- is your holding zone another closet or just a section of your main closet? Helena on "If you pared down your wardrobe, how did you do it?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/if-you-parked-down-your-wardrobe-how-did-you-do-it#post-2052979 Wed, 14 Aug 2019 11:37:50 +0000 Helena 2052979@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Here's the colour palette info, if you're interested - she calls it a colour compass, not a passport   <a rel="nofollow" href="https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/re-articulating-my-color-palette">https://youlookfab.com/welookf.....or-palette</a> I find it simple without being stingy! Helena on "If you pared down your wardrobe, how did you do it?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/if-you-parked-down-your-wardrobe-how-did-you-do-it#post-2052977 Wed, 14 Aug 2019 11:33:37 +0000 Helena 2052977@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ This is practically my hobby lol!! I agree with what The Cat says. My tried and true method (after MUCH trial and error) when my wardrobe feels overwhelming is (and this is just what worked for me; I'm not claiming any expertise here!!): <ul> <li>define my needs - write down how I *actually* spend my time. For me, it looks like roughly: daily mom-on-the-go/work-at-home, along with 1 day a week business person, and one to two days a week socializing, etc ....</li> <li>I have a bunch of tools I've collected over the years, but essentially, I need two weekly laundry cycles worth of clothes for each role. So for me, 14 motg outfits (for me, this breaks out something like 10 - 14 tops, maybe 4 or 5 bottoms, maybe 2 toppers, etc.), 2 business person outfits, two to four casual socializing outfits ...</li> <li>then I 'shop my closet' for these outfits for the season (even though some of these capsules might overlap, I pick distinct pieces knowing I can mix and match later</li> <li>whatever is left after I've done this process, I turn a critical eye to. Anything that fits poorly, is out of style, I truly don't like anymore gets recycled or donated. Anything that I'm on the fence about, that is in good shape but duplicates something I chose, or that I like but was just excess, goes in a holding zone (useful to curtail shopping impulses, since you can 'shop' here when you're bored!). Anything off season gets set aside to be evaluated for the correct season</li> <li>Then I address any gaps with some thoughtful shopping</li> </ul> A few things I've learned for myself over the years: <ul> <li>this is not a one-time process - but now that I've got a regular routine going, it's quick, easy, and I have less and less excess every time, and even my mistakes are getting smarter!</li> <li>for my personality, it is very tempting to pare down too much (either in terms of numbers, or trying to get a really tight colour palette, etc.). For me, I had to learn to not be SO purge-happy, and to be more mindful about purchases AND purges, and use the holding zone!</li> <li>I do have a fairly tight colour palette, but colour is SO personal. I really love Bobbi Thomas' colour passport technique as a starting point, which I've mentioned somewhere and I'll try to find the post.</li> </ul> Can you tell I've given this some (over)thought??? Lol!