Experience with wardrobe overhaul?

Hi,

In the past 1.5a, I've given away at least half of my wardrobe. I've also made a number of mistaken purchases along the way, but the trend seems to be toward fewer items. There are still a number of garments left over, making me feel like I'm still falling the 20/80 rule (wearing 20% of what I own, 80% of the time).

Mistaken purchases over the past few years included skirts (want to love'em, but pants are just more practical and easier to coordinate with bad feet), tops that were too low cut once they stretched, items on sale that I wouldn't have paid full price for, fashion that couldn't be transplanted from one part of the world to another, etc. In other words, typical mistakes that cost you money, but offer lessons in the long run.

In the last year, I moved multiple times, which offered a lot of insight into wardrobe needs and preferences, and the need to be extremely critical about what went into the suitcase.

Currently, I've strayed away from strictly natural fibers, and find myself having simple style--jeans or black pants, Adea shirts, 3/4 or long-sleeved blouses, a few cashmere and marino wool sweaters. Scarves, jewelry and lipstick to accessorize.

At the moment, I'm tempted to buy a few blouses by The Shirt because they're the first blouses I've tried on that don't show gaps (even though I'm small-busted), and can be worn in all settings (casual, business, synagogue, Middle East, etc.)

I am tempted to give away most of what remains of my wardrobe because I really want to wear everything I own frequently. To my ears, it sounds wasteful, but also very liberating. I like the idea of everything (except for extreme seasonal wear) being used, and am averse to spaces in my room unnecessarily turning into places of storage that don't get touched.

Has anybody done this, seriously overhauled their wardrobes? Did you end up rebounding, and buying more clothing to replace what you gave away? Or were you able to main a simple wardrobe?

It probably sounds a bit odd saying this on a fashion forum, I find the appeal of a uniform with slight variations (accessories and make-up) oddly attractive.

12 years ago

londonkiwi (now back in NZ)

Veteran

Do you know what, at the moment I completely feel like doing what you are contemplating. I am not 100% unhappy with my wardrobe, but have this urge to completely purge it and start almost from nothing.

I have moved twice (internationally and then domestically) in two years, so I think that does offer you a change in perspective.

(website)

I bet it would be liberating. I am sometimes tempted to toss all the place holders and 'almosts' but I'm a chicken. I have purged a good amount of things, even from last year, and am happier than ever with what I've got. It's hard for me to predict the best new buys still, though. I'm doing a lot better, but mistakes still happen. And I do sometimes chase something after I purge it looking for the perfect replacement.

Caro in Oz

For me I first needed to work out what I wanted to wear, that was the hard part, Then how many pieces I needed for the week so I wasn't washing clothes all the time. After I did this (it took a while because I needed to wear the clothes to really see how I felt in them) it sort of fell into place. For everyday clothes I basically have x2 uniforms now.

Suz

I definitely had to do a complete overhaul from scratch because I'd lost a lot of weight and couldn't fit into anything I owned. I did have a few things altered to fit. And then I bought a lot of stuff on sale or at thrift or consignment because I knew that I didn't know what I wanted or looked good in. So that was expensive, but not as pricey as it would have been.

In my nearly 3 years on YLF I have more or less figured out my style and have adapted a sort of uniform...but it's a uniform with variables. And I still can't managed with a completely pared down wardrobe because I live in a four season climate and I have multiple roles and need different kinds of clothing for each.

But my work at home wear in winter basically consists of jeans, a sweater or knit top, and possibly a scarf and/ or belt.

In summer, switch out the jeans for shorts or a skirt, and switch out the sweater for a woven top. (Cotton, linen, silk).

I have also limited my colour palette, but not obsessively, because I do like colour and it lifts my mood.

There are quite a number on the forum here who are aiming for a very pared down wardrobe or who prefer to wear a "uniform." But even within the uniform there can be plenty of variety.

unfrumped

It sounds like you are honing in on your style and formula dressing--meaning formula in a good way, those combos that work and are flattering and so you ane to repeat them.

. Some people like to do a huge toss-out to get some kind of freeing energy, but remember that mistakes, and wardrobe editing and revising is an ongoing process and a one-time purge won't change that. So I would say don't toss willy-nilly just to release energy, but evaluate each item for fit, fabric, wearability, flattery-- it's okay to be ruthless about that critique. And each time you wear something, if it isn't something you really want to wear again, then it's up for purging. Also it can help especially in budget situations to identify the purpose of lesser-loved garments--"I'm just keepin' you 'til I find something better" is okay . OTOH, if you are the type that can't allow yourself to buy something new until there are gaping holes in your closet, then maybe a huge clearout is in order. Or if you want to try the Zen-like approach and make do with 10 or 15 items.
So, just think about your own personality and what kind of process is likely to be most helpful to you.

Peri

It's kind of what I'm doing for the past year, so I can really relate. I've also been going through big purges because I have a habit of hanging onto things for many years after I don't even want them any more. I'm determined to have smaller wardrobe where I at least like everything and love a lot of things. I don't want to hang on anymore to things I really dislike.

I really do want to be buying now, but it's a big search to find things I like. I have it so in mind that I only want things I really like, I feel like it is keeping me from making too many impulse purchases. I definitely want some new cold weather clothes but haven't found much that makes my heart sing. So, so far I'm not overloading on new stuff just to fill up again.

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