The Simple Wardrobe

Unlike the Fourth Doctor and Romana, I don't have a wardrobe housed in something that's bigger on the inside.  I have half a double wardrobe shared with Rev T.  And no more.  (He's very firm about that).

To manage my share of the space more effectively, I converted to the minimal wardrobe back in 2015.  I don't do it in the same way now.  Instead of buying 5 items each quarter, I try to buy less new items overall and replace things when they wear out.  I keep the number 5 in mind to make sure I don't buy too much.

Doing things this way helps me feel less stressed, less less guilty and helped me own less, but better clothes.  It's also meant I spend less money.

It's helped me appreciate the clothes I own and feel more confident.  There's always something to wear.  Everything in my wardrobe goes together, suits me and works for the life I have.  That's saved me time as there's less faffing about in the morning deciding what to put on.

As I'm - fingers crossed - less likely to need coats, gloves and boots I've sorted through my wardrobe. (Which sparked this post).  Getting out clothes I'll need as the weather warms up, putting away things I won't need until later this year and giving away items I no longer wear has made me feel quite excited.  Summer is coming.  

If you want to give the simple wardrobe a go, here's some tips:

Think and Dream.  

Think about your lifestyle and clothes it needs.  Think about how you want express yourself through your clothes.  I work full time so need office wear.  I also need clothes for weekends and holidays.  I don't go to the gym so don't need sports gear.  

Then comes the fun bit.  Browse Pinterest, magazines, go window shopping and search for clothes that fit your life that you like.  Look at fabrics and colours as you want things that go together.  I like neutral basics, flattering silhouettes, colours and patterns.  I'm not big on accessories.  Knowing what kind of clothes you like also helps when you're deciding what to keep and what to pass on. 

Edit.  

Gather your clothes together and go through them.  Do it in sections if you've got loads. Clothes one week, accessories the next and shoes another.  Put them into piles by type:

• Keep things you wear, love or need.

• Discard things you don't wear, don't feel happy in, don't fit or were a mistake.  (Been there, bought that.  Wished I'd kept the receipt).

• If there are items you're not sure about, ask yourself if you'd buy it if you saw it in a shop today.

• Put items you want to keep but need repairing or cleaning in a separate pile to tackle later. 

Arrange.  

Put items back in the wardrobe in a way that works for you.  I arrange by type - dresses, skirts, shirts etc.  I pack out of season clothes away for next time after washing and repairing them.

Maintenance.  

Look after your clothes - hang them up, fold them neatly, keep them clean.  Go though your wardrobe every so often and pull out unwanted items to pass on.  I do this when putting away the winter clothes away and getting out the summer  ones.  Work out what, if any, new items you need.  (I'll talk about this in another post).

As mentioned previously, I've found doing it this way means I buy less, buy better and make fewer mistakes.  Saving time and money.  If you decide to give this a try, let me know.  I'd love to know how you get on.


Mufasa is very pleased to have made his second appearance in the #Shankyoupets round-up run by Heather over at Shank You Very Much.  Thank you!

This week’s #ShankYouPets features are here! #ShankYouPets #englishbulldog #dog #puppy #cute #pet #pets #petstagram #photooftheday #dogs #cat #dogsofinstagram #cats #instagramdogs #dogoftheday #adorable #doglover #catsofinstagram #fish #cow #chicken #petsofinstagram #animal #animals #cutepets #cutenessoverload #furbaby #kitten #squishy

A post shared by Heather Keet (@shankyouheather) on May 13, 2018 at 2:00pm PDT

Have a wonderful half term everyone and see you on the other side.  I'm having a few days off work and looking forward to some family time with Rev T and the Tubblet.  What have you got planned?

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