Maybe it's the crafter in me but I think I hoard clothes. Even clothes I haven't worn in months. The result is a confused mess in my drawers and the thought of, "I haven't got anything to wear", when that blatantly isn't the case!
I have seen a few posts floating around recently about closet clear outs and creating a capsule wardrobe. I love the idea of a paired down closet but know in my heart that isn't going to happen!
Nevertheless this week I set myself the task of ruthlessly clearing out my drawers to try and get my wardrobe down to just the clothes I love.
I used a simple process and thought it would be fun to share it with you.
First up I wrote a brief "style" sheet. I am not a fashion blogger in the slightest so this wasn't anything extraordinary.
I gave myself two minutes without looking at any of my clothes and wrote down what sort of things I tend to wear or gravitate towards in a shop.
The next step was to open the drawers. I started with my tops and split them into three piles.
a. Clothes I wear weekly
b. Clothes I wear monthly
c. Clothes I wear rarely.
The clothes I wear weekly went straight back in the drawer.
I then set out to write myself three questions. I guess your three questions could be anything but these were mine.
Each piece of clothing in the 'monthly' and 'rarely' piles was subjected to the three questions. If it didn't fit the categories it was 'out'. It was ruthless but I was fed up with clothes that weren't quite right filling my drawers.
This top is a good example. It was in good condition but I wore it rarely. It didn't really meet any of my 'style' points on my sheet- I don't really gravitate towards plaid- and it never fitted properly. I was keeping it for sentimental reasons beyond anything else.
Sorting out was quite the process but a few days in I am so pleased I did it. I know that everything in my drawers I wear at least once month, it all fits and it is all in good condition.
Sometimes less really does feel like more!
Have you ever done a big clothes clear out or even tried a capsule wardrobe?
12 comments:
I love clothes too, but I'm rubbish at dressing appropriately for the season. I always look like I'm warmer or colder than everyone else! I'm definitely due a wardrobe clear out..you have inspired me
This is a job I need to do! I am dreadful about keeping things I will never wear again. Maybe I should do it - one drawer at a time.
I did this at the beginning of the summer, and got rid of nearly 1/3 of what I owned. I'm sorry to say I added a bit over the season during sales, and think it should be, at the very least, a yearly event. I must admit I love clothes, and I also like to shop!
I have done a good clear out about two years ago and I know the great feeling that follows. I could probably do another round though!
I like the questions you asked about the rarely worn clothes, great idea! I seriously need a clear out, but I'm a clothes hoarder too! x
I did this last week. It's become an annual back to school activity for me! I'm looking for the holes that need filling so that I can plan my Autumn dress making projects.
I can't tell you how many closets I've cleaned out in the course of my organization business. Of course, I could not "throw away" for people. I used one simple rule---"if you haven't worn it in a year---get rid of it!!" You are definitely on the right track with your "clean out!" Keep it up!
Loving simple, then less is more from my point of view - but wardrobes have a way of growing! Sorting my clothes, now I've sorted my books, papers and craft stuff, is next on my list :). I did a class once with Abi Garvey which was great - I've just got the notes out to tackle it again. Super post and thank-you for the nudge :).
I'm definately a clothes hoarder and need to be far more ruthless with clearing out.....though whenever I do get rid of something....a few weeks later it's exactly what I want to wear!!
Great post Abi! I'm a general hoarder, so clothes are definitely something I could/should sort out (again!)
I love your "three questions" idea, also the piles that you used to begin - so sensible to immediately identify those things you wear regularly.
I am inspired to try this myself... I especially like your questions, because, in our weird British climate, that old chestnut about "if you haven't worn it in a year..." just doesn't work. Last winter was nowhere near as severe as the few previous years; my jumper drawer was hardly touched - but if I throw all the sweaters away, just because I haven't worn them in 18 months, whatever will I wear next time it does freeze (& we can be sure it will some time...)? Maybe I should thin out the "haven't worn for 2 winters" stuff though!
Fun post - thanks for the inspiration!
Great post Abi! I'm a general hoarder, so clothes are definitely something I could/should sort out (again!)
I love your "three questions" idea, also the piles that you used to begin - so sensible to immediately identify those things you wear regularly.
I am inspired to try this myself... I especially like your questions, because, in our weird British climate, that old chestnut about "if you haven't worn it in a year..." just doesn't work. Last winter was nowhere near as severe as the few previous years; my jumper drawer was hardly touched - but if I throw all the sweaters away, just because I haven't worn them in 18 months, whatever will I wear next time it does freeze (& we can be sure it will some time...)? Maybe I should thin out the "haven't worn for 2 winters" stuff though!
Fun post - thanks for the inspiration!
Another hoarder here. I had a clear out at the beginning of the summer and will do so again at the end of September but I'm not ruthless enough! I like your ideas though. Yes a great post.
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