I have 80 cubic feet of space in my closet, plus 2.5 drawers in a dresser. Here’s a (weirdly photoshopped together) picture of it. As you can see, I make the most of it. Here’s how:
Only Have Clothes That You Wear in Your Closet
They say that the 80/20 rule works with wardrobes too – you wear 20% of your clothes 80% of the time. So why in the world do people need huge walk in closets to hold clothes they wear maybe twice a year. Attachment. We all have attachments – things we can’t let go of, maybe because you wore it on a special date, maybe because your mother gave it to you, maybe you just keep things around you for a sense of security. None of these reasons will ever actually make you wear said item though, meaning it’s time to let go.
Rotate Your Wardrobe
I clean out my closet twice a year and move my off- season items into a storage box (under my bed since I don’t have a spare closet). The first week in April after a warm March this year, I pulled out all my spring and summer clothes (of course we’ve had the coldest April in 8 years, and all I’ve worn is the few sweaters & sweatshirts I kept out. Whatever.) I’m always so thrilled to see all my beautiful summer dresses and get excited about wearing them again.
My theory is that when something hangs in your closet year round you get tired of it even if you don’t wear it. When time rolls around to reach for that fabulous summer dress, it seems old and boring, causing you to want to go buy another.
Edit, Edit, Edit Then Edit Some More
When I clean out my closet, I’m ruthless. Unless I know it is one of my 20 percenters, I try it on. If it doesn’t fit just right and I can’t alter it, I get rid of it. If I have two tops in the same color and similar cut, I pick my favorite & ditch the other. I don’t keep something just because it was expensive, including the pair of fabulous Gucci green & pink flowery fabric heels that were just too high for me. It all comes down to if you don’t wear it and know you won’t wear it, get rid of it.
Shop Smarter
Several years ago a few of my friends and I started getting together for closet-cleanout parties. You learn A LOT about your friends when they let you into the depths of their closet! But having several pairs of eyes looking at all your clothes really helps you see your habits, for instance having 5 navy and white polka dot dresses or that all your clothes are too baggy, plus determine which items your wardrobe is missing, such as basic tees or belts.
Seeing my wardrobe and me through my friends eyes, gave me a clearer perspective on who I was in a fashion sense (of course this is always evolving too). Now when I shop, I only buy things that I love. As Nina Garcia says in The Little Black Book of Style
If you’re up for a little wardrobe wrangling and don’t know where to get started, Tim Gunn’s Guide to Style on Bravo is excellent. They are more ruthless than I’ve ever been, but it’s really inspiring info on wardrobe management, care and especially what works for each body shape.
After viewing a few episodes, get your friends together for a cleanout. We always had snacks and a bunch of fashion mags for perusing while waiting to give a thumbs up or down on the next item. You never know what you are going to learn about yourself & your friends!
This is inspiration I need!
I used to hang on to things because I saw each item as full of possibility. Now I really want the experience of an edited collection of clothes that hang easily in space that I have. I think I am ready to let go of lots of stuff!
I love your point about if something hangs in your closet, even if you don’t wear it, you will get tired of it. I did some serious editing and storing when I transitioned from regular to maternity clothes. Now that I’m transitioning again – this time to nursing tops – I’ll keep some clothes in storage to be pulled out at a later date. I probably wouldn’t have if it weren’t for reading your post. But it makes a lot of sense!