June 17, 2009
more of what you want, less of what you don’t
True or false:
You still have maternity clothes in your closet, even though the baby is 6.
You’ve kept all your suits, despite the fact that your office has been Casual Friday since 2002.
You’re wearing things you bought in high school and trying to pass them off as “vintage.”
You stand in your closet at least once a week and think, I have nothing to wear.
Sound familiar? If so, then it’s time to simplify. Also time to clean your closet.
Fewer clothes means more options. It also means less stress, less waste, and less time spent scrambling to find a top that will go with that skirt in the six minutes you have before everyone has to get out the door — six minutes which you are also dividing between finding your car keys, tying everyone’s shoes, and scavenging up milk money for at least one kid.
We can see how less is more in other areas of our life: We cut down on household clutter and extra spending and social commitments, and we reap the benefits of more time and more money and a more comfortable home. But here’s our fear about cutting back on our closets: Less is boring. Less is limiting. Less is frumpy. And yes, there is a fine line between creating a successful personal style and falling into a fashion rut, but that’s why I’m here! Because I can tell you how to make less look like more, and how to do it on the cheap.
How? Simple!
1. Clean out your closet. Put everything in three piles: Pieces you wear all the time, pieces you wish you were wearing, and pieces you cannot even believe were in there in the first place. Get rid of that third pile. I’m begging you.
2. Assess your basics. Is everything in good condition? Does it all fit? Get rid of anything that is stained or torn or worn out or the wrong size. Replace pieces that you know you can’t live without.
3. Mix and match. Start pulling things from the pile of pieces you wish you were wearing and mixing them in with your basics. This is a good place to enlist a friend, someone whose style you admire and whose opinion you trust. Put together as many outfits as you can, using as much of the wishful pile as possible.
4. Accessorize! Once you’ve put these pants with that top and this sweater, add some jewelry or a scarf or something to make the outfit uniquely yours. Or choose one or two signature pieces and find a way to wear them with everything.
5. Put it all away. Hang your new outfits together in the closet — I know, this goes against all the rules, but the idea is to create a closet of things you will wear, and seeing certain pieces together lets you imagine wearing them together.
That’s all it takes. I promise.
Disclaimer: BlogHer has partnered with Tropicana Trop50 to create The Juice, a BlogHer group designed to offer tips for better living. This post is not a paid promotion; it’s my entry in a contest to win a chance to co-host a webisode of The Juice with BlogHer co-founder Jory Des Jardins. Because how fun would it be to go to San Francisco and talk about clothes with Jory? So much fun!
Posted by Susan @ 10:43 am • pretty things
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June 17th, 2009 at 12:41 pm, Corey Says:
“In” my closet. OMG, I wish.
June 17th, 2009 at 12:43 pm, Tricia Says:
I promise to take your advice. Perfect, simple, advice. Thank you! I so needed this!!
June 17th, 2009 at 1:33 pm, Stephanie Says:
Are you for hire?
June 17th, 2009 at 1:47 pm, Sue @ My Party of 6 Says:
Does this mean I should throw away my work clothes from the last time I worked (which was 2000) - because SOMEDAY I’ll have a job again, even though it will probably be another 5 years and I’ve had 3 kids since 2000 and I can only DREAM of fitting in those clothes again. BUT STILL, I *might* need them. Right?
June 17th, 2009 at 4:46 pm, Rebekah Cooksey Says:
You have me so pegged, except nothing from high school fits anymore (which is why I still have my maternity clothes even though I have a 4 yr old).
Here’s to simplification…which I will get to, as soon as I wade through all this junk.
June 17th, 2009 at 6:49 pm, Jory Des Jardins Says:
Because how fun would it be to go to San Francisco and talk about clothes with Jory? So much fun! …
Exactly!
Love this post.
June 18th, 2009 at 7:42 am, Ashlie- Mommycosm Says:
How about: you’ve kept all your suits despite the fact that you haven’t worked in an office since 2002?
Yeah, that’s me. I did just pack up the maternity stuff though to give to my neighbor. I’m holding onto those pre-baby size 4s though. Just in case. Who knows. I might just work on the rest this weekend. It’s something I’ve needed to do for a while.
June 18th, 2009 at 8:19 am, javamom Says:
You know what I did? I got this call from this community service thing where they come to your house to pick up clothing and household items. I thought she said they’re coming on June 8. I got BAGS of clothes, mine, his, but mostly kids outgrown stuff, lining the steps down to the basement. I have a hard time opening the side door because the bags are in the way. June 8 comes and goes and they haven’t arrived. Did I misunderstand the date? Mishear? Maybe they’re coming on June 28…?
Do I feel lighter? Once the bags are gone….yes, I certainly will. Right now however, it’s just a pain in the ass. Because everytime I go to do laundry I trip over all the bags.
Having said that….as I bring up the clean laundry, I take out items from the basket I know I don’t want or need anymore and add it to the flippin’ pile on the steps.
It.never.ends.
June 18th, 2009 at 11:29 am, ali Says:
I *think* I require your services…my closet is a nightmare!
June 18th, 2009 at 8:24 pm, Mama in Suburbia Says:
Great post…thanks for the advice.
June 21st, 2009 at 9:11 pm, Rita Says:
You have access to my closet while I’m away.
I’m just sayin’.