The Benefits of a Pared-Down Closet & How to Achieve One

by Catriona Whitehead

I recently read an article by Joanna Gaines, cohost of HGTV's "Fixer Uppers," titled The Complexity of Living A Simple Life. Gaines' discussion on shedding the dead-weight in all areas of our lives reminded me of how pertinent this is to our wardrobes. Even Gaines said, "Sticking with what [jewelry] I already have on keeps me from having to rummage through that mess of a [jewelry] drawer. And don't even get me started on our closet!" When your garment options seem limitless, and with no particular organization, it's overwhelming, leading you to wear the usual suspects. I'm sure at some point you've looked at the abundance that is your closet and said, "I have nothing to wear!" If you trim down your choices, not only will you actually see and use what you have to work with, you'll feel lighter. Gaines wrote, "when I do choose simplicity and keep choosing it...I am different. I have room to breathe. I have space to see clearly. My instincts are sharper." I utilize each of my pieces more often and more creatively when I take care of my closet. Do you want this?

Don't want to do this yourself but want it done? Hire me to do your closet cleanup:

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Want to DIY? Here are FOUR STEPS for wardrobe clarity. Don't shirk any aspects of your wardrobe, get into your sock and underwear drawer too.

STEP 1: Perform this step with decisiveness! Divide your garments into three piles--those you:

a) LOVE AND GET EXCITED ABOUT

b) FREQUENTLY USE

c) RARELY WEAR/HAVE NEVER WORN

              *Some items may cross categories (you love it, but you've never worn it). Decide which                         category the item belongs in more and add it to its family. 

STEP 2: From here, decide what you want to do with pile C and do it:

a) DONATE

b) SELL/CONSIGN 

(never done this before? Click here)

c) GIVE TO A FRIEND/FAMILY MEMBER

                *When you give a beloved, but rarely worn, item to a friend or family member, you know 

                   the item will be appreciated and used, the way you originally intended. This makes the                        breakup less painful. 

STEP 3: Organize your closet and dresser in one of two ways:

a) BY COLOR

if you feel most comfortable in color coordinated ensembles

b) BY TYPE OF ITEM

if you feel most comfortable knowing where each garment is

c) BY COLOR AND TYPE OF ITEM

this is how my closet is arranged

STEP 4: As you utilize your newly productive closet, you may notice the need for a particular garment or two--a black tank top, a pair of nude flats, a good pair of work pants. When you go shopping for such items ask yourself these three questions:

a) DO I HAVE SOMETHING SIMILAR TO THIS ALREADY?

yes: don't purchase it

no: move on to question B

b) DOES THIS FIT MY LIFESTYLE NEEDS?

ex. 1: you're a mom and need machine-wash items only

ex. 2: you're constantly on your feet and need supportive flats/pumps

c) DO I FEEL CONFIDENT IN THIS?

will you still appreciate yourself in this piece when you're at home?

Enjoy the liberation of shedding the unnecessary, and what will feel like a new wardrobe! Feel free to post questions.