Today I want to talk about what I like to call a ‘simple wardrobe’ (also known as a capsule wardrobe). If you don’t know what that is, it’s essentially a curated closet that has a limited number of items which all work together and match your personal style. As of today, I’m still working towards a fully simplified wardrobe, but it’s already had so much of a positive impact on my life. This is why I wanted to share with you my top 5 reasons why you should simplify your wardrobe, too!
First, a couple of questions for you. Do you ever wake up in the morning, look at your closet full of clothes, and still feel like you have nothing to wear? Are you spending large portions of your pay check on new clothes, just trying to keep up with fashion trends? Are you holding on to clothes that you haven’t worn in years, or that still have the tags on them? Or do you just feel uninspired by your closet instead of loving what you wear every day? If you answered yes to any of those questions, keep reading to see how a simple wardrobe could help you.
1. It makes it easier to get dressed in the morning.
When your closet is full of only items you love to wear, choosing an outfit for the day becomes so much easier. There’s less to distract you from the items that make you feel your best. If you’ve chosen the items in your simple closet well, you should be able to reach in with your eyes closed and pull out any two items, and they will totally work together.
2. You will save money.
Reducing the urge to shop for new clothes and accessories is one of the most tangible benefits of a simple wardrobe. When you love what you have and have everything that you need, you’ll no longer feel like you have to buy something new to feel good.
On top of that, if you are able to sell any of your lightly-used items then you can even make a bit of money as well. I have sold so many clothes, shoes and accessories on places like Craigslist and Depop which helped me earn back a lot of the money I spent on them in the first place.
3. It’s better for the environment.
A simple wardrobe means consuming less, as well as less waste. The items you have won’t go unused for years only to get thrown out and end up in a landfill. And per the point above, you won’t feel the need to shop every week for something new.
The world of fast fashion, which keeps consumers wanting to buy and buy, comes at a huge cost – not only for your bank account, but for our planet. Having a simple wardrobe is a way that we can all do our part to decrease our individual footprint.
4. You will have more headspace to focus on your priorities.
In her book The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up, Marie Kondo writes, “When your room is clean and uncluttered, you have no choice but to examine your inner state.” I found this to be absolutely true after de-cluttering my closet.
I hadn’t realized how much I had been holding on to – not only in terms of the possessions themselves, but also the emotions I attached to them, many of which were unhealthy. Now, not only do I feel physically lighter, but emotionally lighter as well. This has helped me focus on the things in my life which are most important to me.
5. You will feel happier.
Finally – and this is the kicker – I can promise that it will make you feel happier. Similarly to the point above, clearing out your closet will create space in which you can cultivate more joy and positivity in your life.
The best part for me was when I told my best friend about this whole process I’d been going to, and he got onto it as well. I saw how much happier it made him to be letting go of his possessions and it was at that point that I realized I was on to something.
I’m not exaggerating when I say that de-cluttering my closet and simplifying my wardrobe has changed my life in ways I’d never imagined. It was a seemingly small step that was actually the first in a much larger journey, although I didn’t know it at the time. All I can say is, try it and see for yourself!
If you want some more ideas on how to start your own simple wardrobe or capsule wardrobe, the original post by Caroline of Unfancy is a great starting point. I also wrote a recent post on how to actually clear out your closet and 5 questions to ask yourself.
Finally, for inspiration on starting your own simple wardrobe, head over to my Pinterest page where you will find minimalist style inspiration as well as ideas on how to start and put together a capsule wardrobe. Thank you so much for reading and I’ll see you next time!
xx Emily
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Photos by Brooke Cagle on Unsplash