My whole wardrobe needs a makeover, what do I need? Where do I start?

[joydarville]

My wardrobe is bursting at the seems, it needs a complete overhaul.
I want to get rid of some things, I also can buy some more where necessary.

What do I keep?

What criteria should I use to get rid of things?

What do I need clothes wise?
I would like something for any occasion but I need to reduce everything I have and replace it with things I love.

I need casual clothes, my work wardrobe must be smart and I don't tend to combine work with casual.
I think most of the things I need are there already but I can't see the wood for the trees.

Thanks in advance.

I suggest this girl's website all the time. Putting Me Together.

Hope this helps.

I think many people get to the stage you're describing, op! Things I have found which helped:
-lurking on style and beauty!
-google/youtube 'capsule wardrobe' for ideas
-spend some time working out your own style/body shape/colours so you can make thoughtful decisions about what you've already got or might need to buy, rather than bin it all in frustration or avoid sorting it for months!
-although it is good to do a big clear out, regular 'weeding' is good, too.

Hope this helps, I am by no means an expert, but the above has helped me.

Firstly, thank you I didn't think I would get any replies today!

Everything I have fits me, I'm short and my shape stays the same so I don't need to get rid of anything for size purposes.
Similarly, I think it suits my body shape because I'm short I've always been careful about what I buy.

I just need less but what I do have needs to be better thought out if that makes sense?

Regular weeding out would have been a good idea but I haven't been doing that, hence the need for an overhaul!

My SiL is my inspiration for this, she doesn't own much but she always looks great.
I need to learn how to be discerning.

As an example, I have a pair of boots that have to go because they are falling apart, that's an easy decision. Others not so much.

I looked at that blog IsawJimmy one of the things she suggests is using cardigans, this is good advice for me.
I have a few that are well beyond their best that need to go but when it comes to shopping I am seduced to buy pretty dresses because I like them rather than the cardigans I probably need.

I could also do with some go-to outfits for occasions ie a cocktail party/dinner/going out for a drink/Sunday lunch.

I did a wardrobe overhaul a few weeks back.

I had (IIRC) 4 cream fine knit jumpers (not proper wool ones) but who needs that many?

Anything that had gone a bit pilled.

I need to get rid of my tatty jeans with the fabric wearing thin at the crotch (imagine the shame if I got rushed to A&E in them

But I do have things I haven't worn for a couple of years (but I really like)

My New Year Resolutions:

no more Primark jumpers. Even if they are £8 and I wash them in a bag, they lose shape. Invest more ££ in fewer things.

Can you get someone to go through your wardrobe with an independant , keen eye? Be ruthless?

Thanks OP, just inspired a clear out of all the faux sizes in my wardrobe that no longer fit & have given them the heave-ho to local Oxfam collection point.
I've 2pairs black trousers, 1 navy suit & 2denims which fit & are leftover... someone mentioned project333

Project 333 looks good Belinda
I would have to have more than 33 items as I wouldn't wear the same things to work as casually.
My work wardrobe is very conservative!
It's a good starting point.

I'm about halfway through my sort out, I've got rid of some things and I've stored all of my summer clothes that I can't wear as layers in winter.
It's made a lot of space and I've identified some things I don't need, so that's progress.

I think I will need some more work clothes but that's probably about it.