What is the essential wardrobe?

[momofmonster]

Ok so I have too many clothes! A few months ago I got rid of a load of clothes and I still need to get rid of more! My question is what do you ladies think is the most essential wardrobe I need? How many work tops/casual tops? How many dresses? Etc.

Gosh - you will get so many different answers!!!

I am like you - I have too many things and I am always culling, but unfortunately I am always buying new stuff...

I think some people are just not that into clothesm and some don't need many because of their lifestyle.

I have in the past fantasised about having a minimalist wardrobe - 3 dresses, 2 jackets etc. All in the same style and colours. You know the sort of thing. But then I realised that's just not realistic for me - because I get a lot of pleasure out of always looking out for things, and shopping is often a much needed therapy!

I think you'd should get rid of anything that is tatty or doesn't fit and then take it from there.

Can you go through what you have and make as many outfits from them as you can and either take photos of each outfit or write them down. Anything that maybe doesn't go with anything else put to one side for now. For me the best wardrobe is one that has only a small selection of items but which can all be worn together and can cross over into the different seasons. Scarves and jewellery, shoes and bags and belts can be added to change the style.

Can't answer with absolute numbers but have been having a mini-cull earlier tonight, slinging out anything that:

a) I don't love and feel good in,
b) doesn't fit me properly,
c) doesn't suit me, especially style or colour-wise, or
d) I can't envisage wearing in the next year.

Personally I want to be able to open the wardrobe and feel inspired, rather than having to fighting through chaff.

If you really want to cut down you could try project 333 - select 33 items of clothing to last you 3 months. I've found I've gone right off the stuff I didn't select...

Thanks ladies. I get so emotionally attached to clothes thinking of times when I have wore them that I don't throw them out even though some don't even fit! Still have the bridesmaid dress from my best friends wedding even though it is one of the worst dresses I have ever worn! Well today is the day I'm just going to get all my clothes out and have a clear out! There may be tears by the end of today

Could always put 'meaningful' things into one of those vacuum storage bags that take up little room and hide under bed/in loft etc

It's impossible to say how much clothes you personally need. Take some time to think about what you wear a typical week, and what other types of activites you need clothes for. Get rid of the things that you don't like/doesn't suit you. It feels much better to open your wardrobe and only see clothes you like and can use, I promise!

Are you saving that dress as a reminder of the wedding? If so, do you have some photos you could look at instead?