How many clothes?

[IsSpringSprangedYet]

Hi everyone, hope this is the best place for my question!

I was just looking at my mammoth pile of washing that I always seem to be trying to get through, and think I need to cull a lot of clothes - mine, DHs and the kids. We don't have much room either, so just a few items would be ideal, then upstairs would look so much tidier and I'd be able to find things easier if I had less to wash. I put a load of stuff away when I became to big for them when i was pregnancy and i'm thinking of sending it straight to the charity shop as I haven't missed any of it. I have a few bits I seem to live in at the moment.

So just out of interest, i have a couple of questions for you - how many items of clothes do you own? And for your kids too? Do you store out of season clothes (and how?) or do you get rid and buy ready for the summer/winter? And how do I begin to set up a realistic capsule wardrobe?

Sorry it's so long, and thank you!

Well I suppose you could be ruthless and throw out some of the washing pile? That would save some time.

You have my sympathy, I always seem to have a washing mountain to contend with.
I think I'd get bored with a small capsule wardrobe though.

how many clothes - I think the last 7 years (I'm 50+) I've really spent more money on clothes.

Prior to that I had very few clothes or accessories as I was pretty broke and SAHM and ill too. Think 1 handbag, 1 coat, 1 jacket, 3 pairs of shoes, a few jumpers, 5 or 6 tops, a few skirts and a few trousers and one pair of jeans plus 4-5 scarves. Very basic make up.
The end.

Now, however:

About 6-7 handbags
12 shoes (including sandals and boots etc)
About 40 scarves
20 skirts
20 trousers and leggings
still 1 pair of jeans!
30 tops
15 jumpers/cardigans

However, I have put on weight so probably can only wear half of the above. I find clothes beautiful to look at and really enjoy wearing them. Many, but not all have been bought in sales.

I feel I must stop buying clothes, however, as the choice can get "too much". I only buy things now I really love, now that I have the practical basics.

Next year my plan (by the Summer) is to have hopefully achieve a stable, comfortable weight. I will then give away or sell any clothes that still don't fit me, or don't suit me anymore, or that I don't like anymore, etc etc.

I really like the simple life, and am constantly de-cluttering. But I do sometimes find clothes beautiful and would find the minimalist capsule wardrobe boring.

With my teenager I find it easier - he is still growing out of clothes and at least once a year we have a clear out.