Help me be brave enough to get rid of all my old clothes and start a small capsule wardrobe

[OlafLovesAnna]

I have lots of clothes dating back about 20 yrs and an upcoming move means I need to have a sort out.

I need a bit of support to just get rid of stuff as I suffer from 'just in case' syndrome. Although I have stayed roughly the same dress size I have changed shape after 3 kids and things I used to wear are unflattering but I can't let go.

I have a bit of money to spend on an update but want to be ruthless and be clear on what I need to buy.

I need blue jeans as mine have ripped
I have navy, Black, tan and grey trousers, I need to replace and update tops and cardigans or jumpers and get rid of dresses which are either too short or make me look pregnant.

I'll probably start in Gap for the new things as I'm 5'2 and a 12/14 with big boobs and a mum tum but any other suggestions are welcome.

Has anyone done this and been really ruthless and did you regret it or feel much better about getting rid of stuff?

I think firstly throw away anything that is broken or just plain doesn’t fit. You’ll probably find yourself with a capsule wardrobe that includes all the pieces that your currently wear. These are the ‘basics’ that you need to find good quality replacements for. Lastly, add in similar pieces in a different colour or pattern to expand the capsule again.

Uniqlo is fab for merino and cashmere jumpers and cardis by the way.

What's the sizing like in uniqlo? The stuff on their website does look nice

Agree with mulberry, throw anything away which is looking a bit well worn and scruffy. Then try everything on and chuck anything which doesn't fit or doesn't flatter, have a good honest friend to help if you want to.
Then look at what you need for example jeans, smart jacket etc., and go out with a list and stick to it.
I try and do this every year, it really helps me shop in that in focused and i don't just buy random stuff that doesn't get worn.

Before you do anything, figure out what colours suit you. I have bright red hair/am an Autumn (House of Colour) and my wardrobe is predominantly: rust, tan, cream, mustard, camel, chocolate with some teal and navy thrown in. Gold accessories. Everything goes with everything else and it makes life a lot easier.

I don't know anything about colours - I'm golden blonde ombré out of a bottle at the hairdressers and have tanned skin year round apart from my very rosy face!

Uniqlo jumpers run slightly small. I have size medium to fit 8-10. Huge range of colours to choose from including black, camel, navy.

I found that a session with a personal shopper at John Lewis really helped me to identify shapes, styles and colours that suit me.

I started capsule wardrobes last year. Works well for me. I have 2 wardrobes- one for Spring/Summer starting in April and one for Autumn/Winter starting in October. A number of items overlap for both though.
I go for 9 bottoms, 9 'first layer' tops, 9 layers such as jumpers and cardis, and 9 shoes. In spring/summer I also have 2 coats but in Autumn/Winter I have 6.
I try to make sure everything mixes and matches. To begin with I just chose from my existing wardrobe, and put away the rest of my stuff in boxes. I slowly am getting rid of stuff as I realise I will not be wearing it again. I allow myself to buy a few pieces each season but am careful about what I buy to make sure it fits well with what I have and its stuff I really love.

6 or so years ago, I lost 2 stone and dropped 2 dress sizes. Therefore I had to start my wardrobe again as everything was too big. It was also an opportunity to reduce my wardrobe and think more carefully about purchases.
Like a previous poster, I have a S/S wardrobe and an A/W one. I am careful to shop for the life I lead. I stick to a colour palette of navy, cream, camel, olive and charcoal grey. I add shades of blue and teal as an accent colour. And the occasional bit of chartreuse. I use accessories - bags, scarves, hair bands and clips and hats - to add interest.

I am a serious, serious hoarder, especially of clothes, but I am doing this. And if I am, anyone can! I have made an area in my wardrobe and this is what is in it so far
Black trousers
Navy trousers
Winter white trousers (all slim leg, ankle length)
Black jeans
Dark denim jeans
Blue jeans (all of mine are straight leg as that is what suits me)
Black becca dress
White shirt
Five long sleeve base layer tops
Five becca batwing 3/4 sleeve knitted tops

I need to add some smarter tops. But I think this will sort me for spring. I have shoes, boots and lots of scarves.

I have also had a huge pare down on undies and socks.

I had to do this as I lost 5 stone. Not even my shoes fit. It was a totally liberating experience. My wardrobe is tiny now compared to how it used to be, but I love everything in it, and getting dressed is a pleasure now rather than the dread it used to be.

Please donate old clothes to charity , they can get money for anything if they can't sell it ! .. have fun shopping .

I did this very same thing OP after 2 kids and the realisation that I had tons of clothes and barely any of them fitted me or flattered me.

I did a ruthless Marie kondo purge (out went everything that no longer fit, I just didn’t like much or I hadn’t worn in over a year) and got rid of at least two thirds of my wardrobe.
I then decided that everything I had needed to be wearable with everything else, so I now have a colour palette for A/W (grey, black, mauve, navy, tan) and S/S (cream, white, navy, black, coral/pink and turquoise) and use accessories to add other variety.

I’ve spent the last few years building up my capsule wardrobe, trying to be rigid in only buying things that absolutely suit my shape and that fit in with the rest of my wardrobe.

I have about half the amount of clothes I always used to have but I love all of them and getting dressed is far easier than it used to be!

Wow you are brave OP! I find it difficult to let go of old clothes so can't advise, but would be interested to hear about your progress!

I downsized after being ruthless with the one year rule - getting rid of everything I hadn’t worn in a year apart from the odd truly unique item of things which are for specific purposes ie hiking boots

I got rid of loads of stuff and have lovely drawers I can actually find things in now.

I went to GAP and bought a few t-shirts and tops and ditched the old tatty ones. I think I can go further though!

When you have finished your cull, please come to mine and do the same!

I know I use only a fraction of my clothes but still don't get rid of them!! I must try to do this next week when I am off. It'll be hard though.