Minimalism attempt / how much is in your wardrobe?

[Capsulate]

I am going through my wardrobe and trying to scale back. Planning to donate or recycle quite a bit.

The scaled back version of my current wardrobe would be approx 50 items. That seems a lot still, but it includes work wardrobe and casual. I'm a SAHM but planning to get back into work soon, so I need both.

If anyone manages on less than this, can I ask you vaguely what you have and any tips? I have very little room in my house and I'm aiming to live more minimalist from now on as I hate clutter and hate my slightly overstuffed wardrobe!

I'm also just curious about how many people tend to have - not just minimalist types, but I'm curious if this is a lot or too much or not too bad.

If it's of interest, I am planning, initially, to scale back to:

Jeans x 6
Work trousers x 2
Skirts x 3
Jumpers and cardis x 5
Shoes and boots x 14
Work tops x 5
Dresses x 5 (2 dressy, 2 casual, 1 work)
Tshirts x 6
Jackets x 2
Coats x 3

Looking at that, I could probably stand to lose some jeans, shoes and boots...

Oooh I am wanting to do the same (though I find myself putting things under the bed so they don’t clutter up my wardrobe rather than actually part with them- which probably defeats the point)

I have 3 pairs of jeans and find that is plenty- but I work FT so can’t wear them most of the week- skinny black/blue and straight leg blue.

You seem to know the areas where you have a lot and I would say picking a colour palette really helps. I’ve started to buy mainly basic pieces and find I can mix and match more so have lots of outfits from a few items.

I have found saving or screenshooting images of outfits I like, not items but outfits, helps because what I like isn’t necessarily what I will wear - so I’ll see a flouncy sleeved top and love the look of it but wouldn’t actually want to wear it?

Thanks, those are good ideas. I have a lot of green, but my favourite jumper is red! So don't think they go together, but I can't bring myself to get rid of the red jumper...

Yes, I'm the same. I keep putting things away instead of getting rid entirely! That's alright though, as it can go in the loft and isn't really cluttering anywhere.

Think I'm a failed minimalist already!

But that’s find because the odd pop of colour, or something that doesn’t fit with the rest of the “vibe” is fine if you love it and wear it.

Haha I genuinely believe it’s a certain type of person- there are tips I’m starting to pick up, like if I love a cut of trousers it’s fine to buy them in another colour because I know I will wear them rather than have 6 I don’t really want to wear.
But that 33 piece capsule wardrobe I think will forever elude me....

I would love to know if there are people who just have say 40 items and don’t feel that they need any more? Does it exist? What is the secret??

I have hundreds of items.

I have 32 pairs of trousers. 17 skirts.
Don’t really want to count my T-shirt’s but it’s a whole double wardrobe full

Woo for having the space!!
Do you keep all your seasons out at all times?

I've just gone up to move some stuff around and I have discovered some additional items... two more tshirts, a dressy dress I'd forgotten about , a casual dress and a kimono... and some more boots! Hmmmmm think I'm at 60ish and that's after a huge clear out!

Yes, this is all seasons though...maybe I could call it winter and summer, so thirty each .

That makes me feel a bit better @RunningFromInsanity!

Maybe the thing to do is have a small capsule per season and then move things around a bit every season.

Alright, I got curious. The total is:

20 pairs of trousers + 13 pairs of running trousers
6 pairs of shorts
17 skirts
49 dresses
102 tops
21 jumpers/cardigans
17 coats/jackets
+whatever’s in the washing basket

That explains why most of our bedroom space is taken up with wardrobes.

Ah bollocks, you've just reminded me running, I have a pair of shorts, two pairs of joggers and another sweatshirt! Hadn't counted sportswear damn it .

If we had more space, I'd feel no shame in having loads of clothes, but there is just nowhere to put them.

I'm going to get ruthless in a minute and think I'll get rid of two or three pairs of jeans (it's actually 7 btw, not 6)! Also get rid of some shoes.

I feel like a right twat not being able to part with clothes that we physically cannot house anymore! When I moved to another country for university, I could only take what could go on a plane and I had so few things. It was a chic city as well, and I managed fine.

How are your jeans different OP? I have black skinny, black boyfriend. Navy skinny and pale ripped boyfriend style.
Perhaps try the clothes on and think if you would buy it now? If not sell or donate.

I have black skinny, blue skinny, navy skinny, cream gf, grey gf, black bootcut... One of the GF and the bootcut are new, so I'm not getting rid of those. I could probably lose two of the skinnies..? Maybe move the cream gf to spring / summer and put away for the autumn.

Oh that is 6, not 7! I think that's all of them.

Good idea for a thread. Here's mine:

Jeans x2 old pair of jeans x1
Work trousers x 1
Cardis x 2
Shoes and boots x4 (converse, wellies, sandals, smart boots)
Work tops x 3
Dresses x 2 casual and 1 smart
Tshirts x 3
Jackets x 1
Coats x 2 (1 casual and 1 smart).

I also have sports gear:
bottoms (1 pair for running and 1 pair for weight-lifting).
tops x2
trainers (1 pair for running and 1 pair for going to the gym in, I take them off to lift).

@Moranne, that is amazing. You are my minimalist wardrobe idol!

I am getting rid of two pairs of skinnies. I do not need black AND grey, blue AND navy, so I'm getting rid of the black and blue. They're getting a bit faded now anyway.

Need to tackle shoes and boots. I think they are my downfall for, honestly, quite practical reasons. I don't have loads of dressy heels or anything.

I love the idea of this thread!

Jeans X1
Pencil skirts x4 (1x plain black 3x patterned)
Smart tops x4 (1x plain black 3x fancy)
Work dresses X3
Summer dresses x4
Sports leggings X3
Sports tops X10

Then
1x trainers
1x boots
2x heels

My all time favourite dress is silk, well looked after and about 6 years old. I like to buy expensive pieces I will look after and wear time and time again. As an example I have the same smart top from Vivienne Westwood in 2 different colour ways. All my work skirts are from jigsaw and are the same style just a different print.

But I'm frivolous with workout clothes

Shoes were the other issue, so, I have:

Black heeled boots x 2 (one ankle, one knee)
Brown knee boots
Brown DM ankle boots
Tan hiking boots
Grey suede ankle boot wedges
Red Mary-janes
Blue Van's
White trainers
Black high tops
Sandals
Tan ballet flats
Black courts
Black suede almost flat shoes with a teeny wedge
Wellies
Sports trainers

Think I'll do this, for starters:

Black heeled boots x 2 (one ankle, one knee)
Brown knee boots
Brown DM ankle boots
Tan hiking boots
Grey suede ankle boot wedges
Red Mary-janes
Blue Van's
White trainers
Black high tops
Sandals
Tan ballet flats
Black courts
Black suede almost flat shoes with a teeny wedge
Wellies
Sports trainers

that is amazing

I think it's down to three things. Firstly, I'm just not really in to clothes. (my book purchasing is shameful). Secondly, I'm a little on the spectrum and find if I like a certain thing I want to wear it two or three times a week, as often as I can get it washed and dried (so I love summer!). I know some people worry that others will think they don't have many clothes, I just reckon they''ll understand that I really like it. Thirdly, I've put on a bit of weight and get less pleasure from clothes than I did as a size 8/10.

(Ah, I have walking boots and waterproofs too, and swimming costumes but no sleepwear).

Black heeled boots x 2 (one ankle one knee)
Brown knee boots
Brown DM ankle boots
Tan hiking boots
Grey suede ankle boot wedges
Red Mary-janes
Blue Van's
White trainers
Black high tops
Sandals
Tan ballet flats
Black courts
Black suede almost flat shoes with a teeny wedge
Wellies
Sports trainers

This takes me down to 9 shoes and boots, including wellies and sports shoes, so really more like 7.

my book purchasing is shameful

Oh lord, so is mine .

I'm not getting rid of them. Well, just the rubbish ones, or the ones which I don't think I will read a second time. But I don't seem to have the same problem getting rid of books. Clothes, I can't seem to part with for some reason!

New list, not including sports gear. That can be for another day!

Jeans x 4
Work trousers x 2
Skirts x 3
Jumpers and cardis x 5
Shoes and boots x 7
Work tops x 5
Dresses x 7 (3 dressy, 3 casual, 1 work)
Tshirts x 8
Jackets x 2
Coats x 3

Oh so that's 45, if I haven't miscounted! That is a start. Will keep at it though.

This thread is great! Thanks to all who are contributing .

A really quick way of making more space is to remove anything out of Season and store it. Are you going to wear knee high tan boots in August or shorts in October? Take it away so you don’t crowd the stuff you want.

Also, what, no jumpsuits? No one? They are the best.

No jumpsuits, but I have just shelved my beloved Lucy and Yak dungarees, because, no matter what I tell myself, I do not suit them . They are going in the loft, very reluctantly.

I'm gearing up for autumn really, so keeping boots out. But, the hiking boots I have worn all summer tbh. They are great with dresses and great for walking, which I have been doing a lot of.

I've found another skirt to get rid of. Definitely making progress here.

I have:
Jeans x2
Shorts x2
Tshirts (short sleeve and 3/4 sleeve) x8
Long sleeve tops x10
Jumpers x3
Fleece jackets x2
Hoodies x2
Waterproof jacket x1
Coats x2

Christmas party dress x1
Blazer x1
Interview shirt x1
Interview/Christmas party boots x1

Trainers x3
Sandals x1
Flip flops x1
Boots x2

Needed: interview trousers

I have too many long sleeve tops but people have bought me them, they are all good quality and I like them all. There are other things I'm hanging on to even though they don't get much wear as I need them occasionally and don't want to have to replace them. I declutter as a coping mechanism, it's not a problem at the moment but at my worst I was at under 30 items including pyjamas, underwear and socks.

Great thread. I have lots of clothes, so any I daren't count. I did cut down several years ago when I moved house though. However I don't have many pairs of jeans, 3 pairs, but I don't really wear them.

I tend to wear mostly casual dresses. The following list excludes sports wear, pyjamas and underwear.
12-15 dresses at any one time (currently 12)
3 cardigans
1 pair jeans
3 casual tops
3 coats
4 bags
7 pairs shoes/ boots

Total 33 items