Craving a simpler, more refined wardrobe (again!)

[MadameSapphire]

Not for the first time... I just clocked myself in a really simple, close-cut t-shirt (actually exercise wear!) and it looked really flattering. It’s sent me off on the train of thought that simple can work really well and that maybe it’s time to cut down my big wardrobe of colours/patterns/vintage delights. Not get rid completely, but be way more selective.

Any thoughts/inspiration/any one else feel similar about their style/wardrobe?

I know where you’re coming from. I’ve got loads of really beautiful clothes including things featuring a bow or frills or suchlike detail which I like... but somehow, when I wear clean lines eg tank top, I think it looks better on me and I could really get by well with a much smaller wardrobe mixing and matching much cleaner and simpler shapes 😊 I think I def suit more simple and often more structured..

Me too! I used to love floral patterns, colours, frills, bows the lot, but in the past few months I am starting to prefer simple and plain styles. Maybe it's just the trends at the moment, or maybe I'm just getting old and boring 🤪

I think this is what I aim for.

I have a relatively small wardrobe with about 20 pieces in the actual wardrobe, plus 6 pairs of shoes, I think 4 coats, a shelf with scarves on it (maybe 5 or 6), and a jewellery box. Underwear...don't know actually. Need to declutter that drawer!

I realised I was only wearing one sort of outfit quite a lot of the time, so I sold or donated the rest. What I have kept is quite a small and fairly muted colour palette, (much navy, teal and blue), and decent, (but not £££, as I didn't have the budget), basic items, in natural fibres.

I don't buy polyester except just recently, when I accidentally ordered thermal pants in polyester, which will have to be returned, because I don't enjoy wearing it. I declutter all the time now and I am trying to be, (buzz word klaxon ), a bit more 'minimalist' in other areas of my life too. I feel a lot better for it and don't think I'll ever change my ways again.

Glad to hear it’s not just me! 🙈😊 I’m thinking I might invest in some simpler, good quality basics and then sort through my more ‘dynamic’ pieces and sell all those things that don’t REALLY “bring me joy” (Marie Kondo inspired!) or that I really don’t wear...

@GertrudeTheGreat, glad to hear that you’re style choices have made you happier!

Definitely feel as if less stuff makes me more grateful for what I have, if that makes sense.

I just got rid of stuff and left what I actually wear. Had a very sparse wardrobe for a short while and then filled any cleat gaps. As the weather gets warmer it'll be easier to do that, as you won't freeze if you don't have enough clothes! I put mine in storage in my loft space to begin with and did a bit of reshuffling.

Now, I have a system, where I hang everything in my wardrobe. If I think I am not wearing some things, I put them on a shelf above my wardrobe and then, if I survive without it for a while, I get rid of it.

There are some companies which will donate money to charity or give money directly to you, if you send them good stuff. I have used Loopster and Thrift in the past.

Clear gaps*

One other thing is, if you want a small wardrobe, choose things which serve more than one function. I'm planning to do this the next time I sort out my shoes, as I feel as if 6 is maybe too many for me. Also my scarves and jewellery, but I really struggle to get rid of those as I inherited most of them from my mum and nana.

This is all really helpful, thanks @GertrudeTheGreat!

I’ve not done it myself but as well as decluttering this sounds like it’s also about the importance of knowing your style type, eg House of Colour ‘classic gamine’ or ‘natural romantic’. I think that must help you hone in on what works best for you.

I totally recommend reading 'the curated closet' by Anuschka Rees. It's brilliant for finding your own style and creating a smaller wardrobe. I follow the exercises in the book every year to update my style and cut out the stuff that doesn't look good on me.

Damn it @starfish88, don't encourage me to buy books! I am trying to be more minimalist there too.

When I get through my tbr pile, I'm going to give away my books and use the library or maybe get a secondhand kindle, but undecided.

But...wait...maybe the library has it 🤯! Off to check.

It's on kindle so you can always download the kindle app onto your phone and try it out... You know... In the name of research

I do this and if I can give you one tip it would be don't spend out on investment pieces that you think you need immediately- buy a cheap version- so for example- I thought I needed a blazer for my capsule - and bought a beautiful expensive one- not my style at all- likewise an expensive white tshirt that makes me look too boxy.
make a list of what you want and purchase cheap versions first (preferably ebay/ charity shop) to try out if you really do wear them and use them a lot. Obviously if you are replacing a much loved item you already know you love it . I wish I had known this - I wasted money on investment basics that didnt actually fit my style

Yes, I definitely think that's an important point; don't spend lots on 'investment' pieces until you know you're going to get a lot of wear out of them.

The other thing I would say is to not look at online lists of 'must haves / essential pieces for your capsule wardrobe'. Don't go out and buy a 'crisp white shirt' and a black blazer, just because someone says it is a 'must have'. Those are things I know I don't wear, so they aren't a must have for me. I would say look at your own wardrobe and pick your favourite go to outfits and build around those. For me, it's almost always jeans and t-shirts! I'm very casual, so obviously, this won't work for everyone. But find what you enjoy wearing and buy for your actual lifestyle.

Or look at them, for inspiration; I do this too! But don't feel you have to emulate their list.

Yes agreed. For me its oversize silky shirts and slim trousers.
Another tip is when you consider buying something put in pinterest the item and 'outfit ideas' after it. It helps you discern what things you have/could buy. If you do it with each item it helps you see your list . Also, almost all online capsule wardrobes are neutral. These dont suit me and I find it drab. My capsule wardrobe is mostly jewel tones but they all go together. Have a look at trinny woodall videos, she doesmt do capsule but shes fantastic with colour