The Simple Manifesto #13 – Simplify your wardrobe
This is part of our series on The Simple Living Manifesto. We invite you to join us on the journey.
The 13th idea in the manifesto is:
Simplify your wardrobe. Is your closet bursting full? Are your drawers so stuffed they can’t close (I’m talking about dresser drawers here, not underwear). Simplify your wardrobe by getting rid of anything you don’t actually wear. Try creating a minimal wardrobe by focusing on simple styles and a few solid colors that all match each other. Read more.
I really like this idea. I always have trouble figuring out what goes with what — My Life often has to correct me before I go out in public.
“You’re going to wear that?” she’ll ask with a raised eyebrow.
“Apparently not,” I respond as I head back to the closet to change my outfit.
When I first started my current 9-5, I purchased a number of button down shirts that were all solid colors and would easily go with khakis.
Pretty monochromatic if you ask me.
Which is actually great.
It cuts the time spent deciding what to wear in half.
But of course I love variety and monochromatic can get a little boring at times, so I’d recommend having one or two shirts that you really love but will also go with at least one a couple different pairs of pants (i.e. jeans and khaki).
Because if you don’t love it, you won’t wear it — and if you don’t wear it/use it, you should get rid of it.
Things aren’t valuable if they’re not used. So by holding onto things, you are preventing them from actually being used by someone who needs them. – Leo Babatau
As I’ve mentioned recently, I’ve purged my wardrobe/closet recently but I’m sure I can do more.
I’ve hung on to some of those clothes I don’t like wearing, keeping them around just in case I need something a little warmer or in case ALL my other clothes are dirty (like that ever happens).
So, I need to work my way back through my closet, giving those “not so loved” clothes a new home and work harder at buying fewer clothes — that I really love.
How have you simplified your wardrobe? Is it something that comes easily or hard for you?
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I did the same thing as you when I started my previous job. White or blue shirts, khakis or navy trousers (pants). I looked like a GAP advert most of the time but I can live with that.
It just makes sense, especially for work. As you said, no worries about what will I wear today or what do I have that goes with this shirt?
I’ve pretty much stuck to that principle, even though my job now doesn’t require me to be so smartly dressed as I work from home and with young people. Most of my t-shirts and shirts are still white or navy with a few rogue pink, green and black things thrown in.
I’ve added a little more variety into my closet as of late — but I’m finding I don’t like it as much. It’s too difficult to sit and try to figure out what goes with what. My main goal now, is buying shirts that will go with jeans, black pants (trousers
) and khakis. If it doesn’t go with all of those — not interested.
Thanks for the input!
I read a book once that suggested that you cultivate a ‘look’ and that the look should be constant, classic and minimalist. Means you look professional, smart and distinctive.
I like that. Remember the title or info on the book by chance?