As a fashion enthusiast, you may find yourself constantly striving to keep up with the latest fashion trends. However, a cluttered wardrobe can make it difficult to find the clothes you need and can also be a source of stress and anxiety.
Simplifying your wardrobe can be a great way to streamline your daily routine and reduce decision fatigue. When you have fewer clothes to choose from, getting dressed becomes much easier, and you’ll feel much more organized and productive as a result.
In addition to the practical benefits of simplifying your wardrobe, having a capsule wardrobe can also help you focus on the pieces you truly love, allowing you to create a sense of personal style that fits your needs and goals. By investing in high-quality, versatile pieces that can be mixed and matched in a variety of ways, you’ll build a wardrobe that’s uniquely you.
In this beginner’s guide to decluttering, we’ll walk you through the steps you need to take to simplify your wardrobe and create the foundation for a streamlined, stress-free fashion experience. Whether you’re looking to create a capsule wardrobe from scratch, or just want to declutter your existing wardrobe, this guide will give you the tools and strategies you need to succeed.
Step 1: Assess Your Wardrobe
The first step to simplifying your wardrobe is to assess what you currently have. It’s essential to take a close look at each item of clothing you own and determine whether it’s worth keeping or not. This assessment process can be difficult, but it’s an excellent opportunity to get rid of items you don’t need or want and keep only those items that you love.
To assess your wardrobe, start by taking everything out of your closet and laying it on your bed or floor. Next, go through each item and ask yourself a series of questions:
- Do I wear this item often?
- Is this item still in good condition?
- Does this item fit me well?
- Does this item match my personal style?
Here are some tips to help you evaluate your current wardrobe:
Try on each item:
Trying on each item in your wardrobe will help you determine whether it fits well or not. Consider how the item makes you feel when you wear it, and whether it’s something you would be comfortable wearing in public.
Consider the condition:
Take a close look at each item and assess its condition. Is it stained, faded, or have holes in it? If so, it may be time to let it go.
Look for duplicates:
Do you really need three pairs of jeans that look the same? Assess your wardrobe for duplicates, and donate or sell the items you don’t need.
Evaluate your personal style:
Think about the type of clothing that makes you feel most comfortable and confident. If something doesn’t fit well with your personal style, it may be time to let it go.
Consider the season:
Depending on where you live, you may have clothing items in your wardrobe that are only suitable for certain seasons. Assess whether you need these items, or if you can store them away until the appropriate season rolls around.
By taking the time to evaluate your wardrobe and consider each item carefully, you’ll be able to make informed decisions about what to keep and what to let go. Remember to be honest with yourself, and don’t be afraid to let go of items that no longer serve a purpose in your wardrobe.
As you go through each item, create three piles: one pile of clothes you want to keep, one for clothes you want to donate, and one for clothes you want to throw away. Be honest with yourself during this process and remember that each item you keep will take up valuable space in your closet, so it’s essential to be selective.
Once you’ve finished assessing your wardrobe, you’ll be left with a collection of clothes you genuinely love and wear often. This step may take some time, but it’s an essential part of simplifying your wardrobe and creating a foundation for a capsule wardrobe.
Step 2: Create a Capsule Wardrobe
Now that you’ve assessed your wardrobe and have a better understanding of the clothing items you own, it’s time to create a capsule wardrobe. A capsule wardrobe is a collection of essential, high-quality clothing items that can be mixed and matched to create a variety of outfits. The goal of a capsule wardrobe is to simplify your clothing choices and help you focus on the items you truly love.
When creating a capsule wardrobe, it’s important to choose items that fit your personal style and lifestyle. Look for high-quality, versatile pieces of clothing that can be worn in a variety of settings and choose neutral colors that can be easily paired together. With a capsule wardrobe, you’ll be able to create a variety of outfits from just a few essential clothing items, making getting dressed in the morning a breeze.
Creating a capsule wardrobe can be a challenging process, but it’s absolutely worth it in the long run. By focusing on the pieces, you truly love and wear often, you’ll be able to build a wardrobe that’s uniquely you and that fits your needs and goals. So, let’s dive in and start building the perfect capsule wardrobe for you!
Step 3: Organize Your Clothes
Once you’ve assessed your wardrobe and created your capsule wardrobe, it’s time to focus on organization. Having a well-organized closet can make a world of difference in your daily routine, as it allows you to easily find the clothes you need and avoid clutter and chaos.
There are several ways you can organize your clothes, and what works best for you will depend on the size of your closet and the type of clothing items you own. Here are a few tips to help you get started:
Categorize your clothes: Separate your clothing items into categories, such as tops, pants, dresses, and skirts. This will make it easier to find specific items when you need them.
Store clothes by color: Once you’ve categorized your clothes, consider organizing them by color. This will not only make your closet look more aesthetically pleasing, but it will also make it easier to find what you need.
Use space-saving hangers: Space-saving hangers, such as velvet hangers or cascade hangers, can help you maximize the space in your closet and keep your clothes organized.
Use containers: Consider using containers, such as boxes or baskets, to store items like scarves, socks, and accessories. This will prevent them from getting lost or tangled up in your closet.
Invest in closet systems: If you have the space and budget for it, investing in a closet system can make a huge difference in your organization process. Closet systems typically include shelving, drawers, and hanging spaces, which can help you maximize your storage space.
By taking the time to organize your clothes, you’ll be able to create a well-functioning wardrobe that makes getting dressed in the morning a breeze. So, let’s get organized!
Step 4: Implement a Shopping Strategy
Once you’ve simplified and organized your wardrobe, it’s important to implement a shopping strategy to help you maintain your progress. A shopping strategy will help you make informed decisions about what to buy and prevent you from falling back into old shopping habits that contributed to a cluttered wardrobe in the first place.
Here are some tips for implementing a shopping strategy:
Create a shopping list:
Before you go shopping, create a shopping list of the items you need to complement your capsule wardrobe. This will help you stay focused and prevent you from purchasing items you don’t need or won’t wear.
Shop with intention:
Rather than browsing aimlessly, shop with intention by setting a specific goal for each shopping trip. For example, you might be looking for a specific item to complete an outfit, or you might be shopping for a special occasion.
Invest in high-quality pieces:
When shopping for new clothing items, prioritize high-quality pieces that will last a long time and fit well with your personal style. Avoid fast fashion retailers and opt for sustainable and ethical brands whenever possible.
Stick to a budget:
Set a budget for each shopping trip and stick to it. This will prevent you from overspending and making impulsive purchases.
By implementing a shopping strategy, you’ll be able to maintain your streamlined wardrobe and avoid falling back into old habits that contribute to a cluttered closet. With a little bit of planning and intentionality, you’ll be well on your way to creating a wardrobe that’s both functional and stylish.
Conclusion
Simplifying your wardrobe may seem daunting at first, but with the right guidance and a little bit of effort, anyone can create a streamlined closet that fits their needs and lifestyle. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can assess your wardrobe, create a capsule wardrobe, organize your clothes, and implement a shopping strategy that will help you maintain your progress.
Having a simplified wardrobe has numerous benefits, including saving time, reducing stress, and allowing you to focus on the pieces you truly love. As a fashion student, creating a capsule wardrobe can also help you develop a personal style that fits your needs and goals.
Remember, creating a simplified wardrobe is a process, and it won’t happen overnight. Be patient with yourself, and take one step at a time as you work to declutter and simplify your closet. And most importantly, have fun with it! Creating a wardrobe that’s uniquely you is an opportunity to celebrate your personal style and express yourself through fashion.
We hope this beginner’s guide to decluttering has been helpful, and we encourage you to share your experiences in the comments below. Here’s to a simplified wardrobe and a more intentional approach to fashion!
It doesn’t have to stop here! If you’re looking to take your fashion game to the next level, we have just the thing for you: our fashion designing course. Our course covers everything from learning about fabrics and textiles to building your own portfolio of work. With our in-depth instruction, you’ll acquire the skills and know-how you need to succeed as a fashion designer. So if you’re ready to take your wardrobe creation skills up a notch, sign up for our course today!
Check out some of the fashion designing courses offered by IIFT.
- Diploma in Fashion Design & Boutique Design
- Diploma in Fashion Styling & Communication
- BSc in Fashion & Apparel Design
- Master of Fashion Management