Simplified Wardrobe

Manage your wardrobe and not the other way around. 

I love clothes.  I love buying them, wearing them and especially donating them.  When simplifying things in our lives we have to be ready to let go of attachments. Once we learn to let go-only then can our lives begin to transform to be a little bit healthier and happier.  

The funny thing about this particular simplifying project is that my one-month-old daughter is the one who inspired me to take a closer look at my wardrobe situation.  She gave me the bright idea to simplify both my closet and my dresser because they were both just too much. Isn't it weird how too much of a good thing can be stressful? This was the case for me.  

Anyways, like I said, my daughter is what kick started this all.  You see, all of her adorable baby onesies are hung up on hangers in a closet so I can clearly see all of her wonderful wardrobe options.  I didn't want any of her cute clothing buried and wrinkled at the bottom of a dresser drawer.  Well can't this same brilliant strategy be applied to my wardrobe as well?  I want all of my clothing options visible too, so it makes choosing an outfit and even putting away my clothes a little bit easier.

I realized after emptying out my entire dresser that  if I can't see it, I won't wear it.  I had at least 15 short sleeve shirts wrinkled and stored in my drawers that I hadn't worn in years because they were at the bottom of the pack, no where to be seen.  I only wear what's hanging up in my closet or what's laying on the top layer of my dresser drawer.  This is when I decided to revamp my clothing life to make it a little healthier + happier for me. 

First, I got rid of anything I hadn't worn in a year or any clothing or accessory that I didn't LOVE.  Donating clothes makes me feel super happy.

Next, I decided that my closet was going to showcase my clothing options for that particular season ONLY.  Currently I only have my Summer clothes hanging in my closet.

Then, I gave my one antique dresser a new purpose - it's a place of storage for all of the other seasonal clothing.  See ya later Winter + Fall clothing! 

After following those three steps the rest of my simplifying project was pretty easy.  My closet and dresser now have a new purpose in my bedroom -- to make my life a whole lot simpler :). 
 
At the end of this season I will remove my Summer clothing and replace it with Fall clothing. Going through this process also helps me reevaluate my wardrobe every couple of months to decide if I really LOVE my clothing or it may be better to find it another home. 

See below how I gave my closet and dresser a more intentional makeover- no money required! 

SIMPLIFIED CLOSET
(I share a small walk-in closet with my husband)

1.  Display or hang SEASONAL clothes only.  If it's Summer put away those bulky sweaters! 

2.  Use nice baskets and/or bins to store out-of-season clothing on top shelves.  I have sweaters and some long sleeve shirts in them now since it's too hot to wear those.   

3.  Neatly fold and store pants/shorts on top shelf. 

4. Use a long bottom shelf/rack to store and display SEASONAL shoes. 

5.  Don't be afraid of empty space- it is your friend! 

SIMPLIFIED DRESSER 

1.  Store underwear, bras, socks, pajamas and spandex in drawers.

2. Store out-of-season clothing in drawers (anything I don't plan on wearing for the season I am currently in). 

3.  Store purses, hats, shoes or any other accessories in drawers if needed. 

So if you are anything like me, and you crave more simplicity in your life- then please give these tips a try.   I hope it makes your life a little healthier + happier!


                                    much love,
                                          Jillian