Minimalist Wardrobe Pruning: Look at it by season
Ever so often (okay.. every time I move), I go through my wardrobe and basically cut out what I don’t think should be in there any more.
This includes:
- Anything that doesn’t fit — too big, too small
- Anything that doesn’t feel good — sometimes the shape is awkward
- Things that I haven’t reached for in a while — “What? I own this!?”
- Anything that just isn’t flattering any more
- Anything that isn’t my style
- Orphan items — Looked great when I bought it, not sure how to wear it
In addition to all of the above, I thought an interesting way to look at my wardrobe would be to sort what I own into seasons.
See, I tend to wear seasonal uniforms — Dresses in the Spring and Summer, Pants and Skinny Pants tucked into Boots for the Autumn and Winter.
Work always stays the same — long pants, blouses and heels. Sometimes I wear a dress in Summer, but it only depends on the work environment, and if it’s acceptable to do so.
I now photograph (or find photographs of) things I own in my wardrobe, so that I don’t buy two of the same thing (although I like multiples of perfect, classic items).
The following is a representation of my wardrobe:
WORK WARDROBE
- 5 Sleeveless Silk Shell Tops
- 5 Light Cardigans
- 7 Trousers
- 2 pairs of heels
SPRING/SUMMER
- 5 Casual Tops
- 4 T-Shirts
- 12 Casual Dresses
- 6 Skirts
- 7 Tank Tops
- 1 Pair of White Straight-Legged Trousers
- 2 Pairs of Cropped Pants
- 1 Pair of Bootcut Jeans
AUTUMN / WINTER / GENERAL
- 5 Collared Casual Tops
- 4 Collared Silk Tops
- 5 Jersey Wrap Dresses
- 3 Pairs of Skinny Pants/Jeans
- 1 Leather Jacket
- 7 Jersey Blazers
- 1 Trench Coat
- 1 Winter Coat
- 5 Cashmere/Cosy Sweaters
- 3 pairs of gloves
- 5 summer/spring scarves
- 1 winter cashmere scarf
- 1 winter travel wrap
FORMALWEAR
- 5 Formal Dresses
- 5 Formal Clutches
SLEEPWEAR & GYMWEAR & OTHER
- 4 Long-Sleeved Tops
- 4 Leggings
- 1 Yoga Top
- 1 Yoga Capri Pants
- 1 Yoga Dance Pants (loose and not fitted)
- 2 Hoodies
- 1 bathing suit
SHOES
- 2 pairs of leather ballet flats
- 2 pairs of fabric ballet flats
- 1 pair of knee-high leather boots
- 1 pair of leather winter boots
- 1 pair of hiking boots
- 2 pairs of dressy sandals
- 1 pair of summer Birkenstock sandals
WATCHES
- 2 watches
PURSES
- 3 fabric purses
- 4 leather purses
- 3 crossbody purses
- 5 gym/super large bags
The only places I’d add to are with adding more utility shirts,and perhaps a pencil skirt or two, tweed blazer, and a leather jacket.
10 Comments
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save. spend. splurge.
The specific pieces are long gone but the general wardrobe can be created with mainstream retailers like Banana Republic and so on.
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Heather H
Hi, I also purposefully do not buy from China. I am curious if you have any other countries you purposefully avoid or is it just China?
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saverspender @ save. spend. splurge.
China I avoid 100% as much as possible unless I have no other alternative (e.g. suitcases unless I want to spend thousands of dollars). Other countries, I am more lenient because they are not as unscrupulous and unethical as Chinese folks can be due to being blinded by money.
I TRY not to buy from other countries for ethical reasons like Bangladesh, Vietnam and so on but sometimes that is the only place where something I actually need is made.
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Tania
I’m wearing those exact Frye engineer boots in black as I read this post 🙂 I have to say the brown is quite appealing. I’m so bad about the multiples buying. I tend to buy the same thing over and over. I have to have inner dialogue with myself, something like, “now that’s a great black (or striped) jersey T but you have ten of those at home – step away from the T”.
I like that you have a variety of colors but still manage to keep a somewhat minimal approach. I don’t as much, I stick to neutrals for the most part. My color comes from scarves and other accessories.
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saverspender @ save. spend. splurge.
There’s something about black for me that makes me shy away. I think I feel like it’s too dark…. even though that’s a silly thing to think, as I really like dark grey. Odd right? 🙂 I used to love black as a teen, now it’s fallen off my radar as a colour.
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Tracy
Are you still trying to not buy made-in-china clothing items?
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saverspender @ save. spend. splurge.
Not trying, I am NOT buying. If I see it made in China, I do not buy it.
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alana
I love your clothes, particularly those work pants and tops. Somehow, you manage to do multiple posts on your wardrobe and bring something different every time. I feel like it should be repetitive and boring when I see a clothes related post but I always come away with something fresh from your various clothes/wardrobe posts. Where did you get those tops?
P.S. I thought you were downsizing, 11 coats/jackets.blazers! They sure are nice though.
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saverspender @ save. spend. splurge.
Thank you! What a nice compliment. I buy the tops through various places and cities but mostly just on whims. As for the coats and blazers I have a lot less now, this wardrobe is outdated already.
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anya
Where can I get the work outfits that you have?