Your journey toward a more intentional wardrobe begins with the most difficult part: the all-important purge. As conflicting and emotional as this step may be, when you keep the over-arching view in mind, it becomes simpler (if not actually easier). In part 1 of this series, we discussed the importance not on limiting yourself to a certain number of clothing pieces (which you can certainly do if you so desire) but on freeing your closet from items that fail to serve your current needs.
The Decision-Making Process: Facing the Consider Pile
Following your initial purge of obvious unwanted or unused items and careful consideration of your aims, you’ll have a clearer head — and closet — ready for this next evaluation step. You should already have 3 piles: Keep, Consider, and Release. (Perhaps as you clarified your wardrobe aims, you have a few items to move from the “Keep” pile to the “Consider” one as well.) And you’ve started thinking about how you’re going to divide that Release pile, tossing some items, donating others, and consigning still others. But let’s wait on separating those out — for now.
We’re going to go through that “Consider” pile and, well, consider each item according to your pre-determined aims. Remember, no one else can tell you exactly what those are supposed to be: you’re the boss here. So be a good leader as well as a good follower, and let’s get your clothing organized!
As you sift through the pile, be honest about your reality — determine what you actually wear and will practically be able to pull off, rather than wishful thinking (about your size, style, or lifestyle). Remember this truth: “A woman doesn’t need a lot of garments to create a lot of great outfits, she just needs the right mix of garments.”
The Most Difficult Pieces: Being Honest with Yourself
If honesty is a core value in any relationship, it’s most certainly significant in your relationship with yourself. It’s about to get real.
Even once you’re realistic about your current size and style, you may notice an overage of a certain category of pieces. For you, maybe it’s turtleneck sweaters or maxi dresses. Whatever it is, be realistic about it. For instance, of course, you need a pair of black dress pants; if you wear them often, you may want to keep two. But not ten. You probably wear the same two that fit you best anyway, so it’s time to get rid of the rest.
Then there will be the pieces that definitely suit your current needs and aren’t overbearing. They’re great piece in themselves. But here’s the rub: they don’t work well with any other piece in your wardrobe. You know what I’m talking about, don’t you? That adorable floral blouse that you have never worn, because it doesn’t work with any bottoms that you own, but you simply adore? You have a choice to make: get rid of it or plan to purchase a piece to complement it, enabling you to wear it.
Continue reading with Part 3.
Penny Pincher Boutique
We’re Westchester’s luxury consignment shop offering women’s designer clothing, jewelry, shoes, handbags and much more. Visit our shop at 184 Harris Road in Bedford Hills, New York or visit us online at www.pennypincherboutique.com. You can also find a selection of our items on sale on eBay. We ship throughout the United States.
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