Minimalism and The Capsule Wardrobe
Minimalism and a capsule wardrobe can be achieved. I may never get to the point where my clothing is “capsule” sized. I’m not certain what the prerequisites are to hit that point, however I can tell you that less IS more. Overall it’s a journey to learn what minimal living looks like to me. As for the house, it’s determining what minimal living is for a family of 15.
Minimizing isn’t about not being you. Quite the opposite. It looks different for everyone because it’s living with fewer things, those being what you love. It’s more about having fewer, functioning items. Bringing new things in means getting rid of older things — a concept that previously eluded me.
Drew Barrymore wrote a great article about her closet which I really enjoyed. Although I don’t struggle with body image, I do struggle with dressing fun and getting older. I also completely relate to having 4 dressers and 2 full closets and feeling like I have nothing to wear. I can relate to having so much there are multiple items on a hangar, there is no room for more hangars and I’m happy I can shut the door because I would be embarrassed if anyone saw my closets.
I have put my closet on a major diet. Gastric bypass style. Exercise clothing, bras, underwear, socks and pj’s don’t count (and I didn’t count jewelry) but they all got a MAJOR overhaul. I’ve counted all my other clothing — including coats and shoes — and I’m at about 160. Still a large number in capsule terms, but SOOOOOOO much closer! I should have counted before I minimized but I probably can’t count that high. I know I had going on 200 pairs of shoes and I now have under 40. Some people choose a number — like 75 or 40 — and stick to that. For now, I’ll hover where I’m at and keep working on it. Even the items that didn’t count — everything I owned in my closet and dressers — were reduced by about 80%.
I filled 10 lawn and leaf bags with shoes, clothing, and purses. TEN! If you brought me two of those bags, I would tell you there is no possible way I could fit it in my closet. And I removed ten. Most of what I donated was in great shape with lots of life left, just not part of my life. I worried I’d be bored by my closet (if you’ve seen how bright and fun my closet is, you’d think that’s a silly notion) or I’d still wonder what to wear but have fewer options, but these minimalists are on to something. I really like what I have, I know what I want, I only put something in if something comes out, it’s much easier to put things together. Every morning I get dressed, put on an outfit based on what I’m doing, weather and mood and think, “Wow, I like this outfit!”. This article was very interesting and kind of amusing to me, but I also got it. The joy aspect of minimalism from the perspective of a Japanese woman.
Indeed I have a small list of things that I want to replace. Leather jacket, white button-down, black button-down, brown and black sandals, and white heels. I’m not in a hurry — I know I can live without these things. I have a rule that everything has to be tried on which nearly obliterates online shopping. It also means I’m less likely to impulse buy because I dislike trying things on. So I have to have the mindset and get my act together. I’m not sure how well most of you know me, but I’m more edgy and fun than just a staple wardrobe type of girl. I like bright colors, mixing and matching patterns with color and I’m a legging addict. My closet and dressers are a reflection of who I am in a minimized way with clothing that fits and that I enjoy.
When minimizing your closet ask these questions: Would I buy it today? Will I wear it tomorrow? Is it unique? Does it make me feel good about myself?
Originally published at https://www.momof18.com.
Jenn is Mom of 18, Transformational Coach for Christian women, host of At A Crossroads with The Naked Podcaster, Author, Runner, Minimalist, & Healthy Lifestyle Advocate
Rate the podcast
https://ratethispodcast.com/thenakedpodcaster
Website
12-Week Coaching Program
https://www.momof18.com/better-together
Free training
https://www.momof18.com/page/208274
FB private group
