I'm reviewing my wardrobe and one of the things I've done is to evaluate each item in the 40 piece minimalist wardrobe which I chose in August 2014. For background information, I came to creating an all season minimalist wardrobe after several rounds of Project 333.
Despite a lot of thought going into this wardrobe, few of the original pieces remain: many items were hardly worn, and were therefore donated, and several wore out. However, I'm pleased to say that some are still going strong! Losing a few pounds due to changing to a lower carb diet last year, meant that some items just don't fit anymore. I think it's really interesting to reflect on how many of the selected items of clothes have been worn over the last three years and I've used this knowledge to help me with future garment purchases and decluttering.
I would like to say that my wardrobe has stayed constant at 40 items, but the truth is that I haven't been disciplined enough to maintain it. I've bought some lovely new pieces recently and my wardrobe is beginning to bulge. I'm beginning to feel wardrobe overwhelm again and I'm definitely holding onto clothes which I hardly wear. Hence, the need for a thorough review, edit and wardrobe revamp.
I'm aiming at 40 pieces again or thereabouts. I like my wardrobe to be tidy and organised and 40 items fit nicely into the space I've got, but I think some seasonally specific items (such as boots, thick jumpers and summer dresses) may need to be put in storage.
Less than 40 clothing items is too drastic for me but I would like to try the 10 x 10 Challenge as I'm interested in seeing what an extreme minimalist wardrobe could teach me and how it could influence me in the future. It may help me get back to close to 40 items. A clothes shopping ban is also something I'm interested in trying.
Here's my review:
1. Blue skinny jeans (M&S) - donated as too baggy but replaced with similar better fitting version which I love.
2. Blue bootcut jeans (Next) - almost worn out (need patching!) but still used for gardening.3. Black work trousers(Next) - donated as a duplicate to item 4, and not worn enough.
4. Black smart trousers (Principles by John Rocha) - still in good condition.
5. Black linen trousers (F&F) - kept but only wear in hotter weather and mainly for work .6. Black jeggings (M&S) - faded but replaced with gray pair (as seen in photo).
7. Black/grey linen skirt (M&S) - donated as didn't wear enough.
8. Tulip skirt (Laura Ashley) - donated as not versatile enough.
9. Pink velour skirt (Seasalt) - kept as still wear a lot although slightly loose but this doesn't matter as it just rests lower on my hips. I've seen this exact skirt on Ebay but I'm going to keep mine as long as it lasts!
10. Green cotton summer dress (Laura Ashley) - donated as hardly worn.
11. White v-neck t-shirt (Boden) - recycled as holes formed, which disappointed me given the label.
12. Grey v-neck t-shirt (Boden) - recycled as holes formed, which disappointed me given the label.
13. Black v-neck t-shirt (Boden) - wear for cleaning as holes formed which disappointed me given the label.
14. Blue modal light blue round neck t-shirt (Gok for TU) - recycled as lost shape but it had a lot of wear.
15. Purple draped t-shirt (Laura Ashley) - donated as not versatile enough.
16. White/black stripe 3/4 length sleeved top (Gap) - kept in fact wearing in photo above (although would prefer full-length sleeve).
17. Black/white stripe 3/4 length sleeved top (Gap) - kept (although would prefer full-length sleeve).
18. Coral sequin 3/4 length top (M&S) - donated as tired of the color and the sequins.
19. Navy smart blouse (M&S) - donated as didn't like neckline (too low).
20. Purple linen grandad shirt (Wallis) - donated as didn't wear enough.
21. Check blue/green check casual shirt (F&F) - donated as didn't wear enough.
22. Black round neck long sleeved t-shirt (Next) - donated as didn't like colour/fit
23. Blue round neck long sleeved top with cuff detail (M&S) - recycled as holes developed.
24. Light blue round neck long sleeved top (M&S) - kept as still in good condition and light but warm.
25. Green striped woolen tunic (Seasalt) - kept although beginning to wear out.
26. Grey cashmere cardigan (F&F) - kept as versatile, wear weekly and still in good condition.
27. Blue cardigan (New Look) - kept as versatile, wear regularly and still in good condition
28. Black boyfriend cardigan (M&S) - donated as didn't wear enough.
29. Black blazer (F&F) - donated as condition deteriorated.30. Black biker jacket (M&S) - donated as started to disintegrate.
31. Purple gilet (Gap) - kept as versatile, wear regularly and still in good condition.
32. Blue storm coat (Berghaus) - wear regularly but needs replacing as lining disintegrating.
33. Purple parka (M&S) - wear constantly October -April but wearing out and tiring of this so would like to replace eventually.
34. Olive green cord coat (M&S) - kept but only wear occasionally and may donate soon35. Black and cream ballet flats (Debenhams) - recycled as worn out.
36. Flat sandals (local boutique) - recycled as worn out. These yellow ones in the photo above have replaced them (I like splashes of color in my outfits).
37. Black small heeled brogues (Rieker) - kept as still wearing reguarly (great for work).
38. Brown Chelsea boot (Next) - donated as found a black ankle boot more versatile.
39. Purple patent Birkinstocks - recycled as worn out.
40. Black tapered heel ankle boot (M&S) - kept for occasional use but I don't feel comfortable in heels anymore.
Paring down my wardrobe to 40 pieces has taught me a lot. Putting one together is easy; it's the discipline to keep it from growing that's difficult. However, I'm keen to try again. I'm aiming at a small wardrobe which is just enough to suit my lifestyle, love of clothes and is easy to organize. Have you tried any minimalist wardrobe challenges? What works for you? Is clothes shopping your weakness? Please share, I'd love to hear from you.
