Downsize your wardrobe

COVER STORY

Although I’ve always been a bit of a minimalist, there was a time in my life when I had accumulated a massive wardrobe. It was destined to be – I was at my perfect weight and had ample time, money, and closet space. During this period of my life, crazy as it sounds, I would go shopping almost every day. I would fall in love with a piece of clothing on each shopping trip. Often, I would purchase several outfits in one day.

Needless to say, my wardrobe was a sight to behold, the countless articles of clothing hung neatly on red hangers. I took pride in my closet and had decorated it beautifully.

Sometime later, there was a decision to relocate to another country. Around this time, my minimalist tendencies were also returning with a vengeance. I had to confront a terrifyingly over-flowing closet. Upon entering my closet, umpteen shirts, sweaters, pants, jackets, and dresses would close in on me and I felt suffocated by my own clothes.

It took time and a big, big heart but I was able to downsize my wardrobe on such a colossal scale that friends and acquaintances – fed up with their own cartons upon cartons of unused clothing – wailed, “How did you do it?”

Now why did I say a big heart? Because letting go of clothes that one has purchased with fondness and which possibly have beautiful memories attached to them, was not easy, to say the least. Oh and did I mention the hard earned money that went into the purchases?

At some point in your life, you might also be tempted, inclined, or even forced to downsize your wardrobe. Perhaps a change in your lifestyle will bring you to this, but let me tell you, it can be done, and you will feel terrific – light as a feather – after you’re done. Opening your closet and getting anxious will be a thing of the past. Getting ready, a piece of cake. And if there is a need to move? You are good to go.

Here are the ways I managed to declutter my wardrobe by 85 percent.

Find new homes for the extras

Firstly, let me tell you what I did with my unwanted clothing. I either tossed them out completely (only the unsalvageable, mind you), put them in the donation bin, gave them to people I knew, or sold them. Yes, it is possible to make some money with your pre-loved clothes, but you will have to be patient and willing to cut down the original price by quite a bit. But getting rid of a used item you no longer want and getting some cash in return is a pretty sweet deal.

My modus operandi went something like the following: clothes in good condition that no one in my family, friends, or others such as house help could use were placed in the donation bin. Those in very good condition that could be appreciated by either my family, friends, or others were given to them. Clothes which would not be useful to anyone in my surroundings but were in excellent condition were put on sale. Like myself, you must decide what to do with each item of clothing that you do not want anymore.

Identify what you don’t need

Certainly not magic, it did not happen in a day, week or even a month.

I would frequently take a good, hard look at my wardrobe. First, I dealt with the pieces that were simply not to my taste. Gifted or bought on a whim, these were a distraction in the closet, taking up space but never being worn. Easy peasy lemon squeezy. Thereafter I got rid of clothing items that I did like but that were damaged or worn out. Not too hard either if you put your mind to it. Then there were the outfits that had gotten too small for me. Some were easy to dump as I wasn’t super fond of them while others proved challenging. Generally, if a piece of clothing has become two or more sizes too small, you may seriously consider letting go of it, unless your body is at a temporary phase or you are determined to go back to your old size or the dress is one you really like, then hang on to it.

Next, I focused on the outfits that I liked but knew would never wear again. Now some of these were sentimental and had big memories attached to them. These can be passed on to a loved one, in the same way that mothers give their wedding dresses to their daughters. Shortly thereafter, I came across my ‘trendy’ outfits, the ‘so in fashion right now’ pieces. One outfit – an absolutely gorgeous short kameez with a patiala shalwar, a trend that had sprouted in the mid 2000’s – was especially hard to part with. I had held onto this particular outfit for a long, long time. Yet, I never did get to wear it because the unique style never really came back. However, once I parted with it, I didn’t feel too bad because I had given that dress ample living time in my closet. I also cherish a photograph I have of myself in it. If you have an outfit you especially love but won’t wear again, then photograph yourself in it before giving it away. The memory will live on.

Purchase wisely

Sometimes we will buy something just because it is visually appealing only. It could be completely wrong for us, but is too hard to resist. Many moons past, I bought a pair of silver heels, that, although stunning, also looked very uncomfortable and impractical. I fear long and slim heels, and knew that they were not right for me but my heart was set on them as they were really pretty. I was sure I would use them someday, and ignoring the red flags on display, bought them for a hefty price. But alas, years creeped by and I never set foot in those heels. When I finally held them up years later, the buckle strap material had started flaking pretty badly. With a broken heart, I threw them in the garbage. Resist buying items which are not your style and comfort level, no matter how tempting.

Start slow, remain steady

My closet today is such a breath of fresh air. I only hang the dresses for the season, that is summer or winter, while the others are carefully packed away in luggage waiting patiently for their season to arrive. Every single item of clothing I have today is something I like, wear regularly, and feel comfortable in. Also, I am being completely honest when I say that I have never missed any of the outfits that I have parted with. Not once. Out of sight, out of mind, like they say!

Start slowly, and as you go along, you will gain momentum. The feeling of freedom as you notice your wardrobe getting more ‘appropriate for you’ will motivate you further. Your wardrobe has to reflect your current lifestyle. Remember to keep pieces which you wear regularly and feel great in. Avoid too ‘trendy’ pieces of clothing. These tend to be a waste in the long run. Stick to classic styles which pass the test of time. Younger readers should discuss with a parent before embarking on a decluttering journey.

A word of caution though: do not go overboard. You don’t want to go out and spend money buying more clothes. The rule is to part with anything that is not serving you now and won’t later as well. Remember, quality over quantity.