Wardrobe Tour

There’s a really amazing article form Fashion Magazine about how the term “capsule wardrobe” has become consumerism wrapped in a minimalist disguise. I personally think a lot of people are doing it right – but there’s also a huge impression (largely because of the edited environment of social media) that makes “capsule wardrob-ing” seem like you need to purge everything, start again, and purchase trendy items to complement every season.

I 100% do NOT have a capsule wardrobe. I’d love to get there one day, but I’m too early in my journey to be there right now. And I may not ever have 30 pieces. Maybe 100 – I’d be happy to get there over the next year or two. It’s important to take meaningful time to consider the items you’re purging, and why.

Purging is sometimes just as wasteful as buying something new.

I’ll be the first person to admit, I LOVE shopping for clothes. it feels rewarding, fun, and there’s an ecstasy in discovering the perfect new piece. I think it’s important to feel that, because it’s part of the joy of what we do as people blogging about fashion.

But I do think that there’s a way to make that joy last longer.

Getting a high shouldn’t be from just buying a piece of clothing – it should be reinvigorated every time you find a new combination to wear it in!

To keep the honest conversation going around capsule wardrobes, fashion minimalism and ethical style, I’m opening up the doors to my closet(s) and giving you a look into what REAL life is, behind the gram.

Ready for the wardrobe tour?

Ok, brace yourselves! I have a LOT of clothes. At least, I feel like I do.

I have 5 places I keep my clothes, including outerwear.

Capsule open closet (bedroom) – 34 items (excluding loungewear)

This is the no.1 way I’ve been able to truly hone in on which pieces I love. I can keep a handful of pieces in this open closet for multiple weeks, and be perfectly happy pulling just from there. I use it as a way to cycle capsules and challenge myself to wear and re-wear favourite pieces.

The top crate is also a great home for bralettes, leggings & underwear – easy to get to, and no stumbling around in a drawer.

Hemnes dresser (bedroom) – 132 items (excluding tights)

I don’t know what I’d do without this. it’s the PERFECT size.

Top drawers are for jewellery, second drawer = winter sweaters, third = tees + tanks, fourth = long-sleeved and professional clothes, fifth = utility drawer with nail polish, extra stock of makeup & beauty supplies, hair straightener & tights.

Pax Wardrobe (home office) – 117 items (excluding sleepwear + scarves)

This is a super temporary wardrobe solution. It fit well at my old place, but now that I’m downsizing I’ll be pulling in a garment rack and smaller dresser to create a more artistic, airy space.

Top shelf = pants, 1st drawer = scarves (which need a bit of a purge), 2nd drawer = heavy-duty lounge sweaters, skirts, shorts, 3rd drawer = sleepwear, bottom shelf = shoes.

Outerwear closet (back door) – 15 items (counting shoes)

This is the second most effective way I’ve learned to hone in on my style and ONLY the pieces I love. It’s small, I find I wear the same pieces over again, and I’m learning what’s important. I’m quickly finding out that having small spaces is one of the keys to mastering your wardrobe!

Seasonal closet (basement) – 28 items (counting shoes)

I had no clue where to put overflow, especially shoes. Shoes are something I used to buy all the time because I felt like I never had what I needed. Over the past 5 years, I’ve discovered that I ALWAYS reach for the same 10 pairs year-round – so once all of these shoes eventually wear out, I’ll slowly re-stock only those essential 10 and stick with them.

Total wardrobe count (excluding loungewear + pyjamas): 326

Breakdown according to style: 

• Outerwear: 46
  • 3 winter coats
  • 12 jackets (leather, camping, etc)
  • 1 outdoor sweater
  • 30 pairs of shoes/boots
• Sweaters/top layer: 47
  • 27 knit sweaters
  • 5 casual zip-ups
  • 7 blazers
  • 8 cardigans
• Tops: 176
  • 25 tank tops (casual)
  • 10 summer shirts (casual)
  • 35 plain tees
  • 15 graphic tees
  • 17 long-sleeved shirts
  • 15 button ups
  • 4 flannels
  • 21 work/date-worthy shirts (fall/winter)
  • 21 work/date-worthy shirts, sleeves (multi-season)
  • 13 work/date-worthy shirts, sleeveless (spring/summer)
• Skirts, tunics, dresses: 34
  • 7 tunics
  • 8 dresses
  • 2 rompers
  • 17 skirts
• Bottoms: 23
  • 10 shorts
  • 6 pairs of jeans
  • 7 pairs of pants (other – professional/khaki)

What are the top things I want to change in my wardrobe(s)?

1. Fewer shoes. I know how many I need, and I know what I like. Stick to those!
2. Lose the shorts! I have SO many from buying up pairs until I found the right one. And guess what? I still don’t have a ‘right’ pair. Time to sort that out!
3. Smaller office wardrobe for a more creative, airy space.
4. Continue to evaluate which pieces I love, and which ones I tend to avoid.
5. So many ‘camping’ sweaters and graphic tees. You know, the ones you never wear? They’re sentimental, but eventually I need to consider why I keep them around.
6. Scarves. My style has changed since college, so it’s time to keep only the ones I love.
7. Bralettes. I have SO many, but only wear 3-4. No need to keep the other bras around “just in case!”

There you have it! A full, honest wardrobe tour. Messy and real. I’ve never done a full wardrobe count before, and it is EYE-OPENING. I saw so many items I know I can do without. Next phase? Pulling out all of my must-keeps and having them in the forefront.

Have any questions, or your own wardrobe tips? Pop them in the comments below.

xo

Petraalexandra