There is something entirely frugal about cleaning out your closet. I am also a frantic about shopping my own closet and of course, buying vintage.
Now that I reside in a location that offers four seasons, I go through my closet at least twice a year; spring-summer and fall-winter.
This past weekend I ventured into my closet and realized it was more than time to really do a thorough clear out. I pulled skirts first because I had not edited that collection since I retired. I was able to pull at least 10 skirts that I knew I would never wear again. Same with jackets and tops and by the time I was done, I had more than 30 articles of clothing to donate or pass on. Because I had recently gone vintage shopping and bought eleven pieces, I was still ahead of the game. I generally employ a ‘one-in-one-out’ strategy wherein if I buy something, I have to donate or get rid of one piece. I am not keeping score this time around so I will not be buying more just to fill up my closet again. Breathing space in my closet is very nice. I did splurge on two pant racks (cost = under $20) to better organize the pants I was keeping but that was it. I also reorganized my purse collection so I can see what I have and will finish up with the rest of my accessories and jewelry this week.
Shoes I love but due to a lingering Achilles tendon issue, I no longer wear stilettos. Given this, I bit the bullet and donated seven pairs of power shoes. I am replacing them with just three cool pair of flats but no more high heels. I kept two pair for very special occasions but if I don’t wear them in the next year they will be donated as well.
So, how does one actually shop one’s own closet? Well, first organize everything into categories to see what you have to work with. Second, donate more than you think you need to and third, go on-line and check out the topic ‘capsule wardrobes’ and content creators for inspo. My favorite style guru is say.nikko who you can also find on various social media channels as well as YouTube. His genius is going into clients closets and putting together complete outfits with clothes they have never worn together but already have. He is also a master at mixing patterns, and I learn from him all the time. I also keep photos of the best outfits I put together from my own wardrobe, so I have them when I need to pull something together fast that is still chic and fashionable.
Another thing I do to avoid buying new clothes is that I go for classic lines for the basics. Black pants, jackets in neutrals, classic shirts that go with nearly everything. I have all those so honestly? I don’t need to shop very often. I update with accessories from time to time and even those I try to source vintage whenever possible. A timeless leather belt for example, can often be found for a couple of dollars at your local thrift store. Same for scarves which you can often find in an endless variety of prints and patterns.
When it comes to accessories, I tend to keep whatever I have and wait (sometimes for years) for them to come back in style. ‘Grandma’ brooches, for example, are suddenly back in style this year. Who knew? I dug out what I have and am happy I kept them because perched on a timeless jacket or in the buttonholes of a classic shirt, they suddenly scream ‘on trend’.
So, if you clear out your closet on a regular basis, stick to the classics, learn from your favorite style gurus, and save your accessories for years you may find that the cost of being fashionable and ‘on trend’?
Costs absolutely nothing.
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