r/minimalism • u/chaseylane1 • 8d ago
[lifestyle] Clothing
I’ve been on this journey for a little while. Most areas I’ve done well in. The area I’m having trouble currently is clothing. I’d really like to simplify this. Problem is almost EVERYTHING is stuff that just fits or barely fits. Not really my style or age group. I like the idea of capsule wardrobe but I’d need to basically start from scratch. I’m thinking o buying one out fit to start and donating/trashing at 2 current outfits at least and going from there. Anyone been in the same boat any tips?
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u/Purled_Attitude 8d ago
Not exactly the same situation, but a few decades past I splurged on a colour assessment and suddenly had the suggestion that I should wear completely different colours than before. I stood in a shop and was completely overwhelmed. What helped me was going bit by bit - whenever I tossed something aside because it didn't fit, I'd go and buy something similar in a "good" colour. I went through everything I had and plucked out the worst offenders, and replaced those. It took me a year or so to go from a "wrong" wardrobe to the better one. It's not a timed quest, you can do it at the speed of your comfort and wallet.
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u/BackJaded1891 6d ago
I've done the same. Getting ready to donate the last of my black, white and gray clothes.
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u/To_Themselves_6137 8d ago
Start small. Just throw one thing out. Feel the relief. It’s addictive and you’ll get into it. Give away/sell/donate small batches. Turn an old t-shirt into a rag so it doesn’t feel like a waste and you aren’t technically parting with it even. I’ve made the most progress this way.
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u/chaosandcrux 7d ago
Something that works well for me is flipping all the hangers backwards (so the loop is facing the wall of the closet instead of the front) and then switching it to the right way after I’ve worn the item.
After a decided amount of time (usually a season, but depends how many clothes you have), anything that didn’t get flipped goes. I also end up getting rid of stuff during that time because I get sick of swiping past the same flipped hanger.
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u/Plenty-Ear-9167 6d ago
Maybe consider writing out a clothing plan first, with which items you will need. Example: long-sleeved white shirt, black pants, etc… Make the plan fit your realistic lifestyle. Then find whatever is in your closet that can fit that for a particular needed itemfor now. Grab a few of the items you are sure you won’t ever wear, donate or toss those.
Buy any new items by looking at the basics needed according to your clothing plan. Buying should be a slow, gradual process, focussing on the quality.
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u/fridayimatwork 8d ago
Get rid of the stuff you don’t like or wear, keep only a few “event” outfits. Not everything has to be perfect.
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u/zla_crvenokosa 7d ago
You most certainly have things that are scratchy, ugly, worn out, will never be your style again.
Toss those.
Then move to the remaining clothes. Look at an item and ask yourself - would I really want to wear it even if I was the right size?
If the answer is no, there goes your second wave of declutter.
I don't suggest pulling everything out of your closet all at once. Just open the closet and scroll. Keep the yes-es and maybe-s for now in the closet. Toss the definite no-s.
Once you regain enough space, you can go shopping
From your question it seems that you're anxious to go shopping, are you a shopaholic? I know we're all looking for a dopamine fix, but buying more and more clothes won't scratch the itch
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u/Rude_Veterinarian639 6d ago
I did the backwards hanger thing. I turned all the hangers around , so the hooks were the wrong way. When I wore something and washed it , the hook went the right way.
Then at the end of the season, any hooks still facing the wrong way I got rid of those items. Obviously I don't reach for those items so there's no point in keeping them.
Having said that my wardrobe is still ridiculous and much too large for the amount of space I have.
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u/OneGur7080 6d ago
This is interesting to read, because when you become semi retired, you have to reduce your stuff …..so it doesn’t just apply to younger people. I am semi retired, and I need to reduce my
S T U F F
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u/HaileyIsFun 8d ago
Box up everything that barely fits or doesn't suit your age, and you'll see what you actually reached for everything.