Like many people, I am guilty of owning too many clothes. I do love most of them and wear many combinations of outfits, mending and repairing where I can. Whenever possible I buy vintage and preloved items to fit in my wardrobe, alongside a few well thought out new purchases. For a guilt free wardrobe, the important point to remember is to wear what you own.
My body shape has changed since my teens, through marriage and children (not forgetting the crisps, wine and chocolate) so as I have moved through size ranges, my personal collection has grown. I try to keep my bedroom wardrobe as active as possible, but those I no longer wear, but can’t part from, are stored away in the attic while others are bagged and distributed. Making the most of our own clothes means taking care of them firstly, but get enjoyment of wearing great outfits before the ‘circular fashion’ takes place to declutter and redistribute.
When shopping, concentrate on your list of needs initially. It makes the process so much easier. You may need a long midi skirt as an option to jeans at the weekend – you can whizz around the shops, focusing on one item, look at the options and choose the best far more quickly.
Try and buy local by supporting the boutiques close to you. They offer a unique selling experience with lesser known brands, in a calm environment.
Think about making up an outfit rather than just one item – what will it go with, when will I wear it?
Buy better quality on items you know you will wear a lot; coats, jackets, trousers.
Buy transitional items that can be worn in more than one season. Mid weight knits and layering styles can be worn all year round.
Or try Vintage. A sure way to find a beautiful fabric, unique print or a stand out gem.
Donate clothes that you no longer love or don’t fit into your lifestyle anymore. A simple reminder is to bag up one time each time you buy new.
If you need help, work with a close friend or a stylist to make decisions and move forward.
We all make mistakes, so if an item doesn’t fit well or suit your life, let it go.
Bag up textiles and damaged clothes and take to the tip, good items need to go to a charity thrift shop but remember you can retrieve some money back by selling at the many pre loved, re sale shops for the higher end items.
Designer brands are selling online with companies like Vestiaire Collective where I often send clients clothes if they in this bracket.
To continue my own ‘fashion passion’, and being mindful of the changing world, I know that less is best. I plan to be more thoughtful of circular fashion and would like to spread the benefits of a decluttered, guilt free wardrobe.
If you would like a chat about how we can work together click HERE to read options, although I can tailor appointments as required in person or virtually.
This article is extracted from my published article in Vantage Point magazine, first seen in January 2020.