Rejuvenate Your Wardrobe

28th Jan 2020

As the grey days of January stretch on and the excitement of the holidays are over, I often find this a time of looking around and wondering how I can simplify the influx of *stuff* that comes into my house over the holidays. There’s just something so cathartic for me about a good purge. New year, new beginnings, right? 


I’ve been thinking about my wardrobe. I’m admittedly no fashionista, and I (and my budget) prefer to invest in more classic styles than follow the fast fashion trends. I’m also frugal, and generally dislike clutter. An upcoming trip to Asia and longstanding distaste for checking baggage on flights has me taking a critical look at my wardrobe, and how I might pare it down not only for this trip, but for my day to day life as well. 


There are plenty of ways to rejuvenate your wardrobe that don’t include spending a bunch of money. You can start by shopping your closet. Streamline and organize what you’ve got. Edit it ruthlessly. Then, see if there are gaps that might need filled.


A friend of mine hosts a clothing swap a few times a year, where she invites a group of 10 or 15 friends to bring their clean, gently used clothes and accessories that they no longer wear. The items are all quickly sorted into categories, and then everyone takes turns ‘shopping’ from the collection. There is wine and snacks and time to hang out and catch up, and everyone leaves with some items that are new to them, but no money was exchanged. ThredUp, eBay, Buy Nothing Groups, and local thrift and consignment stores are all also great places to frequent if you don’t want to spend a lot of money. 


Sometimes a few accessories make all the difference. Scarves, jewelry, shoes, handbags and other accessories can be the key to turning ordinary clothing items into chic, pulled together outfits. Alterations can also work magic to refresh an otherwise quality piece that may be languishing in a corner of your closet.

 
I think I’m headed toward a capsule wardrobe in the future, but for now, I’m planning on rejuvenating my wardrobe by starting with a ruthless edit of my closet. I have things that I got on sale that I don’t love, but they were such a great deal that I can’t seem to get rid of them. I’m not sure what it is about a clearance rack that I find so irresistible, but it’s lure has drawn me into more than a few purchases that I had some buyer’s remorse about once I got home. Does anyone else fall prey to the thrill of getting a good deal?

Photo by Priscilla Du Preez on Unsplash