I have a ridiculous amount of clothes and small living space. Quite a challenging combination…right? So how do I win the battle of limited closet space? I curate a small’ish collection of pieces that I like and will get the most wear for a period of time and all others goes into my storage unit. It is definitely a dream of mine to one day have the closet of my dreams with everything-shoes, handbags, jewelry, jackets, trousers, sweaters, dresses, shirts, denim-everything in that massive space…so I can see it all and have it all in one place. But alas, until that day comes, my clothes are rotated on a seasonal basis. It is a chore that I am not always happy to do, but when I do change out and swap items, it’s so much fun to see what I’ve forgotten I had, or what I thought I needed to buy but not anymore, because I had it already!
So this time, I went to my storage unit to actually pick up decorations for a tiny 45th birthday celebration I was hosting for my sister. While I was there, I was taking inventory of items I one day hope to drop off to Goodwill (if they are accepting donations at this time), when I decided to look in a bin with some clothes that I made, but not wearing anymore, when I spotted three white linen shirts! So I decided that these will come back with me to wear for the duration of the summer season. I will later post pictures of these shirts….hopefully soon.
Five things to keep in mind to really curate a wardrobe that will work for you, whether working remotely or on-site:
- Do a closet detox-really look at each item you have. Try these things on and if they no longer fit, bring you joy, make you look and feel fabulous, looks cheap, too trendy or leaves you asking yourself…”Why did I buy this?”…then get rid of it (donate, sell, recycle). You really do not need it.
- Of the items you are keeping, really go through and edit what you will wear at that time. Remember, not everything you will keep is what you will wear for that season. My go to staples:
- Shirts/T-shirts/Blouses
- Dresses
- Skirts
- Denim
- Sweaters
- Blazers
- When you do go out and buy something to add to your wardrobe, rethink your shopping experience. Remember, you are curating your wardrobe with just those fabulous items that fit well, looks fantastic, is timeless, and you feel amazing in. My tips:
- Buy with the future in mind. Is this item going to still be relevant in five or ten years? Trends are not sustainable, but classics are.
- Consider fabric. My preference are natural fibers (wool, cotton, linen/flax, silk), however, I do have some synthetics or garments made from “recycled” fabrics. Not a lot though.
- By all means consider QUALITY! Do not buy poorly constructed clothes in cheap fabric. Sometimes prices can fool you too. Something “expensive” but in poor quality is a waste of money and will not last long. I rather buy a well made, high quality garment, shoe or handbag at variety of price points, because I am making an investment into something that will have longevity…maybe even a bit of nostalgic collectability in twenty years time.
- Also, consider your age. What you wore when you were in your 20s or 30s will (and should) be different when you are in your 40s, 50s, 60s or older. For those of us who are in the 45+ club, I am by no means inferring that you move into frumpy…NO! This is our season where we evolve into an even more glamorous self! We embrace this season. What some may view as imperfections (weight, wrinkles, greying hair), these elements actually enhances our beauty. Don’t hide from them, but realize what you used to wear (even with makeup) will no longer agree your ever evolving body. So here’s where we shift and redefine what is beautiful.
- For shoes, handbags and accessories, rotate what you will wear or use that season and what you will store; and above all, make sure they are as comfortable as they are fabulous! It is NEVER fashionably chic to have sore feet!
- One more thing…storing your clothes. Invest in storage containers, plastic shoe boxes, dust bags, shoe trees (cedar preferred), jewelry cases, collapsible wardrobe racks (if storing space allows), plastic garment bags/covers. Treat your clothes like fine art…collectables even. You will notice how much longer your items will last when you take care in the storing of them.
Well, that’s my story. What’s your closet story? If you have a small space and a lot of clothes, how are you managing it? Remember, quality, fit and fabulous are your guiding words to curating your wardrobe.
Felicia
Felicia Clotworthy Collective 
Leave a comment