Wardrobe bursting, nothing to wear? This wardrobe hack has changed my life

Having just suffered (another!) one of those wardrobe-bursting-but-NOTHING-to-wear moments, it got me thinking about how it is even possible. I mean; I have been shopping (too much at times) for the guts of 20 years, and yet I HAVE NOTHING TO WEAR.

But having done some research, it may seem like shopping for more clothes is not the way out of this mess. In fact, according to experts, all you really need to have the perfectly edited wardrobe, is 37 items of clothing. I know! It sounds CRAZY. But closet reducing is actually the the latest buzz when it comes to perfecting your wardrobe, and the authority on the movement is Caroline Rector, who shows off how she combines her 37-item wardrobe on her blog, Unfancy.

Doubtful? I was too. But as with most other things, maybe the whole idea of simpler being better will ring true for my wardrobe too. I sure feel inspired to give it a try. And if you are sick of rooting through your overflowing wardrobe every morning too, here are Rector’s reasons why a 37-piece wardrobe is the way forward.

A capsule wardrobe is a mini wardrobe made up of really versatile pieces that you totally love to wear. Each season (spring, summer, fall, and winter), you clear your closet except for a set number of pieces to be in your capsule wardrobe. Rector’s golden number is 37 items, but it varies by season. Your capsule collection is made up of a combination of items you already own and love to wear, as well as new, quality items that you can shop for once a season.

So far, so doable, I guess. (I like the bit about shopping for new items, anyway!)

According to the fashion-savvy blogger, a capsule wardrobe represents more time, more money, and more energy for the things in life that really matter (i.e. not your clothes). Now this is music to us busy mothers’ ears, no? By shopping only once a season, you save money on frivolous items that add up. (Like this bit too!) Rector also says that by narrowing her wardrobe, she was actually able to define and understand her style more. Plus, she always feels like she has something great to put on, as every single item hanging in her closet is something she would love to wear right at that moment.

If you fancy trying out this sartorial detox, but feel a little overwhelmed about where to start, no need to worry. Rector has a five-step approach to building your very own capsule wardrobe:

1. Pare down your closet to 37 items.
2. Wear only those 37 items for three months.
3. Don’t go shopping during the season until…
4. During the last two weeks of the season, plan and shop for your next capsule.
5. The amount you buy for the next capsule is up to you, but less is more.

Sounds doable? Now, I am thinking to not go completely crazy and actually toss the majority of my wardrobe, but rather bundle it into bags and stick them in the attic. That way, it will be like a little security blanket. You know, just knowing that, should I get sick to my teeth of the 37 bits and bobs hanging in my wardrobe, I can just climb into the attic and retrieve my old clothes.

And then if I, after a year or so, haven’t had a relapse, or felt a longing for my much more well-stocked wardrobe of the past, I can toss or donate my old clothes and probably feel much more confident about doing so. Genius, or what? Here’s hoping I do better with this clothes detox than I did that time I tried a juice one…

What do YOU think? Would your life be easier if your wardrobe was smaller and more organized? Did YOU ever try a clothing detox of some sort? How did you get on? Send me an e-mail and let me know at [email protected]

(All images via Sezane/Instagram)