5 Steps to a Streamlined Wardrobe

Karin Davidson
May 7
3 min read

Creating a streamlined wardrobe can simplify your daily routine, reduce decision fatigue, and enhance your personal style. Here are five steps to help you achieve a more organized and efficient wardrobe.

1. Assess Your Current Wardrobe

Begin by taking a comprehensive look at what you currently own. Empty your closet and drawers, and categorize your clothing into the following groups:

Keep in closet - I love this and wear it often

Stash - These are garments that you love or that have served you well in the past, but you won't be wearing in the next four to six months for various reasons, such as that it belongs to another season/It but it doesn't fit me right now/I don't currently have anything to wear with it. Put these garments in a drawer or the spare room closet, or even a plastic tub under the bed. Do not leave them amongst your current clothes or anywhere you can see them!

Repair - a missing button or hem, a hole or a scuff: if it can be repaired, do it or have it done! Repairing clothes will not only reduce waste and help the environment, but it saves you the time, effort and cost of searching for a replacement. And as we all know, good quality is getting harder to come by all the time. I have major regrets about clothes I have discarded in the past just because the colour was out of fashion at the time, or I didn't have the shoes to go with it!
Donate/Sell - If it can't be salvaged, or you have never worn it because it was a purchase mistake in the first place, let it go. If you have trouble deciding whether an older garment is in good enough condition to keep, or whether it should be retired, ask yourself the following question: "If I found this at a charity shop, would I have bought it?" If the answer is "NO", then you need to let it go!

To help you with this step, I have created "Wardrobe Resolutions", a booklet and Wardrobe Checklist that you can download for free and print out here.

2. Define (or redefine) Your Personal Style

Consider which styles resonate with you now and reflect your current lifestyle. If your lifestyle has changed recently, for instance you have become a mother, started working in a different field, moved cities, retired, or even just gotten older, the styles you used to wear may not serve you any more.

Create a mood board or save images of outfits you love. This will help you identify patterns in your preferences and guide your future purchases.

A Style Consultation with a qualified Image Consultant can be very helpful in determining your current Style Personality as well guide you in the physical aspects of style such as body shape and proportion, flattering necklines and hemlines, the best fabrics for your somatype, what prints you can wear, etc.

Click below for more information on a Personal Style Consultation with Karin.

Personal Style Consultation

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3. Create a Capsule Wardrobe

A capsule wardrobe consists of versatile pieces that can be mixed and matched. Aim for a balance of essentials and statement items. Include:

Basic tops and bottoms
Layering pieces
Outerwear
Footwear
Accessories

Create your Capsule around a defined colour scheme to ensure you have a cohesive selection that works well together. To learn exactly how to do this, you can enrol in the next Capsule Wardrobe Workshop with Karin, or message me here to express your interest.

4. Implement the One-In-One-Out Rule

To maintain a streamlined wardrobe, I have adopted the one-in-one-out rule. For every new item I bring into my wardrobe, I have to consider letting go of one existing piece. This practice helps to prevent clutter and keep your wardrobe manageable.

5. Regularly Reassess Your Wardrobe

Schedule regular check-ins with your wardrobe, ideally every season. Evaluate which pieces you wear frequently and which ones you can part with. This ongoing process will ensure your wardrobe remains streamlined and aligned with your evolving style.