Tag: wardrobe

blogtober, blogtober, Minimalism, Minimalism

My Fall Capsule Wardrobe

mindbeautysimplicity

What is a capsule wardrobe exactly? Minimalists like to define it as a set number of clothing items to reduce the troubles of decision fatigue & allows us to understand the benefits behind owning less. Courtney Carver, the writer behind the book, Project 333 goes a step further & challenges those to have 33 items of clothing for 3 months. I attempted project 333 for myself during the pandemic & I did take note of the benefits. But overall, I don’t necessarily like to limit myself to a set number of clothing pieces. I simply ask myself how often I wear something? Does it fit the person I wish to be? And is it practical? Otherwise, I let it go. And over the course of the summer, I’ve downsized my wardrobe extremely to the point where 95% of my clothing is gone! As the new season approaches, I look forward to revamping my style & curating a capsule wardrobe that allows me to create classic outfits.

As I’ve decluttered over 10 bags of clothing in the past few months, I’ve also made a few replacements along the way. I’ve been in a style rut & wanted to enter my fall season with a bit more style. Summer tends to put myself in a style rut [ especially when it’s hot ] because all I wear are athletic shorts & basic tanks or tees. Fall fashion is elite. And I’m so excited to share the pieces I’ve bought & put together.

Denim Denim Denim

A classic pair of jeans is a staple in any wardrobe. As a millennial, I still find skinny jeans to be the most flattering at times, but I have been wanting to branch out to different styles. I purchased a pair of the viral 90’s straight leg relaxed fit jeans from Abrocrombie. And I totally understand the hype! I can’t wait to rock these with some sneakers & basic tees all fall season.

Business Beige

To jazz up your dressier occasions, why not swap or add a pair of beige slacks to your wardrobe along with the typical grey or black. I personally love incorporating lighter shades to my fall wardrobe to showcase a brighter look. No white after Labor Day, who? I also love adding knits to make your look a bit more casual.

Stick To The Basics

The majority of my closet is filled with basic tees & tanks. Lately – I’ve added a few fitted crop tops to my wardrobe. I love pairing tighter tops with baggier pants to create a bit of definition. I love layering these with flannels, cardigans or jackets to stay warm. I recommend you have a basic white, black & grey t-shirt & tank & then go from there. Stick to shades that are the most flattering to you. There’s no need to own the entire rainbow.

Sneakers

I’m trying to get away from just living in Uggs until March (although if you are from the East Coast, it’s pretty much inevitable). Last fall, I purchased this pair of Sam Edelman sneakers in this white & beige shade. I thought they would be a perfect minimalistic look to any pair of jeans or leggings.

Birkenstocks

It’s hilarious to me Birkenstock clogs are back in style. I wore these almost daily in high school. I haven’t yet purchased these, but am looking to add these to my capsule wardrobe soon to add variety to my shoe collection. I feel like they would be perfect paired with my A&F jeans.

Dainty Statement Jewelry

I strongly believe you can enhance an outfit by just adding a few statement jewelry pieces. I love pairing my rose gold B&T necklace with a crop top & jeans or adding a pair of gold hoops.

Oversized Sweaters & Cardigans

Of course, it’s not fall without that cozy sweater weather feeling. I love pairing them with black leggings, a warm beverage & a book in hand. They are like warm hugs! For the most part, I prefer neutral shades like beige, grey or black , but I also love wearing Halloween themed jumpers to be festive.

Water Proof Boots

On the east coast, I feel like it’s crucial to own boots that are weather resistant. Whether it’s walking through the pumpkin patch or the muddy Renaissance fair, I’m so glad to have boots that will be easy to clean. During the Nordstrom anniversary sale, I purchased a pair of black water proof ankle boots & I have a strong feeling I’ll be wearing these a lot this fall season!

Graphic Tees

During my recent declutter, I let go of a ton of old graphic t-shirts that were faded or had holds in them. I still believe we don’t need to own an entire drawer filled with graphic tees, but I do think it’s fun to own a few to make an outfit more unique. One of my favorites is my zodiac sign flower t-shirt.

Even More Inspiration

Pinterest is my favorite site for finding fashion inspiration. Here are a few photos that depict the style I’m going for lately…

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What clothing styles / pieces are you looking forward to wear this season?

-B

Minimalism, organization

30 Items You Don’t Need In Your Wardrobe

mindbeautysimplicity

Out of all the places in my home, my closet & dresser drawers are spaces I declutter most frequently. Although I’m more of an intentional person, I do love fashion & trying out different styles ever so often. With that, I tend to accumulate quite a few clothing pieces throughout the year. I no longer have the mindset of having a certain number of items in my wardrobe, but I’ve discovered types of items you definitely truly don’t need in your closet. I’ve shared a shorter list in the past on my blog, so check out that post here if you are interested. But today, I’ll be sharing with you 30 items you don’t need in your wardrobe. Yes, 30!

You Might Also Like: Listen up! You Don’t Need These Items In Your Wardrobe

1. Items That Don’t Make You Feel Confident

Life is too short to own clothing that doesn’t make you feel your best – get rid of them!

2. Items That No Longer Fit Your Present Body Type

I get it – sometimes you want to save those jeans you swear you’ll fit back into. Or on the opposite token, you save those pieces for those times you think you may need to up a size. Unless you are saving maternity clothing because you plan to have another baby soon, I don’t think it’s fair to yourself to be playing such mind games to your body. Keep what works for your present body type & leave it at that.

3. Damaged, Torn or Stained Items

As I’m writing this, I’m wearing an old t-shirt with a hole in the arm pit so it’s a reminder to myself & my readers to think twice in keeping clothing pieces of this nature. You deserve fresh ones.

4. Items That No Longer Represent Your Current Self

As we grow & evolve, so does our style sometimes. Honor those changes with regular clear outs. Say goodbye to your past self & styles.

5. Items You Are Saving For Your Future Self

In the same token, sometimes we save items for our future selves. Now, I do find this helpful in some cases, but it can also get out of hand & take up space in our closets. So, really ask yourself why you are keeping said item.

6. Items / Gifts Others Have Given You That Are of No Use To You

As appreciative as it is, sometimes gifts [ especially clothing ] from other people don’t represent ourselves. It’s ok to get rid of any of these items especially if you 100% plan not to wear them ever. What do people say, “one person’s trash is another person’s treasure.”

7. Items That Hold A Memory But You Never Wear

Either place the item in a sentimental keepsake box or get rid of it. The item is never the actual memory.

8. Trendy Items You Just Don’t Wear Or Aren’t Practical

I personally, love to stick with classic & timeless clothing pieces, but sometimes the trends get the best of me. Anything you see you are done wearing, get rid of them.

9. Colors of Items You Just Don’t Wear

I used to think I had to own every color of the rainbow & color coordinate my closet accordingly. I no longer have this mindset. If I don’t like the color yellow on me, you won’t see me in anything yellow. Period.

10. Items That Aren’t Comfortable

Whether it’s an itchy sweater, tight pants or tops, shoes you can’t walk in – yea, get rid of those items.

11. Items You Spent Tons of Money On But Don’t Wear

I know you may feel guilty for spending a certain amount of money on something, but it actually feels worse when you just let the item sit in your closet with the tags still on.

12. Outfits You Wore Once & Won’t Wear Again

Those dresses you wore to a wedding or anything you wore literally one time & will never wear again. Yea, let those pieces go to a better home.

13. Duplicates You Don’t Wear

There are some moments where having duplicates is nice in a wardrobe – like if you have a favorite sweater & want it in multiple colors. But I try to be careful with this, because it’s a fast way to feel like you have no variety in your wardrobe.

14. Clothing Pieces That Remind You of Sad Times

There’s no sense to hold onto physical baggage. Believe it or not, these material items like clothing can actually mentally cause us to hold ourselves back from moving forward.

15. Shoes That No Longer Fit

This goes along with #10 about being comfortable. There’s no sense in owning shoes that are impossible to walk in. I don’t care how pretty they are!

16. Graphic Shirts You’ve Retired To Your PJ Drawer

It’s good to give your old t-shirts a second life. But I try not to overdue this because it can quickly result in an overflowed drawer filled with shirts.

17. Robes You Never Wear

I’m not the biggest fan of robes. I just don’t really understand the point. But I think owning one is efficient if it’s your thing. Otherwise, it seems a bit excessive.

18. Slippers You Never Wear

Again, owning multiple pairs of slippers seems excessive. So, be sure you are wearing all of them on rotation or go through the collection.

19. Holiday Attire You Won’t Wear Next Year

I try to find holiday shirts that I know I’ll wear multiple years in a row. But the truth is, especially around Christmas, I always end up with tons of holiday shirts. It’s a good time for you to go through these items & get rid of ones you know you won’t wear again.

20. Socks With Holes In Them

This goes with #3 but I know [ me included] it can be easy to keep those socks with holes because it’s so easy to accumulate so many! They usually get mixed in the group & I don’t realize there’s a hole until I’m half way out the door!

21. Items You Know Someone Else Could Love

It’s better to give items you aren’t using to those who will love it even more!

22. Items That Need Fixed But Haven’t Been

Those coats that need a new zipper or those tops that are missing a button. If you haven’t yet gotten those fixed, I honestly doubt you ever will.

23. Brands You No Longer Want to Support

Whether you are trying to be more sustainable or you find a companies’ message not up to par with your morals, maybe it’s time to donate those brands & start fresh with ones that are.

24. White T-Shirts That Are No Longer White

I always like to replace my white t-shirts every season or so. Owning white t-shirts that have lost its crisp shade just aren’t fresh to wear.

25. Cheap Accessories

I try not to purchase cheaper jewelry because they usually turn my skin green or they break so easily. It’s worth investing in a few nice pieces of jewelry.

26. Belts You Don’t Use

I’m not the biggest belt person, but I feel like it’s easy to accumulate this accessory. I like to say owning a black, brown & one other shade [ possibly one with some sparkle or buckle ] are plenty for your essential wardrobe.

27. Hats You Don’t Wear

Same mindset as the belts – it’s better to have hats you definitely wear. I like to have at least one knit hat for winter time, a ball cap & a sunhat for the beach.

28. Bras or Undergarments You No Longer Like

You should only keep bras & undergarments that are flattering to you, comfortable & make you feel confident. Everything else should go. Period.

29. Clothing That Has Lots of Years On It

I’m guilty of holding onto some items for longer than expected. For example, I have a bag that is over 10 years old & has a small hole at the bottom. Maybe it’s time to replace it?

30. Items Other People Like on You, But You Don’t

It’s nice to wear certain pieces others may like on you, like a romantic partner for example. But you don’t want this to get out of hand. You want to dress for you & no one else at the end of the day. It’s called your closet for a reason.

Conclusion:

I hope this list provides the decluttering inspiration you may need to cull a proper capsule wardrobe of items you absolutely love!

-B

organization

Listen Up: You Don’t Need These Things in Your Closet

mindbeautysimplicity

I try to declutter my closet & dresser on a seasonal basis & sometimes monthly if I’m feeling extra spicy. Even though I have a relatively small collection to begin with, I believe a routine refresh is always in order. As I change & grow as an individual, so does my style. A few months ago, I posted about how I downsized my wardrobe in half & donated around five large trash bags full of clothing pieces, shoes & accessories. To read about that decluttering session, click here. Of course, the cycle of getting new items in & letting old ones out never truly stops, so I’m back with another decluttering post. I was actually requested on Twitter to talk about the things you truly don’t need in your closet to begin with & how I’ve managed to cull a capsule wardrobe in the first place. So, let’s get into the tips. Here Are Things You Don’t Need In Your Wardrobe:

  1. Items That Are Worn Out, Damaged or Stained

I’m guilty of holding onto items for far too long. As I’m writing this, I’m thinking about this worn out white t-shirt with a hole in the armpit that I wore (just around the house) the other day. I get it. Sometimes you need a few frumpy items. But you really deserve better than this. Even I know I should probably recycle that armpit holed t-shirt before I wear it out in public. Any clothing pieces that are extremely worn out (like from being over washed), stretched out or damaged in some way or another need to leave the collection. Find crisp & clean replacements so you can feel the most put together. When you look good, you feel good.

2. Those Free Event T-shirts You Were So Excited To Get

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been to an event or concert (especially in college) where I would come home with a free advertisement t-shirt & feel like I won the jackpot. Do you really need that bright red t-shirt with the AT&T logo on the back? Probably not. But again, I’ve been guilty of holding onto these types of items so I would have a proper cleaning day or painting shirt. If it’s truly necessary, leave it to only one & get rid of the rest.

3. Dresses You Wore Once & Won’t Wear Again

I try to purchase event attire that is timeless & can be worn multiple times. But there are still moments where there’s a dress or even a top that was made to be seen once & only once. Those types of items can be donated or even given to a friend. And if you are looking for other alternatives for large events, you can always rent dresses & suits online.

4. Uncomfortable Shoes & Clothing

Whether it’s an itchy sweater, ill fitting shoes or a bra that won’t stay up; there is no reason to have these pieces take up real-estate. I know these types of things would just sit in my drawers or remain hung up never been worn anyway. Get them out of here.

5. Clothing That Doesn’t Fit Your Body Type

Quit having the mindset of “oh I will fit into this one day” or “I’ll keep these just incase if I gain a bit back later.” Always just keep the pieces that work for you body type right now. Focus on the present moment instead of always worrying about the past or even the future. Why would you give space to items you won’t even wear? Keep the pieces that make you feel the most confident & get rid of the rest.

6. Colors That Don’t Suit Your Skin Undertone

For reference, I have red undertones in my skin. I look like I’m sunburnt or embarrassed even when I am not when I go makeup- less. I tend to stick with neutral shades such as white, grey & black & when I do venture to colors, I stick to Earth tones. The muted down shades compliment my skin tone & makes me feel more confident. There is no sense in owning the entire rainbow when not all the shades compliment you.

7. You Can Like It From A Far & Still Have It Not Work For You

I tend to like certain patterns or styles on other people, but when I try & mimic it on myself, I rarely like it in the same way. I’ve learned to enjoy the art of window shopping & liking things from afar but not needing it for myself. I’ve learned to be more practical with my spending choices.

8. Graphic or Juvenile T-shirts

I finally let go of my old Jurassic Park t-shirt along with a few others because I tend to get tired of logo shirts after a while. Not to say I’m too mature for them, but I did feel like I should focus on plain, solid color basics from now on. I get more use out of basics & no one has to refer me as the girl with the Kale sweatshirt as much.

9. Clothing Other People Gave You

Sometimes gifts are hits & other times they are complete misses. Don’t feel the guilt of needing to hold onto anything just because someone gave it to you. If you won’t wear it, it’s better off at a home with someone who will get use out if it then collecting dust on your hanger. Sometimes I’ll wear it once & test the waters before I completely give it away.

10. Items You Said You’d Get Altered But Never Did

And you probably never will. Most of the time, if I end up with a jacket without a zipper or a button missing, I just quickly donate it. Half the time I never remember to bring it to the cleaners. I either try to fix it myself right away or let it be someone else’s problem.

-B