The Simple Wardrobe
Simple is the best way I can summarize my approach to everything in life. That doesn’t mean I’m after cheap, fast, or easy. Instead, it’s an effort to seek out clarity, candor, and humility. It’s a continual work in process and lifelong journey, but it’s also the guiding principle of my career, home, and health. In an effort to share more of my journey, I thought it would be helpful to go back to where it all clicked for me - my closet.
First off, I’m not here to reinvent the wheel! There are a significant number of fantastic resources summarizing capsule wardrobes, ethical fashion, closet missions, etc. I am by no means an expert. Individuals, brands, and organizations of all kinds have put a tremendous amount of time and energy into this topic. I’ve listed a few of the resources I’ve found helpful over the years at the end of this post under RESOURCES. If you’re on the hunt for specific how-to’s, theory, or formulas to follow, be sure to check these out.
Instead of providing a guide or formula (spoiler alert - I don’t have one), I’m sharing a brief look into my own experience and what my closet looks like today. Everyone’s journey is unique and deserves to be assessed as such, but I’m hopeful my story sheds some light on the benefits of striving towards simple in all areas of life.
B A C K G R O U N D
My journey to simple started with my closet. It wasn’t easy, not at first anyway, but it was the one area that I could wrap my mind around simplifying. Never one to pass up a sale, I had a jam-packed closet full of clothes, many with the tags still attached, yet nothing to wear. In August 2014, I decided it was time for a change and completely overhauled my closet. I was inspired by the Capsule Wardrobe as detailed by Caroline Joy of Un-fancy. I sold/donated all of my clothes, keeping just 37 items (excluding accessories, pajamas, workout clothes, and undergarments). Yes, really. 37! A bit radical, I’ll admit, but it has proven to be one of the most influential and pivotal moments of my life. The theory consists of limiting your wardrobe to 37 pieces for a three month period (one season). A new set of 37 items are then selected for the next season - reusing as many items as possible in each capsule.
The Big Purge
This photo is from August 2014 and shows the back of my SUV loaded to the brim with clothes, shoes, and accessories I sold/donated.
I followed this theory for six months (two seasons) and then transitioned into a broadened approach. I found I needed more flexibility in my attire given the unpredictability of weather in Indiana, and I was haphazardly buying pieces just to hit the 37 number as a new season approached (not the point of the exercise), so I transitioned to a 50-piece year-round wardrobe. I would add an additional 10 pieces each season - things like swimsuits, winter coats, rain boots, tank tops, shorts, etc. I followed this theory for about a year until I ultimately transitioned to the wardrobe I have today. In the years since, I’ve also dabbled in the 10x10 Challenge created by Lee Vosburgh.
T O D A Y
So what methodology am I following today? I don’t have one. Ha! Six+ years ago, I found these minimalist strategies and theories really intriguing. It was a way for me to critically assess my needs versus wants and truly pare down, once and for all. Do I think these are sustainable methods to follow forever? They could be, but it wasn’t for me. It was, however, a great teacher. There hasn’t been a SINGLE DAY I’ve regretted getting rid of all that stuff. Not one. Even in the years since, I’ve never missed an item I purged. In fact, I’ve found keeping things I don’t really love or need causes me way more stress than getting rid of it.
I no longer stick to a strict number of garments, but I do keep a simple wardrobe. I’m passionate about supporting great brands, especially those rooted in ethical, transparent and sustainable practices, and I WEAR my clothes, so it’s important that they are of high quality. I also have a really good handle on my personal style, something I directly contribute to all of the time and energy I put into those methodologies. Are all of my clothes expensive, ethical/sustainable, and forever purchases? Absolutely not. But I do try to make conscious choices about what is going to serve me well for the long haul.
So with all of that said, I’m guessing the reason you’re really here is because you want to know what the heck is in my closet! Well let’s take a look.
M Y C L O S E T
A complete list of EVERYTHING in my closet can be found on THIS PAGE. I keep this updated at all times, so this is the best resource in regards to my wardrobe.
As of the go-live date of this post, I own the following quantities (I haven’t tallied my closet in the years since the initial purge, so this was interesting!):
TOPS: 31
BOTTOMS: 7
DRESSES / JUMPSUITS: 1
PAJAMAS / LOUNGE: 11
ACTIVEWEAR / SWIM : 9
OUTERWEAR: 8
SOCKS / UNDIES / BRAS: 40
SHOES: 16
ACCESSORIES: 15
TOTAL: 138
After all this time, I’ve come to find that total item count isn’t all that important to determining a “good” or “bad” closet. I don’t think anyone needs tons of items to make a great wardrobe, but if one person feels best with 10 pairs of jeans and another person only needs 2, that’s totally fine. Figure out what truly WORKS for your lifestyle and stick to it. You do you.
I’m feeling fairly content with my wardrobe at current, although I’ll admit my transition away from the corporate world, the crazy year of 2020, my journey into motherhood, and an evolving acceptance and appreciation for my own style have really made me keenly aware of what works and what doesn’t. I’ve purged more this year than I have any year since the initial purge in 2014 (I sell on Ebay), but I also feel most content for the first time I can remember. The following items are on my current wishlist: dress, replacement tennis shoes (my very favorite running shoes have been discontinued!), warm workout leggings, and another pair of denim. It’s a continual work in process.
As I said, a complete list of everything in my closet can be found on THIS PAGE. If I were to narrow my wardrobe down to a few staples, however, the items shown below would be my top picks. These items are my most worn pieces and truly define what I feel most comfortable, confident, and like myself when wearing.
C L O S E T S T A P L E S
Denim Shirt - I wear a denim or chambray shirt more than any other piece of clothing I own. I love the versatility, the extra warmth it adds, and the durability. I actually still own the first chambray shirt I ever bought back in college from J.Crew Factory. It has holes in both elbows and is thread bare, but I continue to wear it religiously.
Backpack - Since Marin was born, this is the only bag I’ve carried. It looks great, is comfortable, and holds an incredible amount of stuff - diapers, snacks, and outfit changes included.
Cotton Tank - I love the fit, color, and texture of this tank. It’s perfect year round.
Day Boot - The most comfortable boots I own, no contest. These look great and are as soft as butter.
Army Jacket - A perfect weight jacket for year-round wear that looks great with anything. I basically lived in this jacket through-out my pregnancy!
Birkenstocks - My absolute favorite pair of shoes. If I HAD to get rid of every single pair of shoes and keep just one, these would be it.
Jamie Jeans - 100% cotton jeans take a little breaking in, but they soon mold to your body for the perfect fit. AGOLDE jeans are worth the investment, just be sure to buy them TIGHT because they will most definitely stretch.
Gauze Top - The dressier version of a t-shirt, a top with a bit of structure in a natural fabric (cotton, linen, etc.) is a necessity for me. They wash well, work for any season, and hold up to lots of wear.
Knit Flats - When wearing Birkenstocks isn’t appropriate, I opt for these flats. The color is great, they are incredibly comfortable, and the pointed toe is very flattering.
Denim Shorts - The best pair of shorts I’ve ever owned. Love them! Worth every penny.
Cashmere Sweater - I’m a sucker for a great shade of green. This sweater is warm, not itchy at all, and looks great with everything. It doesn’t pill or stretch out with wear.
Blundstone - These are my outdoor shoes and they are perfect in rain, snow, and mud. I like that the small heel dresses them up just a bit for everyday wear, but they are still extremely comfortable and easy to wear for even the dirtiest jobs outside.
F A Q
I polled my Instagram audience at the end of October 2020 asking what questions anyone had about my closet/wardrobe. Here is a summary of those questions and answers.
Which pieces are really investment worthy? How do you give yourself permission to spend more money on one item?
I suppose it depends on your needs. For me? Shoes and denim. These are the items I feel confident in investing more money because I wear them so often throughout the year and, when of high quality, they last a really long time. Also, when you have a killer pair of jeans and an awesome pair of shoes, even a $5 tee looks great.
Do you consider fabric content?
Absolutely. I have sensitive skin, so I always layer a cotton tee (this one in my fav) under a wool sweater. Searching a website by fabric content is also a great way to find nice options on even the most inexpensive websites like Zara or H&M. I often search “linen” and find great tops or dresses.
Favorite Brands? Best place to buy quality pieces? What type of brands do you invest in?
There are so many amazing brands in the world doing so many wonderful things. It’s actually kind of overwhelming. These are the brands (A-Z order) I have found over the last 5-6 years that fit me well, are at a price point I can justify, provide quality products, and touch on ethical/transparent/sustainable practices.
AGOLDE - My very favorite denim brand. Flattering, most styles are 100% cotton, and they hold up really well. They are well worth the investment. If you’re looking for 100% cotton but a bit less expensive, consider Levi’s.
Birkenstock - The most comfortable sandals I’ve ever worn.
Blundstone - Amazing outdoor footwear that stands the test of time. Tyler and I both wear them and as soon as Marin is big enough, I’ll buy her a pair too.
Elizabeth Suzann Studio - Elizabeth Suzann was one of many brands to dissolve amidst the pandemic but Liz, the founder, returned in December 2020 at a much smaller scale with an updated brand named Elizabeth Suzann Studio. I’ve had several pieces over the years, but the Petra Crop and Linn Tee are my favorites.
Everlane - Their clothes continue to be a mainstay in my closet. They fit me well, are fairly affordable, hold up extremely well, and have helped define my style over the years. I love their boots - comfortable, extremely high quality, and make any outfit look great.
Madewell - I try to support other brands first, but I’ll admit the jackets from Madewell fit me the best of any brand I’ve tried. I’ve also had good luck with a few “fun” tops from here at a great price in natural fabrics.
Patagonia - The best outerwear for the whole family! Be sure to also check out Worn Wear for gently used Patagonia items at a great price.
Smartwool - Great socks!
United By Blue - We love their Bison Trail Socks for the colder months. Tyler and I both wear them.
Guidelines for adding new pieces to your wardrobe?
Every piece in my closet has to serve multiple functions. My clothes may not make a statement on the rack, but how many times are you really going to wear a magenta ruffly top? My grey tee, however, now that thing will never go out of style and looks great with anything.
Sweaters that don’t pill?
I’ve had great luck with all of my sweaters from Everlane. I also rarely wash my sweaters. Instead, I opt to wear light cotton tees underneath and spot clean messes ASAP.
“What if I buy X and it’s more expensive and I ruin it so I buy Y?”
I’ve rarely found a high quality item in a great fabric that is truly ruined. Silk? Maybe. Wool? You can easily shrink it, yes. But denim, cotton, leather, or linen? I say spend the extra money. If they are truly good quality, they will clean up with ease.
How to dress minimally but with style? How do you make different outfits? Do you find yourself in the same outfit combos often or mix it up?
If you have a few GREAT basics, you can make endless outfits. A packed closet most definitely doesn’t equal better style. It just means more options which also usually means people tend to go back to the same old things anyway. Find great pieces that are simple, comfortable and flattering, and you’ll never be bored.
How often do you buy new clothes? How often do you change out items for new ones and why? Do your pieces stand up to repeated wearings or is there always something to replace?
I don’t look at my closet with a forecasted plan. I tend to buy new items when I find something I really like or when something needs replaced. I’ll often add it to my Pinterest “w i s h l i s t” board first. If I’m still thinking about it a few days/weeks later, I’ll give it a try. I also have a board called “i n m y c l o s e t” which has been really helpful over the years to see all of my wardrobe in one place. I often add something I plan to buy to see if it coordinates with what I already own. It’s a great way to visualize everything you have all in one place.
Formal attire? Special events?
This is a great question! I don’t have a great answer, though. Ha. I own ZERO dresses right now. I’m on the hunt, but I just can’t find a darn thing I like! With that said, I’ve found I have very little need for anything formal in my life. I do have a linen jumpsuit that dresses up nicely in the warmer months, but I’m hopeful I can find a great dress that is extremely versatile one of these days. You could also consider utilizing an online clothing rental site like Rent The Runway. They have a lot of formal attire that you can rent for a fraction of the retail price and then send back after the event. They even have maternity wear!
Can you estimate your yearly clothing budget?
This is a great question, but I actually have no idea. I’m a saver, not a spender, so shelling out money for items is a big feat for me. I’ve never found the need to actually budget for clothing because I buy so little. I also sell clothing online if it’s no longer serving me well, so at the end of the day, I would guess I even out to around the $500 mark.
Something else to consider… if you buy high quality pieces from reputable brands, the likelihood that you can turn around and sell them for a decent amount is much higher. I can sell a pair of AGOLDE jeans much easier and for more money than a pair from Madewell, for example.
Decision process for getting rid of clothing?
I know how hard it can be to let things go, but at the end of the day, I would rather own five pieces that I LOVE and feel GREAT in than a closet filled to the brim with STUFF. I know that’s easier said than done, but I’m here to tell you from first hand experience, if you actually do it, it’s enlightening. Like a giant light bulb moment! I have never regretted a single thing I’ve purged. EVER.
I also just wanted to mention that I’ve been working at this for over six years now. It gets far easier with time if you stick with it. It feels second nature now. In fact, I may go a little too far at times. I crave simplicity and strive for perfection, so if an item in my closet isn’t darn near perfect for my needs, I often opt to purge which may not always be the healthiest or most sustainable solution either. Like I said, it’s a continual work in process!
What do you do with the clothing you don’t want? Sell? Donate?
When I purged my closet in 2014, I sold quite a few items at a local resale shop and the rest was donated to the women’s shelter. These days, I sell most items on Ebay and anything unsold after several months is donated.
Work with what you already have or start from scratch?
I would most definitely work with what you have. Purge what you can but don’t buy new until you identify a hole in your wardrobe and then then find the perfect piece. For instance, if all of your jeans suck, keep one pair - the best ones you have. Keep wearing them until you find the perfect pair! Don’t settle.
Where do you start? How do you not spend a fortune? How do you choose items?
Be sure to check out some of the RESOURCES at the end of this post for help with these questions. I have a lot of thoughts, but I’m guessing a formula or cut and dry methodology would be more helpful to get started.
How often do you do laundry? How do you care for clothing?
I very rarely wash denim or sweaters. I actually wear most items multiple times before washing. The exception would be undergarments, tees (like when worn under a sweater), leggings, workout, etc.
Where do you keep out of season and special purpose (ski, maternity, etc.) clothes?
Just about everything stays in our main closet the majority of the year. The only exceptions are winter coats, winter boots, and sweaters. During the warmer months, I store those in our guest bedroom closet. The same goes for any other specialty purpose items. All of my maternity clothes (what few I had) are also stored in a bin at the very top of the closet in our guest bedroom.
Dealing with changing seasons, work vs at home attire?
This was a much bigger feat when I started out all those years ago. I worked in a corporate environment that still required professional dress, so I needed a variety of clothes for a lot of different occasions and seasons. When my workplace went casual (jeans allowed), everything shifted and my wardrobe size decreased dramatically. Suddenly what I wore to work and what I wore on the weekend became one in the same. As I started working from home more and more, my needs continually decrease with it.
I still get dressed every day, even now that I’m no longer working my corporate job, and I simply dress in layers. I may wear the same tank year round, but I just wear a denim shirt and a vest on top in the colder months.
How has your body/style/clothing changed since having a baby?
I don’t know that my style has changed all that much since having a baby, I’m just much more keenly aware of what I like and what works - I don’t have time for anything else!
In regards to my body, things have definitely changed. My Mom always used to say that she got smaller after every kid (she had five), and I have to agree. I’m softer and less muscular than before Marin, but my bone structure actually got much slimmer after birth. I know so many people have wider hips, but my frame is actually more narrow, so I’m relearning what sizes and brands work for my body now.
IKEA Closet specifics - cost, design, etc.
We customized all of the closets in our home using the PAX system from IKEA. You can use their online planner to mimic your exact space and figure out what configuration works best.
Our main bedroom closet is ~5.5’ W x 9’ L.
Cost: I would estimate between the units and all of the organization we’ve added over the years (shelves, drawers, pant hangers, bins, hangers, etc.), our closet totals around $600.
Since our space was enclosed but still a relatively small footprint, we opted to use the narrow PAX system (~14” deep") to maximize our space. The narrow system uses a hanging rod that sticks straight out to hang clothes, but since we didn’t plan to add doors to the system, we opted for the normal horizontal hanging rod that comes in the standard depth PAX system. This means our hangers stick out past the edge of the units, but it also means we could fit more units in our small space.
FYI - If you can make the standard depth PAX system work, I would definitely use it. We used the standard depth in both our guest bedroom and Marin’s bedroom. The drawers are MUCH bigger with this size, so you can store a lot more stuff. If you have a small space like we did, however, the narrow depth is a great option.
We have slowly added additional organization to the closet over the last few years. The drawers can really add up, so we opted for just a few rods and shelves to start. You can always add on later!
R E S O U R C E S
BLOGS / WEBSITES
Fantastic resources with LOTS of detailed information, templates, formulas, etc.!
“How to Build a Capsule Wardrobe” by Caroline Joy
Closet Mission by Lee Vosburgh - creator of the popular 10x10 Challenge
Be More with Less by Courtney Carver - author of Project 333
The Good Trade - dedicated to sustainable fashion and lifestyle content
VETTA - brand focused on creating capsule wardrobes
INSTAGRAM ACCOUNTS
Style accounts that I follow on IG that provide great advice and content regarding simplified wardrobes.
This post is not sponsored or in partnership with any of the aforementioned brands but the article contains affiliate links. When you shop via the links above I may make commission on a sale at no additional cost to you. All opinions are my own.