I couldn’t believe how much things I have accumulated over the years this is including bags, shoes, bras,hats, random outfits, clothing, glasses etc I believe I had over 5,000 items insane right. But because of videos like this it inspired me to become more of a minimalist and so now my wardrobe consist of 100 items. I can’t believe I made it this far with only 1 year progress. Thank you for making this video
You are such an inspiration and I love the style of your videos. Straight forward, no unnecessary babbling around, hands on, on the point and visible results. Thank you so much!
Listening to you as you describe your thought process when decluttering is very helpful. I have those not-quite-perfect-for-me pieces too and it’s time to say thank you and goodbye to them.
Good plan, and it's definitely nice to thank the items. I tried on that embroidered sweater before I filmed this video, hoping the fit had somehow magically improved. Alas, it didn't. I still love that sweater, but I hope it finds a new home on someone with narrower shoulders ; )
Yayyyyyyyyy decluttering 😆🤣 I love how you explain why you are getting rid of items so simply. It's funny how we overlook certain details about an item because we like that one thing about it so much 😂I have to laugh because I still do it. Fit should be primary and other details secondary
A few years ago, I remember going shopping and I'd stand in the fitting room and notice all sorts of things that I didn't like about a garment, but I still bought them anyway because something was right or it was "good enough." That thought horrifies me now; I can never go back!
Ha! ...Well, now that you mention it, you could take everything in your closet, chuck it out, and only keep what remains in your laundry basket, since you already know those are items that you wear! Just kidding, but it is a good method to identify what you wear most often.
My aim for this week is to make a comprehensive list of all my clothes and attempt to declutter anything that doesnt look good on me or make me feel good!
That sounds great! I actually keep a running inventory of all of my clothing. Now that I have a small wardrobe, it's not daunting. I use Google Keep for all my lists (groceries, to dos, clothing), in case you're looking for recommendations. It's not fancy, but it's convenient and works between mobile and desktop.
I'm actually decluttering my wardrobe right now. I took a break to come watch this video! I'm aiming to get my clothing down to this size :) I'll probably be filming the clothes I got rid of as well
Nice! Of course, disclaimer disclaimer, what works for me may not work for you, so what I do need not be a template for anyone else. That said, it sounds like you know what you want, so best of luck achieving it!
Good on you for being able to let go. I admire you for being able to do it. I am down to aprox 50 now and there will be some more going. But I don't think I will go under 40. Just feels very limited to me (I love mixing and having a choice). But thinking about it now that I'm writing..... there are quite a few items I have kept just with that reasoning and I have not worn them. So maybe it's all in my head and I am hanging on to old habits... hm. Well thank you for getting me started in the right direction again. Best,
When I got down to 50, I thought it was the perfect amount for me. After a few months, I realized I wasn't wearing all of them, so I dropped down to 40, and, again, I thought that was the perfect number for me... Six months later, I'm down to 32. I'm not actively trying to shrink my wardrobe any further--I just declutter when it feels right. All that said, 40-50 items is great if you like options but still want a relatively small wardrobe. It looks neat and spartan when you stand back, but, in reality, it's more than enough clothing. Good luck if you decide to declutter further!
"Noise in my closet" ...loved that one lol! You are so inspiring! Also, love the way you speak, so clearly and accurate, excellent to practice my listening (I am an English/Minimalism teacher here in Brazil). Keep up the awesome job!
100 is still great! In my first video ever, I started with 118 items, and it took a while for me to work from the giant pile you saw in this video to 118. There's no magic number. If 100 works for you and your goals, that's great! CurlyVeggie, I literally just left this exact reply to someone else, but it might be food for thought for you too: I recently stumbled across someone on Pinterest with a minimalist wardrobe (www.jessicarosewilliams.com/minimal-capsule-wardrobe-year-round/) and she lives in the Peak District in England (I just creeped on her About page). She has 32 items total, including bags and shoes. For daywear, she has 21 pieces of actual clothing. It's not a competition and what works for one person might not work for the next, but it does show that it is possible, even if you live somewhere cold.
Don't feel too bad about those black jeans! We learn from our mistakes, and in the words of Jane to Daria, "You might just join the human race after all!". Although it's ideal to not aquire anything that doesn't work out, I think buying only one regrettable item in six months is pretty good.
You're right--buying one pair of jeans that didn't work out is definitely not the end of the world. I'm not actually losing sleep over them, but they did sort of taunt me when I saw them in my closet. Since that purchase, I've probably tried on at least 20 pairs of black jeans, looking for the right ones, and I think I may have found them. I'm going to try them on a few more times to make sure, but, fingers crossed, the search may finally be over!
I love your thinking process and how strategic you’re with your clothes. I’ve noticed that which each decluttering the overall quality and usability of my wardrobe improves despite having fewer pieces.
Thanks! I've noticed the same thing. It almost doesn't feel like my wardrobe has changed much since this declutter (I filmed it about a week ago) because I was only reaching for the pieces I ended up keeping anyway, so all I did was remove the noise, remove the things I wasn't using. It's now much easier to "grab and go." I don't have those tiny internal debates over whether or not I should force myself to wear the items that didn't look great on me, because all those things are gone now!
Lol! "Your videos are so calm... what happens when your clothes are the opposite?!" I'm not sure I can pull off that video, as I don't have the wardrobe to talk about it, but I have a few thoughts: (1) I have a video on color in a minimalist wardrobe (th-cam.com/video/dpC_DEt0pc0/w-d-xo.html). It might be helpful. (2) I can imagine that one could have a very small wardrobe with lots of color and pattern, but you'd probably have to be or become very good at styling and mixing colors and patterns to sustain it for a long time. I think about Mondo Guerra from Project Runway. He's a genius at mixing pattern. (3) Whether or not this is a concern depends on your taste, but, depending on the colors and patterns you're working with, it could be more challenging to make them work for all seasons. Having a few good basics and optimizing the proportion of items that you have for specific seasons could make that not an issue though. Best of luck!
I've realized I have way too many things a while ago. I've been through every room in our apartment since then, trying to find stuff I don't like or use. Decluttering the kitchen was not so hard but going through my closet was the scariest thing ever. I'm trying to tackle things as I feel ready for them and your channel is an inspiration not to give up. Thank you!
Aww, thanks! I'm glad the videos are useful to you. I definitely agree with taking things slowly/at the right pace for you. As I've decluttered, I've found that my opinions on my possessions has changed with time, and items that I thought were necessary one month or season or year seem completely useless to me by the next. Instead of stressing myself out and forcing myself to part with something when I'm not ready, I wait until I am, and then I can make that decision without being stressed about it, and, by that time, I know it's the right decision.
Thanks! Just throwing this out there: it's not a competition, there is no predetermined finish line, and what works for me may not work for you. As I said here, I used to declutter every season, which felt right at the time, but, now that my wardrobe is smaller, I feel compelled to declutter less frequently. Just do what feels right!
Brilliant, VI! I’m so impressed. I think about my clothes the same way you do and am quick to declutter the noise. Sometimes I make mistakes when buying, but I don’t sweat it and just try again when it becomes a need.
Thanks! Yeah, mistakes happen, but they can be positive if we learn from them. I've been even more particular since that slip up, and I suppose I've even learned that I don't even really need black jeans in the summer, since I haven't been wearing the "mistake jeans." I do think I'll want a pair come winter though, as I typically wear black jeans all the time with boots.
Once again, you’ve inspired me to downsize my wardrobe even more. I work part-time in a fitting room and thought I needed more slacks for work but seeing that you survive happily with just 2 pairs makes me think I can, too! Thanks so much. You’ve just saved me some money 😉
Thanks! That's great! I filmed what I wore every day last week, and I wore the same black pants to work each day. (Haven't yet edited the video.) On the last day of filming the clips, I realized that seeing so little variation every day might be boring to some, but it's the truth, it's what I wore, so maybe some will find it useful. PS I too used to work in a fitting room (well, a department store, so I was often working fitting rooms). I have so many horror stories. Thank you for dealing with the terrible things people do there.
would love to see another video of your outfits and how yoy wear them....so enjoy all you do! just decluttered my closet today and got rid of about 4 garbage bags full!!
Thanks! I actually filmed everything I wore last week, I just need to sit down and edit it. Congratulations on your declutter!!! That sounds amazing! I realize this is completely unsolicited advice, but, if you're looking for responsible ways to get rid of that clothing, here are some suggestions: th-cam.com/video/kVVqCAZ3ABU/w-d-xo.html
It's interesting to me how much more certain issues (miscut hems, awkward fit, etc.) stand out when you pare down your wardrobe. For me, texture was a big one, and that drove my shift toward natural fabrics, but I'm also kind of amazed that I was able to wear certain things for many years without noticing that, say, the shoulder seams actually hit almost at my biceps, or the stripes were utterly misaligned down the midline of the garment.
I remember buying a shirt at a discount store like a Marshalls or TJMaxx once where the hem was so badly cut, it could have been mistaken for intentionally asymmetrical. It was a linen shirt and somewhat oversized, so I found the hem endearing for a while, but eventually it became unbearable.
I'm a petite too, if the only issue is the sleeves I often get them tailored to the right length for not much money. I did this recently when I realized I didn't wear certain jackets because they "fit funny" and finally figured out the sleeves were what threw it all off. Now I reach for them all the time! LOVE your videos :)
Thanks! I get things tailored fairly regularly as well, but for the number and types of seams that would be involved to tailor this coat, I think it would be more cost effective to just buy another. Plus the red makes me look like Minnie Mouse when I wear it with black pants, which is all the time in the winter. : /
I love that star shirt. It actually has a fit issue too (it's way too long in the back), but I'm going to get it tailored as I have no intention of parting with it.
You have inspired me to go back to my wardrobe and count my pieces so I know what I have. I wear dresses and skirts, so that adds two more categories. Also, I was not previously counting outerwear. I did a first massive declutter about two years ago and probably got rid of 100+ items, but I am guessing that I still have over 150. Maybe my first goal will be to get under 100 and then winnow down from there. I tried using the capsule wardrobe approach from Classy yet Trendy, but I was still buying things and not really adhering only to the "capsule" so I think I need a different tactic.
I 1000% recommend a shopping fast. Once I stopped shopping regularly, it changed everything. Now I only shop a few times a year when I've clearly identified what it is that I want to buy before I even set foot in a store, and my wardrobe count has only gone down--each time honing in more and more on the things I get the most use out of. When I first started this channel, I had 118 items of clothing, and I was not counting outerwear at the time either. Now I have 33 items, including outerwear. I pared down once a season, gave myself time to live with what I had left, and then, when the next season rolled around, I could easily see what I was and wasn't wearing, which made it easy to make those decisions. Best of luck and do give a shopping fast a try! I have a video on it here: th-cam.com/video/TErxlYoYD-k/w-d-xo.html
Another great video. I would suggest, if you still like the red coat, to take it to a tailor. It might be a wiser choice than starting from scratch looking for a new one. Just a thought.
I'm not a tailor, but I imagine that, when you factor in the type and number of seams that would need to be altered, plus lining, it would be more cost effective to get a new coat. Plus, I wear black jeans and black boots constantly in the winter, so, with a red coat on top, I look a bit like Minnie Mouse...
I really enjoy your take on decluttering clothes (and other items for that matter) and wish I could get down to 50 pieces or so. I just find it hard to declutter clothes that I like even though they don't fit me exactly right; usually I end up spending the money to get it altered. I have quit buying clothes that just are acceptable ("make do" types of clothing) so for me that is a major achievement. I keep some clothes because I just love them so I wear them in spite of some imperfection. For example, I have a black blouse that I've had for over 10 years-- and the only problem with it was that the color was a bit faded. But I liked it so much that I redyed it black and now it's almost like new. I really like your logical approach but I realize that maybe that is just not my way. Live and learn.
Everyone is different. What I do works for me, but it isn't a one-size-fits-all formula. I think it's great that you've stopped buying those "good enough" items from stores. I used to buy things all the time that weren't perfect or something about them annoyed me, but I justified the purchases anyway because I liked some aspect about them... just thinking about how I used to shop makes me shudder! I'm not sure that I said this in the video, but I've owned many of my items for years and they're holding up nicely, so I definitely agree with you that we should get as much use out of our clothing as possible, my one caveat being that, if we don't actually like the items, we won't wear them, which does no one any good. I describe something called WIBTESIARNT in other videos: the "would I buy this exact same items again right now" test that can be useful for paring down a wardrobe. It sounds like you do really love some of your items, but, if you want a smaller wardrobe and you're having trouble knowing what to let go of, it could be useful to try WIBTESIARNT and see if some of those imperfect items don't pass the test. It's a way to retroactively apply your new shopping philosophy back on what you already own. You can also do it just for fun, with no requirement to get rid of things that don't pass the test, just to see what you'd end up with. I did this before and ended up with something crazy like 14 items. I kept more than those 14 items, but it gave me a new way to think about my clothes. Good luck!
Thanks for your thoughtful reply. I did try your WIBTESIARNT idea and found that I would still buy most of the clothes I have left (after KonMari, I found that the things that remain were the high quality items that I had often set aside because I loved them too much!!!). Maybe it will simply take more time for me to pare down further (just wait till the clothing gets worn out and then recycle/discard)... and I guess I shouldn't think there is some "magic" number I need to get to. These days if I find some fitting problem with what I have, I have them altered (despite the cost because I like them so much). I will be having a coat that I have had for 20 years shortened so I will wear it more often (it's great quality cashmere and I still love it except for the length). The other reason I get things altered these days is I am too lazy to spend time shopping online or in stores and the tailor I found does excellent work. I'd rather spend my time doing anything but shopping for clothes. Of course, some day, I will have to again but, by then, I may end up being like the MInimalists! : )
That's great! I love my tailored items. I mean, I don't love that they didn't fit me perfectly off the rack, but it's a really nice feeling to have something literally altered just for you, to perfectly fit your body. I'm glad you're so committed to your clothing and are willing to do what it takes to make them work for you for a long time!
Thanks for the video! I always find them both calming and inspirational! It has been fun to follow your journey. Now I'm motivated to see what noise I can get out of my wardrobe too!!
Great video! Love listening to your reasoning - inspires me to question my own reasons for keeping more than I need. My favourite black jeans are from Loft - both substantial and comfy. Loved them so much that bought them in white as well. Good luck hunting for the perfect peacoat and black jeans! always looking forward to your videos - you are doing such a great job...
I love Loft (and regular Ann Taylor and Banana) because they actually stock petite clothing in store, so they are one of my go-tos. The black pants I kept are from Loft. If they ever stop making the skinny Marisa ankle pants, I will cry. I haven't actually tried their jeans though, so maybe I should give them a go.
Great. Hope you like them. And I'll definitely give Loft pants a try. I want to thank you. After watching your video yesterday, I did a complete wardrobe declutter (3 hrs) and feeling inspired to give it another go some time down the road. I never would've done it, had it not been for your inspiring video and chat. Thanks for being awesome, and have a great week!
Greetings from Hong Kong, love your videos! I come to your channel because I want to get some ideas on how to declutter my closet. But after watching your videos, I think I am not ready yet. I have a capsule wardrobe for the first 30 years of my life, I didn't do it on purpose, it's just because my home is so small that I can only have a 70cm wide closet. And my job need business formal dressing. So you can imagine how minimal my wardrobe was. Until 15 years ago, I got a little bit bigger closet, then I dare to expand the number of clothes ( I think I have 200+ pieces now). When I watch you share how to keep decluttering your clothes , I try to imagine what if I have 50 clothes only. I don't like this feeling because it brings me to the "bad" old days. Maybe a minimalist approach is just too extreme for me. Though your approach is not suitable for me, your video is inspiring and practical! (sorry for my poor English)
No worries--your English is great! A small wardrobe like mine may not be everyone's preference, but it certainly is possible to do if you want to. In my very first video, I worked my way down from 118 items to 50, but before that I had a ton of clothes, and it took me about a year to whittle it down to 118. I like to declutter every season and then give myself time to live with what I have left, and that slow process has worked for me. It sounds like you're interested in but also a little scared of minimalism. If this is the case, I suggest taking some time to think about what your goals are. What is it that you are trying to achieve? I think everyone can benefit from minimalism, but minimalism can look different to different people, so understanding what you goals are is critical. Actually, I just posted a video about goals, so maybe that will help. Anyway, best of luck!!
It seems to me you did a good job 👏 BUT unless I see how you put together the items you kept for this particular season I have my doubts on how this will work in real life. You really inspire me!!!
Doubts about what? The things I got rid of are things that I rarely or never wore anyway, so, effectively, the parts of my wardrobe that I actually used stayed the same. As those items have worked for me for the past year (a year of having 50 or fewer items, though I've owned most of them for longer), I should be safe.
Recently I’ve been getting rid of so much stuff and I don’t know what’s come over me but I really just don’t like having a bunch of stuff. my problem is that I love fashion! And I love to thrift. And I go a lot. But now I’m super extra picky about what I buy there now. Because I’ve had it happen where I buy things just because I get excited or it’s cheap or because of the brand I found thrifting... bad ideas. To have a small curated clothes is awesome.
I have a youtube channel about clothes, so I definitely understand appreciating them! It sounds like you've identified what habits you want to work on, so you seem like you're on the right path if you want to maintain a small wardrobe, but here are a few unsolicited thoughts: One of my favorite minimalist ideas is the idea that you don't have to own something to appreciate it. I also think about fashion designers like Michael Kors or Vera Wang who clearly love clothes, but they personally decide to dress very simply. Of course, you can wear whatever you want; clothing should be fun; and YOLO; but I think there's a difference between knowing / loving something and needing to possess it.
Vested Interests that’s a really interesting thought. And you’re right you don’t have to have something to appreciate it. Hmm... mind blown to be honest I think I’ll even apply this to other aspects of my life too. So thank yoh
I've had thousands of clothes given by family and relatives from abroad. Never thought that your videos were the only thing that could jumpstart my mood to start curating my wardrobe. Can't thank you enough cause though i still have more clothes than a hundred, i know i love all my clothes and feel happy when i wear them.
Thank you so much! That's so sweet to hear. What works for me may not be right for you, and numbers don't really matter anyway--it's all about having the right amount and the right items for you. I'm so glad to hear you're happy in your clothes!
Do you have a video that shows your casual wardrobe? Or exercise clothes? Shoes? Curious how many pieces you have for those categories too. This video really helped me imagine possibilities. Thank you!
Oh never mind, I found so many of those types of videos you’ve done :) Excited to follow your channel more closely! You are so calm and knowledgeable 🙏🏼
Morning. Always an inspiration! Re-watching this and doing a second round of gentle wardrobe decluttering later today. Wish me luck. I'm in the very beginning of culling my wardrobe. I want to be you when I grow up :::( This is so helpful. Hope you have a great week, and thanks for the inspiration and the tips.
Aww, very kind of you to notice and comment. The university hired a professional photographer for the article they wrote about me - otherwise, i'd never get a professional photo like this. I've done three rounds of gentle decluttering so far, and each time, it gets easier and more focused and less intimidating. I truly admire how focused your wardrobe is, and I will get there eventually, but I'm taking it slow and being gentle with myself and my wardrobe during my wardrobe tune-ups :) Hope you have a great week! I've been wanting to ask you forever, what's your name? I'm Natalya. I completely understand if you don't want to share it on a public platform like this, but I just wanted to ask :)
Thanks! Natalya is actually one of my favorite names, so congrats on winning the baby name lottery with that one! I'm not ready to share mine / I'm not sure if I ever will. I have an online presence of sorts for my day job, and I'm trying to keep what I do here separate from my personal and professional life, which is tricky business when it's all on the internet. This hasn't happened yet, but I'm afraid that, one day, someone who watches my videos will see me at a coffee shop, and, of course, on that day, I'll be a complete mess and fumble with my words while a barista screams my name to announce that my order is ready. Fingers crossed that day never comes, but it does make me think twice before going to Starbucks with greasy hair...
hahahaha!!! hilarious... and I totally get it. I figured there was a reason you never introduced yourself by your first name. Thanks for the compliment on the name, and for sharing yourself with us like you do... with honesty and integrity. And I also love it when your lovely kitten makes a cameo. She is a little youtube star as well! Have a great week!
Have you tried Madewell for black jeans? I bought the Roadtripper Jean in Bennett Black last year and I still wear them all the time. They're a tight fit like a jegging but are stretchy jeans and don't stretch out so you can wear them a bunch between washes.
I haven't tried the roadtrippers, but I tried the petite high waisted skinny jeans in the ISKO "stay black" material. They were ok on me, but I didn't feel that were $120 of "ok." I just the roadtrippers up, and I think the cotton percentage might be a bit low for what I'm looking for, but I'll probably give Madewell a try again in the future. Good to know they hold their shape between washes! That's very important to me!
Love your videos!!!! Your jeans always look so nice on you, what brand are they? I hate jean shopping so I might just be using you as my shortcut😉 Thank you for sharing your decluttering wisdom with all of us. I would love to see how you mix and match your outfits. Thank you!!!!!!! 😃
I have one pair of jeans from American Eagle (from years and years ago, they changed their fit model, so their new jeans don't work on me anymore), one pair of Hoxton cropped ankle jeans from Paige (for ladies with no hips or bum like me, Paige is amazing, check them out if you're in the same boat, thank me later), and I recently picked up a pair of black jeans from Gap (mid-rise, true skinny, infinity stretch) that are skinny but not skin tight, so they work perfectly to balance out heavier items on the upper body in the cold months. And I have one pair of pants from Ann Taylor Loft (Marisa skinny ankle pants). When you own few items of clothing, it's easy to remember what you have!
I recently stumbled across someone on Pinterest with a minimalist wardrobe (www.jessicarosewilliams.com/minimal-capsule-wardrobe-year-round/) and she lives in the Peak District (I just creeped on her About page). She has 32 items total, including bags and shoes. For daywear, she has 21 pieces of actual clothing. It's not a competition and what works for one person might not work for the next, but it does show that it is possible, even if you live somewhere cold.
I love your videos! You really inspire me to be ruthless. I am on my second round of the 30-day challenge, thanks to your videos. I am curious how many pajamas you have. I have been decluttering my clothing, but pajamas are my weakness. ;)
That's awesome! I hope you're enjoying the challenge as much as I have! Re: loungewear: here's my latest video on loungewear/workout gear/underwear: th-cam.com/video/g9LIqf6s6Bw/w-d-xo.html Good luck!
@vested interests Yay. I’m currently declutter if my paper. However, I’m determined to downsize my wardrobe. Keep inspiring. Aloha!! from Hawaii ❤️❤️❤️ Happy New Year!
I understand what you're doing and what you're accomplishing, however, I know I need to(should) do the same, but this scares me. If I only had that many clothes I would feel so sad and poor. But I am working on de-cluttering and reducing.
If thinking about having a smaller wardrobe causes you a lot of anxiety--it may not be for you. You said "I know I need to (should) do the same..." which I interpret as either dissatisfaction with the drudgeries of consumerism or a distaste for the social and environmental consequences of the fashion industry. Either way, being a minimalist and being someone who makes intentional decisions that align with their values are not mutually exclusive. You can make better, sustainable decisions without being a minimalist. I also think it's telling that you equate having fewer pieces of clothing with being "sad and poor." I actually think the opposite perspective is more prevalent: people without a lot of money are more likely to hold on to things either as a symbol of abundance or out of fear of having to spend more money to buy an item again. For example, here is an anthropological account of consumerism in middle class America th-cam.com/video/3AhSNsBs2Y0/w-d-xo.html and here is a super painful video of Kim Kardashian answering 73 questions while walking around an extremely minimalistic (at least in design) home th-cam.com/video/QaZ93sibpk0/w-d-xo.html and here is a couple who live in a van and travel around Mexico doing whatever the hell they want th-cam.com/channels/LkUBpw-hgIoHtI5owanaBA.html . Who do you think is the happiest?
Really almost true persons ate describing you well . We enjoy your explications. And its inspiring ur way of living it defines success . Im from lebanon beirut . Wish u visit my country one day and i can meet you .
Nice! Somehow a greater percentage of my wardrobe is dedicated to cold weather than warm, even though I live in a place with ridiculously hot summers. I think I just prefer cold weather dressing and don't care to bother with the warmer months.
Someone else just asked the same thing! Here is what I told them: "I had a thick coat tailored in the past, and I wasn't happy with the results. For the peacoat, I'd need it taken in in the shoulders, the arm length, and the arm circumference. It also has detailing at the wrist, so, in order to preserve that and the buttons, the length would have to come from the shoulder. With that many seams and such thick material, I'm sure it would be more economical and less of a risk to just buy another coat." I've definitely considered it, but I don't think it's the best decision for this particular item.
Are you still looking for a red coat replacement? I am also petite and I have a bright red Calvin Klein petite peacoat it's wool and cashmere. May be an option, looks almost exactly like yours but my buttons are black
Wow 32 items and 5 of those are outerwear! It would be fun to count what I have, I did it 5 years ago and it was eye-opening. It was only 105, BUT I had more than 100 pieces of underwear, socks and such :O. I love your thought process/ explanations so much, it all makes so much sense. It probably comes with really putting thought into it and doing a regular declutter. I usually just chuck something out when I feel overwhelmed with what I have / get a feeling of "so much stuff and nothing to wear". Is it weird that I love your videos so much and find them really insightful but never really get to putting your advice into practice? :(
I don't think it's weird. There are probably a fair number of people who watch videos like this, not necessarily as inspiration to declutter but for wardrobe strategies in general. I think everyone would be fine with a maximum of 50 items, but some people want more, some people see clothing as sort of a thing to collect, and YOLO, so do what makes you happy! Of course, I hope people do what makes them happy in socially and environmentally responsible ways. IF, on the other hand, you actually want a smaller wardrobe, and you haven't taken the first step, you could always take everything out of your closet, put back only the things you absolutely love, and put everything else in a box or a different closet, just to give yourself a little teaser of what living with a small wardrobe could be like. You wouldn't have to get rid of those other items, just tuck them away as an experiment. I guess I'm basically suggesting a capsule wardrobe 😂 Of course, if you really want to downsize and maintain it long term, I recommend taking the slower, gradual path that worked for me. I think taking it slowly gives each of us time to develop our own strategies and also helps keep us from "relapsing" and going back to old habits. Good luck with whatever you decide to do!
After watching your clear out video it makes me ponder just how much we keep because we’re just so used to seeing it. Do you think by an item being in our closet we have some type of emotional attachment, even if we never wear it?
Oh sure. If I'm interpreting your comment accurately, I think what you're talking about is called "escalation of commitment," meaning that, the longer we have something, the harder it is to let it go. I actually have a video on decluttering sentimental items that touches on the subject. It's not specifically about clothing, but it might help: th-cam.com/video/iD3D80lf9CM/w-d-xo.html
I used to count my items when I start minimalism. But now I no longer do this because it takes time and energy. I get something between 30-50 clothing in these few years. I guess that is good number range for me. I have car and live in ordinary house. not want to downsize to tiny one because I don't want others see me as different and I like modern comforts. But I do have less items inside and enjoy clarity. Nice video. enjoy your jounery :-)))
Thanks! I don't really care about numbers either, but they can be useful for communication purposes. And numbers can sort of serve as a virtual box or upper limit, i.e. I don't think I will ever own more than 50 items again, so that's my ceiling. I too have a car and what I consider to be a normal sized home. I have no intention of downsizing those things either, but, like you, I think it's much nicer now inside!
Usually once every two weeks, which is how often I did it when I had hundreds of items of clothing. Sometimes I do it every week, but it's more out of a desire to see everything clean and neatly in my closet rather than out of necessity. I hang my clothes back up in my closet when I get home (separated from my clean clothes), which keeps them from getting wrinkled or stretched out, so I can usually wear them several times before I launder them.
I'm not sure that I want the replacement coat to be a bright color, but that essentially is my list! I actually found a pair of black jeans, so that's checked. Next, I'd like a different winter coat that fits well--color undecided as of yet. I'm considering but haven't decided on whether or not I want another white button shirt. I wear them loads in the winter, but I wish I had a version that worked well when it's warm. MAYBE a cardigan. MAYBE a black jacket. MAYBE a more polished pair of everyday shoes. Those last three have been on my "list" for at least a year though, and I haven't found what I'm looking for yet. I'm not trying to rush to buy something, clearly, but if I found the right ones, I wouldn't argue!
Here's my latest video on decluttering my loungewear, workout gear, and under things: th-cam.com/video/g9LIqf6s6Bw/w-d-xo.html It's been a while now, so it's probably time to go back through it again soon. I also have one drawer (the drawer right beneath where I keep my lounge/workout clothes, so it's the same size) with ski clothes in it. It's not completely full, but ski clothes are pretty bulky, so it's maybe half full. I have one pair of snow pants, two base layer tops, two or three base layer pants, one mid-layer jacket, a ski jacket, gloves, goggles, and a couple of neck/face warmer things, one balaclava, and three pairs of thick, wool socks.
As I said in the video, I declutter, give myself time to live with what I have left, and then, when it feels like time to declutter again, I've had all of the time in between to evaluate my items, so I have a good idea of what should stay and what should go. It's not a spur-of-the-moment decision. I see my clothing all the time, so I'm constantly evaluating what I have, every time I open my closet.
Vested Interests so there's hope for me 😂😘 you can't remember, but I just started my minimalist adventure. About two months ago. So I'm really new in business but I really want 😘😘😘 your way to do this and your personality convinced me from the beginning. Thank you 😘😘😘
Ahh yes. I know I've seen you around, but I didn't remember where you were in your journey. If you're still having trouble, you could try a capsule wardrobe OR remove all of your clothing from your closet, put back only your favorite items, and put the rest into a box. You don't have to get rid of everything in the box, but it might be nice to give yourself a taste of what living with a small wardrobe feels like to see if it's something you really want to do.
I've thought about it, but, I believe the number and type of seams that would need to be altered, not to mention the lining, would make getting another coat a more cost effective option. Plus I wear black jeans and boots constantly in the winter, so the coat makes me look like Minnie Mouse. : /
Here's a video I made on the topic: th-cam.com/video/kVVqCAZ3ABU/w-d-xo.html I like to donate to women and children's shelters, if the item is appropriate. Just a little research can usually lead to better options than traditional thrift stores. Hope this helps!
Hopey Hope, I had a thick coat tailored in the past, and I wasn't happy with the results. For the peacoat, I'd need it taken in in the shoulders, the arm length, and the arm circumference. It also has detailing at the wrist, so, in order to preserve that and the buttons, the length would have to come from the shoulder. With that many seams and such thick material, I'm sure it would be more economical and less of a risk to just buy another coat. Eleonoora _, that's terrible! I've had shirts and pants tailored for ~$20-30 each. That said, it's always really simple work with easy material. Also, I didn't mention this in the video, but, in winter, I'm almost always in black pants and black boots, which means, with the red peacoat on top, I look like Minnie Mouse. Not a great look.
@@VestedInterests While Minnie herself has aged well, there does come a point in your life where dressing like her is not a good look. Happy new coat hunting!
Yikes! Though, depending on the work, it might be a fair price (for example, you probably know, but taking up the length is generally cheaper than taking in the sides). I borrowed a friend's sewing machine once to see if it was something I could reasonably take up myself, and I was garbage at it, so I hesitate to suggest this, but, if you're crafty, you could always try to do it yourself...
Do you wear bras? I can understand not wanting to show those garments on the internet, I’m just curious if you try and keep those items to a set number as well. I have around 15 bras, but I probably only wear five regularly.
I have a video on lounge clothes, workout gear, and underwear: th-cam.com/video/g9LIqf6s6Bw/w-d-xo.html I talk about (but don't show) bras and underwear at 7:22. I don't try to keep them under a certain number--for that matter, I don't really care about numbers with clothing either--I just get rid of what I don't use.
CurlyVeggie I only have work out shorts but I don’t count them as part of my wardrobe. It’s because I need them periodically for work but I ordinarily don’t use them (I’m a sub so sometimes I have to cover for a PE teacher).
Like CurlyVeggie, I also own no shorts - and also, no pants! I own a fair amount of skirts though, and some dresses (though they've been ruthlessly culled down to four). I'm gradually decimating the skirts as the seasons change too. You're by far my favorite minimalist you-tuber!
I can wear whatever I want to to work. I could probably show up in shorts and a crop top and no one would care, but I would freeze in the office and it's just not my style. I suppose my comment about my bra straps showing in the white tank may have been a little misleading: it's not that visible bra straps are inappropriate for my workplace, it's that having them visible is misaligned with the aesthetic that I want for myself, particularly in a place like my office.
Oh sure--it's definitely not the end of the world. I probably just have an exaggerated sense of guilt about it since I shop so infrequently and I do try to be intentional about purchases. At the time when I filmed this video, I'd made three purchases in 2018 (the black jeans, my camel jacket, and, about a week prior, a pair of leather flip flops), so it means 1/3 of my purchases for the year were a bust. Anyway, I'm not actually losing sleep over it!
Vested Interests You’re doing FAR better than 99.99999999% of the people in the Western world, in terms of intentionality and avoiding waste. :) I’m like you - very careful with purchases, and then very hard on myself when one little purchase doesn’t work out. Oh well, someone else will enjoy your “error.” :)
My current color palette includes black, white, grey, navy, several shades of green, camel, and vermillion. And two different shades of denim. I've chosen those colors because I think I look my best in them, and I gravitated towards those colors before I had a minimalist wardrobe. I have a video all about color in a minimalist wardrobe, and the colors you decide to include in yours don't have to be anything like mine: th-cam.com/video/dpC_DEt0pc0/w-d-xo.html All that said, I know a ton of non-minimalists who own lots of clothing, and many of them decide to stick to muted colors (or all black and white) anyway, so I don't think it necessarily has anything to do with minimalism. Sometimes, that's just what people like to wear. As was pointed out, however, there can be advantages, which I discuss in the video on color.
Your thought process, the language you use, your voice, and your humor make your channel the one I enjoy the most.
Debralyn Pryor I completely agree with this comment! A wonderful channel this is.
Aww, thank you both!
Debralyn Pryor well-stated! I agree with you 100%.
Agreed!!!! more videos PLEASE!!!!!
is one video a week too much to ask from Ms. VI? :)
You can't imagine how eagerly I wait for your videos!! You are the best! Love this idea of "noise" in the closet. My closet is screaming!!
Stop what you're doing and find the nearest exorcist! Just kidding. Thanks! I'm glad you like the videos!
I thought it was click bait, but it is true you got down to 32. Awesome video.
Ha! Thanks! If I were going to lie about it, I'd at least make it a round number, like an even 30.
I couldn’t believe how much things I have accumulated over the years this is including bags, shoes, bras,hats, random outfits, clothing, glasses etc I believe I had over 5,000 items insane right. But because of videos like this it inspired me to become more of a minimalist and so now my wardrobe consist of 100 items. I can’t believe I made it this far with only 1 year progress. Thank you for making this video
You are such an inspiration and I love the style of your videos. Straight forward, no unnecessary babbling around, hands on, on the point and visible results. Thank you so much!
Aww, thanks!
Listening to you as you describe your thought process when decluttering is very helpful. I have those not-quite-perfect-for-me pieces too and it’s time to say thank you and goodbye to them.
Good plan, and it's definitely nice to thank the items. I tried on that embroidered sweater before I filmed this video, hoping the fit had somehow magically improved. Alas, it didn't. I still love that sweater, but I hope it finds a new home on someone with narrower shoulders ; )
Yayyyyyyyyy decluttering 😆🤣 I love how you explain why you are getting rid of items so simply. It's funny how we overlook certain details about an item because we like that one thing about it so much 😂I have to laugh because I still do it. Fit should be primary and other details secondary
A few years ago, I remember going shopping and I'd stand in the fitting room and notice all sorts of things that I didn't like about a garment, but I still bought them anyway because something was right or it was "good enough." That thought horrifies me now; I can never go back!
I've got more then that in my laundry basket!
Ha! ...Well, now that you mention it, you could take everything in your closet, chuck it out, and only keep what remains in your laundry basket, since you already know those are items that you wear! Just kidding, but it is a good method to identify what you wear most often.
My aim for this week is to make a comprehensive list of all my clothes and attempt to declutter anything that doesnt look good on me or make me feel good!
That sounds great! I actually keep a running inventory of all of my clothing. Now that I have a small wardrobe, it's not daunting. I use Google Keep for all my lists (groceries, to dos, clothing), in case you're looking for recommendations. It's not fancy, but it's convenient and works between mobile and desktop.
@@VestedInterests thanks for that! Ill give it a go! :)
I'm actually decluttering my wardrobe right now. I took a break to come watch this video! I'm aiming to get my clothing down to this size :) I'll probably be filming the clothes I got rid of as well
Nice! Of course, disclaimer disclaimer, what works for me may not work for you, so what I do need not be a template for anyone else. That said, it sounds like you know what you want, so best of luck achieving it!
Good on you for being able to let go. I admire you for being able to do it. I am down to aprox 50 now and there will be some more going. But I don't think I will go under 40. Just feels very limited to me (I love mixing and having a choice). But thinking about it now that I'm writing..... there are quite a few items I have kept just with that reasoning and I have not worn them. So maybe it's all in my head and I am hanging on to old habits... hm. Well thank you for getting me started in the right direction again. Best,
When I got down to 50, I thought it was the perfect amount for me. After a few months, I realized I wasn't wearing all of them, so I dropped down to 40, and, again, I thought that was the perfect number for me... Six months later, I'm down to 32. I'm not actively trying to shrink my wardrobe any further--I just declutter when it feels right. All that said, 40-50 items is great if you like options but still want a relatively small wardrobe. It looks neat and spartan when you stand back, but, in reality, it's more than enough clothing. Good luck if you decide to declutter further!
"Noise in my closet" ...loved that one lol!
You are so inspiring! Also, love the way you speak, so clearly and accurate, excellent to practice my listening (I am an English/Minimalism teacher here in Brazil). Keep up the awesome job!
Thanks so much!
True
She speaks the important. Not much talking . Really the tune of the voice makes me confortable in watching her videos .
Woah great job! Such a curated, thoughtful wardrobe. I thought my wardrobe was "small" at 130!! My goal is 100 :) Thanks for the video
100 is still great! In my first video ever, I started with 118 items, and it took a while for me to work from the giant pile you saw in this video to 118. There's no magic number. If 100 works for you and your goals, that's great! CurlyVeggie, I literally just left this exact reply to someone else, but it might be food for thought for you too: I recently stumbled across someone on Pinterest with a minimalist wardrobe (www.jessicarosewilliams.com/minimal-capsule-wardrobe-year-round/) and she lives in the Peak District in England (I just creeped on her About page). She has 32 items total, including bags and shoes. For daywear, she has 21 pieces of actual clothing. It's not a competition and what works for one person might not work for the next, but it does show that it is possible, even if you live somewhere cold.
Don't feel too bad about those black jeans! We learn from our mistakes, and in the words of Jane to Daria, "You might just join the human race after all!". Although it's ideal to not aquire anything that doesn't work out, I think buying only one regrettable item in six months is pretty good.
You're right--buying one pair of jeans that didn't work out is definitely not the end of the world. I'm not actually losing sleep over them, but they did sort of taunt me when I saw them in my closet. Since that purchase, I've probably tried on at least 20 pairs of black jeans, looking for the right ones, and I think I may have found them. I'm going to try them on a few more times to make sure, but, fingers crossed, the search may finally be over!
By far the most helpful video on wardrobe declutter....as i watched many and they confused me with seasons and items.....phewwwww 🥴
Thanx gurllll 🙏🏾🙏🏾
You are by far my favourite minimalist youtuber, so excited when I see a new video!
Thank you so much! That's nice to hear.
I love your thinking process and how strategic you’re with your clothes.
I’ve noticed that which each decluttering the overall quality and usability of my wardrobe improves despite having fewer pieces.
Thanks! I've noticed the same thing. It almost doesn't feel like my wardrobe has changed much since this declutter (I filmed it about a week ago) because I was only reaching for the pieces I ended up keeping anyway, so all I did was remove the noise, remove the things I wasn't using. It's now much easier to "grab and go." I don't have those tiny internal debates over whether or not I should force myself to wear the items that didn't look great on me, because all those things are gone now!
Your channel makes me so happy and calm... I'd love a video on doing minimalism when your clothes are all super loud and colourful!
Lol! "Your videos are so calm... what happens when your clothes are the opposite?!" I'm not sure I can pull off that video, as I don't have the wardrobe to talk about it, but I have a few thoughts: (1) I have a video on color in a minimalist wardrobe (th-cam.com/video/dpC_DEt0pc0/w-d-xo.html). It might be helpful. (2) I can imagine that one could have a very small wardrobe with lots of color and pattern, but you'd probably have to be or become very good at styling and mixing colors and patterns to sustain it for a long time. I think about Mondo Guerra from Project Runway. He's a genius at mixing pattern. (3) Whether or not this is a concern depends on your taste, but, depending on the colors and patterns you're working with, it could be more challenging to make them work for all seasons. Having a few good basics and optimizing the proportion of items that you have for specific seasons could make that not an issue though. Best of luck!
I've realized I have way too many things a while ago. I've been through every room in our apartment since then, trying to find stuff I don't like or use. Decluttering the kitchen was not so hard but going through my closet was the scariest thing ever. I'm trying to tackle things as I feel ready for them and your channel is an inspiration not to give up. Thank you!
Aww, thanks! I'm glad the videos are useful to you. I definitely agree with taking things slowly/at the right pace for you. As I've decluttered, I've found that my opinions on my possessions has changed with time, and items that I thought were necessary one month or season or year seem completely useless to me by the next. Instead of stressing myself out and forcing myself to part with something when I'm not ready, I wait until I am, and then I can make that decision without being stressed about it, and, by that time, I know it's the right decision.
Great vid - love how detailed, logical and ruthless you appear to be regarding decluttering items. I’m gradually getting there with my wardrobe.
Thanks! Just throwing this out there: it's not a competition, there is no predetermined finish line, and what works for me may not work for you. As I said here, I used to declutter every season, which felt right at the time, but, now that my wardrobe is smaller, I feel compelled to declutter less frequently. Just do what feels right!
Yes that’s a good point to bear in mind!
Brilliant, VI! I’m so impressed. I think about my clothes the same way you do and am quick to declutter the noise. Sometimes I make mistakes when buying, but I don’t sweat it and just try again when it becomes a need.
Thanks! Yeah, mistakes happen, but they can be positive if we learn from them. I've been even more particular since that slip up, and I suppose I've even learned that I don't even really need black jeans in the summer, since I haven't been wearing the "mistake jeans." I do think I'll want a pair come winter though, as I typically wear black jeans all the time with boots.
Once again, you’ve inspired me to downsize my wardrobe even more. I work part-time in a fitting room and thought I needed more slacks for work but seeing that you survive happily with just 2 pairs makes me think I can, too! Thanks so much. You’ve just saved me some money 😉
Thanks! That's great! I filmed what I wore every day last week, and I wore the same black pants to work each day. (Haven't yet edited the video.) On the last day of filming the clips, I realized that seeing so little variation every day might be boring to some, but it's the truth, it's what I wore, so maybe some will find it useful. PS I too used to work in a fitting room (well, a department store, so I was often working fitting rooms). I have so many horror stories. Thank you for dealing with the terrible things people do there.
watching you declutter is satisfying.
Thanks!
would love to see another video of your outfits and how yoy wear them....so enjoy all you do! just decluttered my closet today and got rid of about 4 garbage bags full!!
Thanks! I actually filmed everything I wore last week, I just need to sit down and edit it. Congratulations on your declutter!!! That sounds amazing! I realize this is completely unsolicited advice, but, if you're looking for responsible ways to get rid of that clothing, here are some suggestions: th-cam.com/video/kVVqCAZ3ABU/w-d-xo.html
It's interesting to me how much more certain issues (miscut hems, awkward fit, etc.) stand out when you pare down your wardrobe. For me, texture was a big one, and that drove my shift toward natural fabrics, but I'm also kind of amazed that I was able to wear certain things for many years without noticing that, say, the shoulder seams actually hit almost at my biceps, or the stripes were utterly misaligned down the midline of the garment.
I remember buying a shirt at a discount store like a Marshalls or TJMaxx once where the hem was so badly cut, it could have been mistaken for intentionally asymmetrical. It was a linen shirt and somewhat oversized, so I found the hem endearing for a while, but eventually it became unbearable.
I'm a petite too, if the only issue is the sleeves I often get them tailored to the right length for not much money. I did this recently when I realized I didn't wear certain jackets because they "fit funny" and finally figured out the sleeves were what threw it all off. Now I reach for them all the time! LOVE your videos :)
Thanks! I get things tailored fairly regularly as well, but for the number and types of seams that would be involved to tailor this coat, I think it would be more cost effective to just buy another. Plus the red makes me look like Minnie Mouse when I wear it with black pants, which is all the time in the winter. : /
I'm so glad the stary shirt made the cut!
I love that star shirt. It actually has a fit issue too (it's way too long in the back), but I'm going to get it tailored as I have no intention of parting with it.
You have inspired me to go back to my wardrobe and count my pieces so I know what I have. I wear dresses and skirts, so that adds two more categories. Also, I was not previously counting outerwear. I did a first massive declutter about two years ago and probably got rid of 100+ items, but I am guessing that I still have over 150. Maybe my first goal will be to get under 100 and then winnow down from there. I tried using the capsule wardrobe approach from Classy yet Trendy, but I was still buying things and not really adhering only to the "capsule" so I think I need a different tactic.
I 1000% recommend a shopping fast. Once I stopped shopping regularly, it changed everything. Now I only shop a few times a year when I've clearly identified what it is that I want to buy before I even set foot in a store, and my wardrobe count has only gone down--each time honing in more and more on the things I get the most use out of. When I first started this channel, I had 118 items of clothing, and I was not counting outerwear at the time either. Now I have 33 items, including outerwear. I pared down once a season, gave myself time to live with what I had left, and then, when the next season rolled around, I could easily see what I was and wasn't wearing, which made it easy to make those decisions. Best of luck and do give a shopping fast a try! I have a video on it here: th-cam.com/video/TErxlYoYD-k/w-d-xo.html
Excellent. Also what I aspire to in my closet with pant/tops ratio etc. Lol
Another great video. I would suggest, if you still like the red coat, to take it to a tailor. It might be a wiser choice than starting from scratch looking for a new one. Just a thought.
I'm not a tailor, but I imagine that, when you factor in the type and number of seams that would need to be altered, plus lining, it would be more cost effective to get a new coat. Plus, I wear black jeans and black boots constantly in the winter, so, with a red coat on top, I look a bit like Minnie Mouse...
I really enjoy your take on decluttering clothes (and other items for that matter) and wish I could get down to 50 pieces or so. I just find it hard to declutter clothes that I like even though they don't fit me exactly right; usually I end up spending the money to get it altered. I have quit buying clothes that just are acceptable ("make do" types of clothing) so for me that is a major achievement. I keep some clothes because I just love them so I wear them in spite of some imperfection. For example, I have a black blouse that I've had for over 10 years-- and the only problem with it was that the color was a bit faded. But I liked it so much that I redyed it black and now it's almost like new. I really like your logical approach but I realize that maybe that is just not my way. Live and learn.
Everyone is different. What I do works for me, but it isn't a one-size-fits-all formula. I think it's great that you've stopped buying those "good enough" items from stores. I used to buy things all the time that weren't perfect or something about them annoyed me, but I justified the purchases anyway because I liked some aspect about them... just thinking about how I used to shop makes me shudder! I'm not sure that I said this in the video, but I've owned many of my items for years and they're holding up nicely, so I definitely agree with you that we should get as much use out of our clothing as possible, my one caveat being that, if we don't actually like the items, we won't wear them, which does no one any good. I describe something called WIBTESIARNT in other videos: the "would I buy this exact same items again right now" test that can be useful for paring down a wardrobe. It sounds like you do really love some of your items, but, if you want a smaller wardrobe and you're having trouble knowing what to let go of, it could be useful to try WIBTESIARNT and see if some of those imperfect items don't pass the test. It's a way to retroactively apply your new shopping philosophy back on what you already own. You can also do it just for fun, with no requirement to get rid of things that don't pass the test, just to see what you'd end up with. I did this before and ended up with something crazy like 14 items. I kept more than those 14 items, but it gave me a new way to think about my clothes. Good luck!
Thanks for your thoughtful reply. I did try your WIBTESIARNT idea and found that I would still buy most of the clothes I have left (after KonMari, I found that the things that remain were the high quality items that I had often set aside because I loved them too much!!!). Maybe it will simply take more time for me to pare down further (just wait till the clothing gets worn out and then recycle/discard)... and I guess I shouldn't think there is some "magic" number I need to get to. These days if I find some fitting problem with what I have, I have them altered (despite the cost because I like them so much). I will be having a coat that I have had for 20 years shortened so I will wear it more often (it's great quality cashmere and I still love it except for the length). The other reason I get things altered these days is I am too lazy to spend time shopping online or in stores and the tailor I found does excellent work. I'd rather spend my time doing anything but shopping for clothes. Of course, some day, I will have to again but, by then, I may end up being like the MInimalists! : )
That's great! I love my tailored items. I mean, I don't love that they didn't fit me perfectly off the rack, but it's a really nice feeling to have something literally altered just for you, to perfectly fit your body. I'm glad you're so committed to your clothing and are willing to do what it takes to make them work for you for a long time!
Thanks for the video! I always find them both calming and inspirational! It has been fun to follow your journey. Now I'm motivated to see what noise I can get out of my wardrobe too!!
That's great! It feels really good to have all of those things I never reached for out of the way. Best of luck with your decluttering!
I love the embroidery on that sleeveless top too! I don’t wear bras usually either so I’ll take it! ;)
Ha! If I could get away with it, I might not wear them either, but my boobs would attempt to kill me in my sleep if I forced them to go braless.
Great video! Love listening to your reasoning - inspires me to question my own reasons for keeping more than I need. My favourite black jeans are from Loft - both substantial and comfy. Loved them so much that bought them in white as well. Good luck hunting for the perfect peacoat and black jeans! always looking forward to your videos - you are doing such a great job...
I love Loft (and regular Ann Taylor and Banana) because they actually stock petite clothing in store, so they are one of my go-tos. The black pants I kept are from Loft. If they ever stop making the skinny Marisa ankle pants, I will cry. I haven't actually tried their jeans though, so maybe I should give them a go.
Great. Hope you like them. And I'll definitely give Loft pants a try. I want to thank you. After watching your video yesterday, I did a complete wardrobe declutter (3 hrs) and feeling inspired to give it another go some time down the road. I never would've done it, had it not been for your inspiring video and chat. Thanks for being awesome, and have a great week!
Very happy for you to be able to get rid of more clothing 🤗
I enjoy ur videos good explanation not too much talking just important good declutering fresh person very intelligent keeping . Bravoooo
Great clear out! Always such a motivation for me! Thanks!
Yay! Glad you liked it!
Absolutely love your decluttering videos!
Thanks!
Greetings from Hong Kong, love your videos!
I come to your channel because I want to get some ideas on how to declutter my closet. But after watching your videos, I think I am not ready yet.
I have a capsule wardrobe for the first 30 years of my life, I didn't do it on purpose, it's just because my home is so small that I can only have a 70cm wide closet. And my job need business formal dressing. So you can imagine how minimal my wardrobe was.
Until 15 years ago, I got a little bit bigger closet, then I dare to expand the number of clothes ( I think I have 200+ pieces now).
When I watch you share how to keep decluttering your clothes , I try to imagine what if I have 50 clothes only. I don't like this feeling because it brings me to the "bad" old days. Maybe a minimalist approach is just too extreme for me.
Though your approach is not suitable for me, your video is inspiring and practical! (sorry for my poor English)
No worries--your English is great! A small wardrobe like mine may not be everyone's preference, but it certainly is possible to do if you want to. In my very first video, I worked my way down from 118 items to 50, but before that I had a ton of clothes, and it took me about a year to whittle it down to 118. I like to declutter every season and then give myself time to live with what I have left, and that slow process has worked for me. It sounds like you're interested in but also a little scared of minimalism. If this is the case, I suggest taking some time to think about what your goals are. What is it that you are trying to achieve? I think everyone can benefit from minimalism, but minimalism can look different to different people, so understanding what you goals are is critical. Actually, I just posted a video about goals, so maybe that will help. Anyway, best of luck!!
It seems to me you did a good job 👏 BUT unless I see how you put together the items you kept for this particular season I have my doubts on how this will work in real life. You really inspire me!!!
Doubts about what? The things I got rid of are things that I rarely or never wore anyway, so, effectively, the parts of my wardrobe that I actually used stayed the same. As those items have worked for me for the past year (a year of having 50 or fewer items, though I've owned most of them for longer), I should be safe.
Recently I’ve been getting rid of so much stuff and I don’t know what’s come over me but I really just don’t like having a bunch of stuff.
my problem is that I love fashion! And I love to thrift. And I go a lot. But now I’m super extra picky about what I buy there now. Because I’ve had it happen where I buy things just because I get excited or it’s cheap or because of the brand I found thrifting... bad ideas. To have a small curated clothes is awesome.
I have a youtube channel about clothes, so I definitely understand appreciating them! It sounds like you've identified what habits you want to work on, so you seem like you're on the right path if you want to maintain a small wardrobe, but here are a few unsolicited thoughts: One of my favorite minimalist ideas is the idea that you don't have to own something to appreciate it. I also think about fashion designers like Michael Kors or Vera Wang who clearly love clothes, but they personally decide to dress very simply. Of course, you can wear whatever you want; clothing should be fun; and YOLO; but I think there's a difference between knowing / loving something and needing to possess it.
Vested Interests that’s a really interesting thought. And you’re right you don’t have to have something to appreciate it. Hmm... mind blown to be honest I think I’ll even apply this to other aspects of my life too. So thank yoh
I've had thousands of clothes given by family and relatives from abroad. Never thought that your videos were the only thing that could jumpstart my mood to start curating my wardrobe. Can't thank you enough cause though i still have more clothes than a hundred, i know i love all my clothes and feel happy when i wear them.
Thank you so much! That's so sweet to hear. What works for me may not be right for you, and numbers don't really matter anyway--it's all about having the right amount and the right items for you. I'm so glad to hear you're happy in your clothes!
Do you have a video that shows your casual wardrobe? Or exercise clothes? Shoes? Curious how many pieces you have for those categories too. This video really helped me imagine possibilities. Thank you!
Oh never mind, I found so many of those types of videos you’ve done :) Excited to follow your channel more closely! You are so calm and knowledgeable 🙏🏼
Thanks! Yes, I believe I've made at least two on the topic. Hope they help!
Morning. Always an inspiration! Re-watching this and doing a second round of gentle wardrobe decluttering later today. Wish me luck. I'm in the very beginning of culling my wardrobe. I want to be you when I grow up :::( This is so helpful. Hope you have a great week, and thanks for the inspiration and the tips.
You changed your profile picture! Very nice--it looks good! And best of luck with your declutter!
Aww, very kind of you to notice and comment. The university hired a professional photographer for the article they wrote about me - otherwise, i'd never get a professional photo like this. I've done three rounds of gentle decluttering so far, and each time, it gets easier and more focused and less intimidating. I truly admire how focused your wardrobe is, and I will get there eventually, but I'm taking it slow and being gentle with myself and my wardrobe during my wardrobe tune-ups :) Hope you have a great week! I've been wanting to ask you forever, what's your name? I'm Natalya. I completely understand if you don't want to share it on a public platform like this, but I just wanted to ask :)
Thanks! Natalya is actually one of my favorite names, so congrats on winning the baby name lottery with that one! I'm not ready to share mine / I'm not sure if I ever will. I have an online presence of sorts for my day job, and I'm trying to keep what I do here separate from my personal and professional life, which is tricky business when it's all on the internet. This hasn't happened yet, but I'm afraid that, one day, someone who watches my videos will see me at a coffee shop, and, of course, on that day, I'll be a complete mess and fumble with my words while a barista screams my name to announce that my order is ready. Fingers crossed that day never comes, but it does make me think twice before going to Starbucks with greasy hair...
hahahaha!!! hilarious... and I totally get it. I figured there was a reason you never introduced yourself by your first name. Thanks for the compliment on the name, and for sharing yourself with us like you do... with honesty and integrity. And I also love it when your lovely kitten makes a cameo. She is a little youtube star as well! Have a great week!
I'm just waiting for her to start her own channel so she can support me when I'm old.
Your videos are so motivating. Thank you!
Aww, thanks!
Wow. I respect you so much! 🙌 very inspiring
Aww, thanks!
Admirable!
Have you tried Madewell for black jeans? I bought the Roadtripper Jean in Bennett Black last year and I still wear them all the time. They're a tight fit like a jegging but are stretchy jeans and don't stretch out so you can wear them a bunch between washes.
I haven't tried the roadtrippers, but I tried the petite high waisted skinny jeans in the ISKO "stay black" material. They were ok on me, but I didn't feel that were $120 of "ok." I just the roadtrippers up, and I think the cotton percentage might be a bit low for what I'm looking for, but I'll probably give Madewell a try again in the future. Good to know they hold their shape between washes! That's very important to me!
Love your videos!!!! Your jeans always look so nice on you, what brand are they? I hate jean shopping so I might just be using you as my shortcut😉
Thank you for sharing your decluttering wisdom with all of us.
I would love to see how you mix and match your outfits.
Thank you!!!!!!! 😃
I have one pair of jeans from American Eagle (from years and years ago, they changed their fit model, so their new jeans don't work on me anymore), one pair of Hoxton cropped ankle jeans from Paige (for ladies with no hips or bum like me, Paige is amazing, check them out if you're in the same boat, thank me later), and I recently picked up a pair of black jeans from Gap (mid-rise, true skinny, infinity stretch) that are skinny but not skin tight, so they work perfectly to balance out heavier items on the upper body in the cold months. And I have one pair of pants from Ann Taylor Loft (Marisa skinny ankle pants). When you own few items of clothing, it's easy to remember what you have!
Thank you so much for all the great info!!! I see a shopping trip this weekend! Cheers from Texas! :-)
Woah! Well done you! Don’t know if I could live with 32 items but I’ve got about 45 and it’s too cold here! Lol 🇬🇧
I recently stumbled across someone on Pinterest with a minimalist wardrobe (www.jessicarosewilliams.com/minimal-capsule-wardrobe-year-round/) and she lives in the Peak District (I just creeped on her About page). She has 32 items total, including bags and shoes. For daywear, she has 21 pieces of actual clothing. It's not a competition and what works for one person might not work for the next, but it does show that it is possible, even if you live somewhere cold.
I should have said too that 45 items is great! I think 40-50 is perfect for just about anyone.
Vested Interests oo I’ll take a peek at that thanks 👍🏻😁
I love your videos! You really inspire me to be ruthless. I am on my second round of the 30-day challenge, thanks to your videos. I am curious how many pajamas you have. I have been decluttering my clothing, but pajamas are my weakness. ;)
That's awesome! I hope you're enjoying the challenge as much as I have! Re: loungewear: here's my latest video on loungewear/workout gear/underwear: th-cam.com/video/g9LIqf6s6Bw/w-d-xo.html Good luck!
Thank you for sharing, all your videos are so inspiring and I am a huge fan of yours.;)
Aww, thanks! I hope the videos help with your own wardrobe strategies!
Just found your channel and so cool (I have been decluttering big) 🌸
Thanks! Good luck with your decluttering!
Vested Interests Thank you so much 🌸
Thank you for sharing. Definately motivated me. Do you have other clothes that is casual or for in the home.
I do! I have several other videos on lounge and workout gear.
@vested interests Yay. I’m currently declutter if my paper. However, I’m determined to downsize my wardrobe. Keep inspiring. Aloha!! from Hawaii ❤️❤️❤️ Happy New Year!
I have a video on decluttering paper too, in case you want to check it out: th-cam.com/video/wnm-kL0QR28/w-d-xo.html Happy New Year to you as well!
I understand what you're doing and what you're accomplishing, however, I know I need to(should) do the same, but this scares me. If I only had that many clothes I would feel so sad and poor. But I am working on de-cluttering and reducing.
If thinking about having a smaller wardrobe causes you a lot of anxiety--it may not be for you. You said "I know I need to (should) do the same..." which I interpret as either dissatisfaction with the drudgeries of consumerism or a distaste for the social and environmental consequences of the fashion industry. Either way, being a minimalist and being someone who makes intentional decisions that align with their values are not mutually exclusive. You can make better, sustainable decisions without being a minimalist. I also think it's telling that you equate having fewer pieces of clothing with being "sad and poor." I actually think the opposite perspective is more prevalent: people without a lot of money are more likely to hold on to things either as a symbol of abundance or out of fear of having to spend more money to buy an item again. For example, here is an anthropological account of consumerism in middle class America th-cam.com/video/3AhSNsBs2Y0/w-d-xo.html and here is a super painful video of Kim Kardashian answering 73 questions while walking around an extremely minimalistic (at least in design) home th-cam.com/video/QaZ93sibpk0/w-d-xo.html and here is a couple who live in a van and travel around Mexico doing whatever the hell they want th-cam.com/channels/LkUBpw-hgIoHtI5owanaBA.html . Who do you think is the happiest?
Maybe if you kept your clothes but just used them up without buying any more, you wouldn’t feel so bad?
Really almost true persons ate describing you well . We enjoy your explications. And its inspiring ur way of living it defines success . Im from lebanon beirut . Wish u visit my country one day and i can meet you .
Thank you! There's so much of the world that I still haven't explored... maybe one day I'll make it out there!
i also have 30-35 items of clothing, it fluctuates when the seasons change
Nice! Somehow a greater percentage of my wardrobe is dedicated to cold weather than warm, even though I live in a place with ridiculously hot summers. I think I just prefer cold weather dressing and don't care to bother with the warmer months.
Great video, first time on your channel! Have you considered getting your red coat tailored to fit vs. a new one?
Someone else just asked the same thing! Here is what I told them: "I had a thick coat tailored in the past, and I wasn't happy with the results. For the peacoat, I'd need it taken in in the shoulders, the arm length, and the arm circumference. It also has detailing at the wrist, so, in order to preserve that and the buttons, the length would have to come from the shoulder. With that many seams and such thick material, I'm sure it would be more economical and less of a risk to just buy another coat."
I've definitely considered it, but I don't think it's the best decision for this particular item.
Are you still looking for a red coat replacement? I am also petite and I have a bright red Calvin Klein petite peacoat it's wool and cashmere. May be an option, looks almost exactly like yours but my buttons are black
Very inspiring 👏🎉👍
Wow 32 items and 5 of those are outerwear! It would be fun to count what I have, I did it 5 years ago and it was eye-opening. It was only 105, BUT I had more than 100 pieces of underwear, socks and such :O. I love your thought process/ explanations so much, it all makes so much sense. It probably comes with really putting thought into it and doing a regular declutter. I usually just chuck something out when I feel overwhelmed with what I have / get a feeling of "so much stuff and nothing to wear". Is it weird that I love your videos so much and find them really insightful but never really get to putting your advice into practice? :(
I don't think it's weird. There are probably a fair number of people who watch videos like this, not necessarily as inspiration to declutter but for wardrobe strategies in general. I think everyone would be fine with a maximum of 50 items, but some people want more, some people see clothing as sort of a thing to collect, and YOLO, so do what makes you happy! Of course, I hope people do what makes them happy in socially and environmentally responsible ways.
IF, on the other hand, you actually want a smaller wardrobe, and you haven't taken the first step, you could always take everything out of your closet, put back only the things you absolutely love, and put everything else in a box or a different closet, just to give yourself a little teaser of what living with a small wardrobe could be like. You wouldn't have to get rid of those other items, just tuck them away as an experiment.
I guess I'm basically suggesting a capsule wardrobe 😂
Of course, if you really want to downsize and maintain it long term, I recommend taking the slower, gradual path that worked for me. I think taking it slowly gives each of us time to develop our own strategies and also helps keep us from "relapsing" and going back to old habits.
Good luck with whatever you decide to do!
Thank you! As always - sound advice :)
After watching your clear out video it makes me ponder just how much we keep because we’re just so used to seeing it. Do you think by an item being in our closet we have some type of emotional attachment, even if we never wear it?
Oh sure. If I'm interpreting your comment accurately, I think what you're talking about is called "escalation of commitment," meaning that, the longer we have something, the harder it is to let it go. I actually have a video on decluttering sentimental items that touches on the subject. It's not specifically about clothing, but it might help: th-cam.com/video/iD3D80lf9CM/w-d-xo.html
Nice work!
I used to count my items when I start minimalism. But now I no longer do this because it takes time and energy. I get something between 30-50 clothing in these few years. I guess that is good number range for me.
I have car and live in ordinary house. not want to downsize to tiny one because I don't want others see me as different and I like modern comforts. But I do have less items inside and enjoy clarity.
Nice video. enjoy your jounery :-)))
Thanks! I don't really care about numbers either, but they can be useful for communication purposes. And numbers can sort of serve as a virtual box or upper limit, i.e. I don't think I will ever own more than 50 items again, so that's my ceiling. I too have a car and what I consider to be a normal sized home. I have no intention of downsizing those things either, but, like you, I think it's much nicer now inside!
I organise and count my clothes again. I guess 30 is good number. minimalist without reduction :)
Very helpful!
Thank you for this. I am curious how often do you end up doing laundry?
Usually once every two weeks, which is how often I did it when I had hundreds of items of clothing. Sometimes I do it every week, but it's more out of a desire to see everything clean and neatly in my closet rather than out of necessity. I hang my clothes back up in my closet when I get home (separated from my clean clothes), which keeps them from getting wrinkled or stretched out, so I can usually wear them several times before I launder them.
What is your shopping list? A pair of black jeans, a colourfull over coat. But what else?
I'm not sure that I want the replacement coat to be a bright color, but that essentially is my list! I actually found a pair of black jeans, so that's checked. Next, I'd like a different winter coat that fits well--color undecided as of yet. I'm considering but haven't decided on whether or not I want another white button shirt. I wear them loads in the winter, but I wish I had a version that worked well when it's warm. MAYBE a cardigan. MAYBE a black jacket. MAYBE a more polished pair of everyday shoes. Those last three have been on my "list" for at least a year though, and I haven't found what I'm looking for yet. I'm not trying to rush to buy something, clearly, but if I found the right ones, I wouldn't argue!
Thank you for this! Can I ask if you have any sports gear? I find a have a lot of fitness tops and leggings!
Here's my latest video on decluttering my loungewear, workout gear, and under things: th-cam.com/video/g9LIqf6s6Bw/w-d-xo.html It's been a while now, so it's probably time to go back through it again soon. I also have one drawer (the drawer right beneath where I keep my lounge/workout clothes, so it's the same size) with ski clothes in it. It's not completely full, but ski clothes are pretty bulky, so it's maybe half full. I have one pair of snow pants, two base layer tops, two or three base layer pants, one mid-layer jacket, a ski jacket, gloves, goggles, and a couple of neck/face warmer things, one balaclava, and three pairs of thick, wool socks.
Where are you miss you vested interest lady :)
Great one
I would love to be so sure as you are by getting rid of my clothes 🙏😂😂good job 👍😘
As I said in the video, I declutter, give myself time to live with what I have left, and then, when it feels like time to declutter again, I've had all of the time in between to evaluate my items, so I have a good idea of what should stay and what should go. It's not a spur-of-the-moment decision. I see my clothing all the time, so I'm constantly evaluating what I have, every time I open my closet.
Vested Interests so there's hope for me 😂😘 you can't remember, but I just started my minimalist adventure. About two months ago. So I'm really new in business but I really want 😘😘😘 your way to do this and your personality convinced me from the beginning. Thank you 😘😘😘
Ahh yes. I know I've seen you around, but I didn't remember where you were in your journey. If you're still having trouble, you could try a capsule wardrobe OR remove all of your clothing from your closet, put back only your favorite items, and put the rest into a box. You don't have to get rid of everything in the box, but it might be nice to give yourself a taste of what living with a small wardrobe feels like to see if it's something you really want to do.
You could have your red peacoat tailored until you find something you love
I've thought about it, but, I believe the number and type of seams that would need to be altered, not to mention the lining, would make getting another coat a more cost effective option. Plus I wear black jeans and boots constantly in the winter, so the coat makes me look like Minnie Mouse. : /
@@VestedInterests Minnie mouse. hehe
what do you mean by "getting rid of" ? Will you be donating them? Or just tossing them? Could you share your favorite donating place?
Here's a video I made on the topic: th-cam.com/video/kVVqCAZ3ABU/w-d-xo.html I like to donate to women and children's shelters, if the item is appropriate. Just a little research can usually lead to better options than traditional thrift stores. Hope this helps!
Do you think you could get your red coat tailored to fit instead of replacing it? I've seen skilled tailors/seamstresses work clothing miracles!
@@greta9068 Yikes! 😬
Hopey Hope, I had a thick coat tailored in the past, and I wasn't happy with the results. For the peacoat, I'd need it taken in in the shoulders, the arm length, and the arm circumference. It also has detailing at the wrist, so, in order to preserve that and the buttons, the length would have to come from the shoulder. With that many seams and such thick material, I'm sure it would be more economical and less of a risk to just buy another coat.
Eleonoora _, that's terrible! I've had shirts and pants tailored for ~$20-30 each. That said, it's always really simple work with easy material.
Also, I didn't mention this in the video, but, in winter, I'm almost always in black pants and black boots, which means, with the red peacoat on top, I look like Minnie Mouse. Not a great look.
@@VestedInterests While Minnie herself has aged well, there does come a point in your life where dressing like her is not a good look. Happy new coat hunting!
Yikes! Though, depending on the work, it might be a fair price (for example, you probably know, but taking up the length is generally cheaper than taking in the sides). I borrowed a friend's sewing machine once to see if it was something I could reasonably take up myself, and I was garbage at it, so I hesitate to suggest this, but, if you're crafty, you could always try to do it yourself...
Do you wear bras? I can understand not wanting to show those garments on the internet, I’m just curious if you try and keep those items to a set number as well. I have around 15 bras, but I probably only wear five regularly.
I have a video on lounge clothes, workout gear, and underwear: th-cam.com/video/g9LIqf6s6Bw/w-d-xo.html I talk about (but don't show) bras and underwear at 7:22. I don't try to keep them under a certain number--for that matter, I don't really care about numbers with clothing either--I just get rid of what I don't use.
I do not own dresses and skirts too.
L.A., I can still dress up, I just don't need dresses or skirts to do it!
I don’t own any shorts because I realized through decluttering that I just don’t like how they fit on me.
Yay! Entire categories of clothing, completely decimated by minimalism!
CurlyVeggie I only have work out shorts but I don’t count them as part of my wardrobe. It’s because I need them periodically for work but I ordinarily don’t use them (I’m a sub so sometimes I have to cover for a PE teacher).
Like CurlyVeggie, I also own no shorts - and also, no pants! I own a fair amount of skirts though, and some dresses (though they've been ruthlessly culled down to four). I'm gradually decimating the skirts as the seasons change too. You're by far my favorite minimalist you-tuber!
I heard in a video today that if you wash your black denim inside out it doesn't lose colour, do you think this is true?
I've done that, but it hasn't made a noticeable difference with my denim.
i remember the huge shorts collection you had!
Ha! I'm glad someone did!
Omg I only kept two pairs of jean.
Good for you!
Are you permitted to wear jeans to work?
I can wear whatever I want to to work. I could probably show up in shorts and a crop top and no one would care, but I would freeze in the office and it's just not my style. I suppose my comment about my bra straps showing in the white tank may have been a little misleading: it's not that visible bra straps are inappropriate for my workplace, it's that having them visible is misaligned with the aesthetic that I want for myself, particularly in a place like my office.
....we wait for you....
I'm back from vacay and plan to film today! Hopefully I'll be able to post a video that I filmed before vacation tomorrow... Fingers crossed.
also, you dont count bras or socks or underwear or shoes as part of your wardrobe?
I gotchu 😉: th-cam.com/video/g9LIqf6s6Bw/w-d-xo.html
Don’t we all have an item (or 3, or 10) like your black jeans? That’s just what happens sometimes.
Oh sure--it's definitely not the end of the world. I probably just have an exaggerated sense of guilt about it since I shop so infrequently and I do try to be intentional about purchases. At the time when I filmed this video, I'd made three purchases in 2018 (the black jeans, my camel jacket, and, about a week prior, a pair of leather flip flops), so it means 1/3 of my purchases for the year were a bust. Anyway, I'm not actually losing sleep over it!
Vested Interests You’re doing FAR better than 99.99999999% of the people in the Western world, in terms of intentionality and avoiding waste. :) I’m like you - very careful with purchases, and then very hard on myself when one little purchase doesn’t work out. Oh well, someone else will enjoy your “error.” :)
Why minimalists wear mostly white , gray and black?it is not a limitation that make the garderoba something boring?
muhlenstedt these colors of clothing are easy to match with other items. imagine a black and an orange top as well as the options of wearing them
My current color palette includes black, white, grey, navy, several shades of green, camel, and vermillion. And two different shades of denim. I've chosen those colors because I think I look my best in them, and I gravitated towards those colors before I had a minimalist wardrobe. I have a video all about color in a minimalist wardrobe, and the colors you decide to include in yours don't have to be anything like mine: th-cam.com/video/dpC_DEt0pc0/w-d-xo.html All that said, I know a ton of non-minimalists who own lots of clothing, and many of them decide to stick to muted colors (or all black and white) anyway, so I don't think it necessarily has anything to do with minimalism. Sometimes, that's just what people like to wear. As was pointed out, however, there can be advantages, which I discuss in the video on color.
🖐🙃
very pratical