To really get the most out of my clothes, I have decided to officially (and significantly) downsize my wardrobe. The plan is to limit my option to items that are classic, timeless and can easily transition through seasons. There is nothing more powerful than wearing looks that truly express who I am and a closet overhaul is key to achieving this goal.
Truly stylish women have less clothing in their closets than you might think. I consider myself stylish, and so many people compliment my fashion sense (hence the reason I started NikkiFreeStyle.com). But my closet runneth over because I am a shopaholic to my core.
However, I often find myself in one heck of a conundrum when it is time to get dressed. Why? Because my overflowing closet actually makes me feel like I have absolutely nothing to wear. Having so many choices actually stifles my creativity when it comes to dressing.
The commitment to downsize my wardrobe is real. Over 72 hours between Christmas and New Years Day, my friend and former assistant Carroy and I went through every item of clothing in my closets. At the end, we had two racks and ten 30-gallon bins filled to capacity. Everything on the racks and in the bins MUST GO. I want a clutter-free lifestyle in 2018.
Less really is more when it comes to building a well stocked and stylish closet. Having good quality items on high rotation and knowing what shapes and styles work best on your body type is key. And you’ve got to be ruthless when it comes to getting rid of items that truly don’t work for you. Hence, my upcoming Facebook LIVE closet sale on Saturday, January 13 . I am actually planning to do live closet sales 4 times a year, so stay tuned.
This lace-like, leather-looking top survived the closet purge because of its style versatility. It is quite unique with a classic feel. I love the large almost invisible zipper and the hi-low cut. The top can also be worn as a dress or open as a vest. Purchased from Kenbritique, this is a versatile piece that easily converts from casual to dressy and back again as much as you please.
I first wore this top during New York Fashion Week and The Curvy Con last September. As you can see, I paired it with denim cutoffs and cinched the waist with a corset belt. It was a carefree and casual look that was complimented throughout the day.
For New Year’s Eve, I paired it with black leather-like skinny jeans and put a long sleeved black tee underneath. I like the way a belt looks around this piece because it is rather shapeless otherwise. I chose the oversized wide GG logo belt for this ensemble because of the occasion. This belt is in such high demand that I am certain is will be a collector’s item — mark my words. My fur clutch was a great compliment to the fur on my cashmere cape. I felt pretty badass in this look!
And there you have it. One top styled two very different and distinct ways. Having versatile clothing that not only transitions seasons, but can be styled for any occasion, helps making de-cluttering easier. Which look is your favorite? Check out other remixed looks here.
5 Tips I Used To Downsize My Wardrobe
- Touch It All — Take everything (Yes, EVERYTHING) out of the closet and go through every single item. In the process, decide what to keep, sell, donate or trash. Items that are stained, ripped, or faded were the first items I removed.
- Donate It— Have a donation bin and drop something in it at least three times a week. Remember, most donations are tax-deductible when given to non-profit organizations.
- Get Help! — Have you girl squad help you to decide what to keep and what needs to do. My former assistant Carroy was instrumental is helping me stay focused and nudging me every time I started to get inside my own head.
- There is No ROI on those luxury items. That’s a hard pill to swallow, especially if you spent one month’s mortgage payment on that Gucci Dionysus bag. You won’t get back what you paid for it, but just having it sitting in the closet collecting dust isn’t doing anything for you or that fabulous bag.
- Apply The 80/20 Rule — The majority of the clothes in your closet you probably don’t even wear. That is so true for me, even after this initial purge. Did you know the average American only wears 10 to 20 percent of their clothes. Cut down on the fluff by removing items you haven’t worn in a year.
As always, thanks for stopping by and be sure to follow me here on Facebook to be a part of my LIVE SALE on January 13.
I don’t know why we have such an attachment to clothes! That fear of I’ll give this away and then I’ll need it! I have greatly cut back over the last few years but still have maybe half of my closet that I know deep down, I won’t wear again and won’t miss… I’m going to try to take time to pull some items this week. There are some women in need who could make good use of them.
What a great idea and great article to help us accomplish it! I love that you provided us with visuals too. Excited for the sale on Saturday, my birthday!
I absolutely agree with this post. I too must admit it is time to purge again. I am a shopaholic as well. (It’s the fact it’s mine/my stuff in a 5 year old voice) I started years purging by brand. I have always shopped for iconic basics. However, being a Florida girl I found that I had and have items such as jackets and coats I rarely wear. I had a just in case closet. Over the years I have watched how you express your fashion and realized my closet still runeth over. (I have a storage) I noticed that so many of the items you styled I had something in my closet similar to it, in a different color or style. Shoes,handbags and accessories are at another level because I boutique and designer collector. How did you decide which high end items to rid your closet of such as Gucci,Fendi,Chanel,Bottega etc.?
Thank you Nikki for sharing NikkiFreeStyle.
PS: I will still be tuned in on the 13th.
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