I recently went clothes shopping. You are probably thinking…. so….. what’s the big deal?
The big deal (for me) is that this was the first time I’ve been shopping for clothes in almost 2 years!
When I became interested in decluttering and downsizing in 2019, my bedroom closet was one of my first priorities. At that time, I followed Marie Kondo’s advice and took out every single piece of clothing I had and put it on my bed. I pulled out all of my shoes and boots and lined them up along one wall.
I was SHOCKED at the number of things I had! It was… just… embarrassing! (I wish I had taken a picture back then.)
I permanently removed many items from my closet that day. And in the months to follow, I decluttered several more times. In the end, I downsized to 55 items of clothing for the summer season (not including shoes.)
The point that I am trying to make here, is that once I got down to 55 items and experienced the benefits of dressing with less – I STOPPED SHOPPING! I challenged myself to a No-Buy Year and I made it through with the exception of 2 dresses that I ordered online.
It has been a real eye-opener to see how my purchasing habits have changed since I embraced simplifying. I look at ALL of my shopping habits (not just for clothes) in a completely different way now.
I no longer wish to bring lots of items into my home. I do NOT want to manage more inventory – manage more stuff! I DO want to delight in the freedom – and bask in the “lightness” – of owning LESS!
Now that I have decluttered and simplified my closet, I can look at my wardrobe and easily determine what is working well, and what I need to donate or replace.
In looking at my spring wardrobe, I decided it was time to retire some items and bring in a few new pieces. It was time to go shopping!
In years past, I would browse all the racks to see what was cute, and what was on sale. My criteria for shopping now is quite different.
I made a list of exactly what pieces I needed, and I was determined to not stray far from my list. I have committed to keeping about the same number of items in my closet – so those days of going crazy at the clearance racks are OVER!
This was my specific shopping list:
- A new pair of comfortable jeans for work (my favorite tattered/worn-look jeans had become way too tattered for the office.)
- White capri pants.
- Two or three blouses suitable for the office.
- Two or three casual knit tops for work/play in colors that I love (other than black, which I already have.)
I shopped in only 2 stores – and I did not even LOOK at shoes! That was huge for me! I still need to downsize my shoes, so I didn’t dare take a peek 🙂
I avoided the off-season clearance racks because I was focused on finding specific pieces for spring. And, because I had not shopped in such a long time, I could afford to buy a small number of just-the-right-pieces at full price, if necessary. I focused on comfortable work and casual attire, and made sure that every top could go with multiple bottoms.
Here is what I returned home with:
1 great pair of Levi’s (with some stretch in them 🙂 )
1 pair of white capri pants.
4 blouses that I love and will go with various pants and skirts.
3 comfy knit tops that can be worn for work, or with jeans or shorts.
1 lightweight white jacket (which was not on my list.)
I must confess, I did buy a couple more pieces than I planned, BUT I will be taking more things to Goodwill to keep my wardrobe about the same size.
My splurge purchase was a super-cute white short sleeve jacket. This was not on my list, but it is a practical addition to my wardrobe for 2 reasons.
1. It will dress up several of my casual pieces.
2. It will protect my shoulders from the sun. I have several sleeveless dresses and tops that I absolutely LOVE – but I recently had 2 skin cancers removed from my shoulder and back. Now I can safely continue to wear my favorite sleeveless pieces. ❤️
My “shopping sabbatical” has made me stop and think about why I used to go shopping. It was mainly for “something to do.” Also, as I got older, I could afford to buy more than I could when I was younger. So my thought process was, “why not buy it if I can?”
I have a different answer to that question now. I don’t want to collect/purchase more and more things – just because I can. I want to be free of all the stuff that I thought I needed to buy – that society/consumerism taught me was the “normal” thing to do.
When I was a young girl, I was envious of the girls who had lots of cute clothes, and the trendiest brand name items. I’m not too proud to say that I carried that longing for material items with me for most of my life. Sigh…
But now I’m happy – and relieved – to say those feelings are behind me.
I will not sit here and say that I don’t enjoy getting new things from time to time. I most certainly do! But I now understand that those things, those possessions, do not define me as a person.
I encourage you to try downsizing your wardrobe, and experience the benefits of owning less. It’s guaranteed to reduce decision fatigue each morning when you open your closet door, and all you see are your favorite things!
Simplifying is a life-long process in which I am slowly making progress. Just remember: even a “little” progress is STILL PROGRESS! Plus – you are guaranteed to learn some interesting lessons learned along the way!
❤️ Angie
P.S. I invite you to view my full-length videos about decluttering your closet and the benefits of simplifying:
Simplify Your Closet
Closet Declutter – Is Project 333 for You?
3 Benefits of Owning Less
Join our Community and receive your free copy of Seven Simple Steps. Take advantage of this FREE Challenge to create New Habits that will help you simplify your possessions and start experiencing the benefits of Owning Less!
