Cutting Back on Clothes

Walking into the store, you already have an idea of what you’re in there to get: A dress for a wedding, a pair of jeans, a black belt. The problem is, stores don’t only have the item you’re looking for. In fact, their entire marketing program is designed to make you forget about what you came in to get because you’re distracted by everything else they have.

I have fallen victim to this more times than I can count, and that’s how I found myself with two closets, a garment rack, three under-the-bed bins, and four laundry baskets full of clothes. There are only seven days in a week, 52 weeks in a year, and probably only about 300 weeks where I will still like those clothes enough to wear them.

Then I started looking around at the overflow everywhere else in my apartment. I had seven jackets hung up, a bucket full of winter accessories, and two dozen pairs of shoes. I knew I would struggle to give all of these clothes the time they needed to be worth what I paid for them.

It was time to cut back.

But how could I do that? Everything I owned matched with something else and could be used for at least two outfits.

Yet, when I started looking through my clothes to see if there was anything I could part with, I realized that I had not worn some of these things in over a year. This prompted a total closet clean out with tote bins at the ready for Goodwill, consignment shops, and friends to take.

How would I know what to get rid of though? Through a lot of outfit pairings, I came up with a list of five items that every young adult needs in their closet. These items were carefully chosen because they can go with almost anything, and with a different twist on the look each day, no one would ever know you were reusing the same staple-item week after week.

Black Turtleneck

It’s a common fashion tip that black can go with anything, and that’s why this is the first item on the list. The tight-fitting look of a turtleneck allows it to be paired with a looser fitting pant or skirt. It can also work with any color of skinny jeans to make an easy yet put-together outfit. Add a scarf, necklace, earrings, or any pair of shoes and they will look good with this top.

Neutral Sweater

Neutral colors are going to be your best option when it comes to thinning down your closet. Bright pieces can be cute, but can’t be paired with very much. Getting a lightweight, neutral tone sweater will give outfits for three different seasons. In fall, pair it with jeans, a belt, and a beanie. Winter calls for a warmer look, so add a jean or leather jacket, leggings, and boots. In spring, tuck the sweater into a skirt and throw on ankle boots. The options are endless because neutrals can be paired with any color bottoms–even other neutral ones. This sweater allows you to create looks that seem effortlessly chic.

Paper Bag Dress Pants

This was the top item on my Christmas list this year. Paper bag pants have made their way into every business-woman’s closet, and for good reason. They can be worn with loose-fitting tees for a casual look, turtlenecks to show off a cinched waist, and blouses for a more professional outfit. They can be found in pretty much any color, but like sweaters, I suggest getting neutrals. I have a black pair and a peppercorn pair. Ankle boots, slip on shoes, and sandals are amazing compliments to these pants as well. These can be a little on the pricier side, but I suggest walking around a mall looking for this specific style to find the ones that work the best for you. Stores often have these on sale, so that’s a great time to pick them up!

Patterned Jumpsuit

Not everything in your closet has to be neutral, nor plain. That’s why one of my go-to outfits is a patterned jumpsuit. They can be worn in every season and can be dressed-up as much as you’d like. Sweaters, tees, turtlenecks, and a long sleeve shirt can all be layered under. Jackets can be added as well. For warmer weather, add sandals and a matching bralette. Bonus points if your romper has a belt or cinch waist to give some figure to your body.

Short Black Boots

If you’re going to have one pair of shoes that you want to wear in every season, black ankle and mid-calf boots are the way to go. Much like the black turtleneck, they go with everything. A more fashionable pair can be used to dress outfits up, while lace up boots can de-feminize one. They can go with skirts, jeans, dress pants, leggings, dresses, and any other look you can think of. Since you will be wearing these a lot though, make sure you get a pair with good support and that won’t kill your feet after a couple of hours. Wearing two pairs of socks is a great way to combat blisters in a less expensive pair of these boots.

Store, price, and exact style doesn’t matter as much as the way these pieces make you feel. A spacious and put together closet will help with that. Not having to choose between three closets-full of clothes makes a morning routine quicker and reduces stress. Having pieces that go with everything in your closet make choosing an outfit super easy, and gives you more freedom than you’d think. You will have control over the vibe you want to portray with your look: Be as dressy or as casual as you’d like. I know that no matter what, you’ll look great. So take everything off the hangers, load them up to get rid of, and enjoy your brand new closet.