A Look at My Wardrobe

When I was visiting Julene in Indonesia, I noticed an interesting little collage of pictures taped to her closet door. She told me that it was a guide on what to pack for a weekend trip and she added that it really works well.
I’ve been thinking that it might be good to revisit that little chart and see how it lines up with my attempts of trying to pack smart.
However, before posting about packing, I think we need to look at our closets and see if it’s even possible to make it so easy! I will tell you what I have discovered more recently and how that helps me shop more wisely. It may take a few years to build up this kind of a wardrobe, but it’s worth being patient and getting at it one season at a time.
The basic idea is not to buy anything unless it goes with a number of things you already have and like! Pick a few basic colors that you like to work with. What works well is to pick some neutral colored pants and skirts, eventually getting to where you have a cluster of colors that go together. When you buy a top it has to fit into one or two of the clusters and match with every bottom in that cluster. I made some piles to give you the general idea.


If you feel that your closet is just one big mish mash of stuff – there’s lots there, but it's hard to put things together – it’s a good idea to begin by sorting according to color or coordinating colors and only items that you actually wear. Take out anything you haven’t worn for a year or two and pack it up for a consignment store or charity. (don’t let it sit around and be clutter)

De-cluttering your closet will make you feel much better! You look at it and know that you can wear whatever is in there, instead of feeling like you don't know where to begin.

Once you know what you have (or don’t have) you can make a list of items you need to complete a color scheme. If you have a pair of black pants (a good basic) and a grey skirt, for example, then see how many tops and sweaters you have that go with those two items, throw in a pair of jeans, and you’ll find that with about 9 pieces of clothing you can come up with at least 18 outfits.
Now, when you go shopping, you know exactly what you’re looking for and you won’t be buying something just because ‘it’s cute and goes with jeans’. (well, every once in a while a girl’s just got to, but as a rule, try not to) Then when you get home, check to see how many things your item of clothing goes with…the more the better, because it enlarges your choices. Take note of different combinations, have a “try on” day, and it will help you know that you really have more than you thought. This could be a fun thing to do with a friend whom you trust to give you some honest feedback and ideas.
Don’t we all like to get something new for every season – hey, I think “back to school shopping” is the best invention and I still fall for it. But I’m learning that it’s a good idea to get into this cycle, if you will, at the end of every season when the sales are on. Right now is a good time to round up your next fall/winter wardrobe. And to keep you from ending up where you started . . . once your closet feels ‘comfortable’ and you do go and buy something new, make sure you also get rid of something old.
Now we’re ready to look at that packing chart.