In a bid to save money and declutter my home, I thought I share tips on how to shop your wardrobe and how this has indeed saved me money and helped me identify pieces of my closet that I have often ignored. This year instead of creating an updated Spring wardrobe capsule, I thought I just show how to shop your wardrobe and save money in the process. Shopping your own closet is a concept that has been around for many years but more so during the last year during lockdown. A lot of us found ourselves swapping nighties for joggers on a never ending cycle because we had no reason to dress up (or didn’t feel like it).
For many years I have been a proponent for decluttering one’s home as well as your closet and I have made this into a habit and do it every 6-weeks. Last week I decided to declutter my wardrobe and that’s when the idea of ‘how to shop your wardrobe’ came to me as its something I saw plenty of during the lockdown months. I am not big on going shopping for clothes every single month but I don’t mind it either but in a bid to save money, I figured why don’t I work with what I have and also help others learn how to shop your wardrobe in the process? The tips shared in this post are those that can be applied by anyone but with a heavy focus on saving money.
How To Shop Your Wardrobe
For many years writing on ajulydreamer.com I loved shared Fashion Favourites every single month but after a while this became tedious. I still love fashion and want to share more content around that but I want something that I resonate with and currently do in my everyday life and this is why I am sharing how to shop your wardrobe because this is something that I do often. Most of my friends are surprised when they find I don’t actually own many clothes even though we go shopping together often and I buy new pieces every single time. But what they don’t know is before I go shopping, I declutter, spend time shopping my closet and then deciding what pieces I actually want to add, need to be replaced or would compliment many other items I already own.
Everyone is well aware of what fast fashion is costing the world and to think ‘only 10% of clothes we donate is actually re-sold’ and the rest ends up at landfills is depressing. This is why I am a big proponent for and want to teach others how to shop your wardrobe so you don’t need to buy too many new pieces. I love shopping like the next person but I want to know be mindful in my purchases and not be part of the problem but rather be part of the solution in the smallest way I know how. When you learn how to shop your wardrobe not only are you supporting the environment but you are also supporting your own pocket but keeping the money with you instead of spending it. So, here are a few tips on how to shop your wardrobe.
Organise your closet
The first step in learning how to shop your own closet is by firstly organising the closet and trying every single item that you own on. I did this last week and the lockdown weight definitely knocked a few of my favourite pieces out but I am still glad to know what items still fit me, what are in good enough condition to re-sell, donate or consciously binned. Working through my closet, I realised that I do have a lot of cute items that I realised and no one can blame me because like many people I have been living in my lounge wear pieces for the longest time.
Wear Everything at least once
Once you have organised your closet and determined which items still fit you, will be re-sold, donated or other, its time to challenge yourself to wear every single item in your wardrobe however long it takes you. Every single day you will pick one item to wear (you can repeat an item only if it complements what you chose for that day) and make a note of whether you shall keep it, buy accessories to match it or it will stay as it is. This way you become intimating aware of what items are still your style, what needs to be replaced and if you need to change up your style.
Mix and Match Pieces
Whilst I am not the best fashionista out there I do know how to mix and match a few pieces in my closet and its how I have learned how to combine certain pieces with others to expand my own closet. I don’t need to shop a new dress when I can belt up one of my long tunic tops and like-wise I can tuck my short dresses into my jeans instead of buying new tops. Certain colours work well together and its about learning how to play with the colours in your wardrobe.
Unsubscribe to Online fashion stores
I love window shopping like the next person and there is no better online therapy that checking out your favourite shops having the ‘biggest’ sale ever (they do these every season, every year). I need to know what items I don’t have in my wardrobe and must absolutely need to complete an outfit before I make a purchase and 90% of the time I keep it in the basket for 1 week and if I still desire it then I will make a purchase provided I don’t have one already in my closet or a close dupe of what I want to buy.
Marie Kondo nailed it on the head when she said, ‘if it doesn’t make you happy or serve you, get rid of it’ and this applies to your clothes too. I had been holding on to so many ‘cute tops and shorts’ hoping one day I could fit into them, I gave up that illusion, gave them away as they did not serve me anymore nor did they make me happy. I chose to only keep items that I absolutely love, can make work with most of my pieces in my closet and serves me well.
A Nation of Moms says
Good points on getting a wardrobe into shape! I need to do some updating and organizing.
Kita Bryant says
I really love shopping for new clothes. I would love a wardrobe reset.
Garf says
I will be shopping for new wardrobe but first need to organize my closet. Thanks for these tips.
Annette, 3 Little Buttons says
I really love this! I’ll have to remember that saying if it doesn’t bring you joy (or serve you), ditch it (or sell / give it away). Fab advice and something I know that I need to do.
Catalina says
These are good advice. It’s so important to be aware of exactly what you have in your closet and what clothes you really wear before buying other.
Mudpiefridays says
I really need to go through my wardrobe as a lot doesn’t fit I don’t think because of lockdown. I tend to buy new clothes sparingly although I’ve had a little binge shops these last couple of weeks. Most of it went back.
swathiiyer says
I need to arrange my wardrobe. Mine is still requires some arrangement.
A Nation of Moms says
I need to get organized and also update my wardrobe. I enjoyed your suggestions.
Sondra says
Thanks for these tips! Always a good reminder to sort through my wardrobe.
Eloise says
I usually go through my closet every season! I love mixing and matching outfits to create a new look, fun , fun! ; ) nice tips!
Mosaic Artwork says
Awesome tips! My wardrobe is a disaster, i definitely need a new one!
Catherine says
I’ve just started organizing my closet for the warmer season ahead and it feels so nice to declutter and sort through all the things I forgot I even had!
Kathy says
I need to do some more organizing with my clothes. I especially need to get rid of some too. I know I have clothing that I don’t really wear.
Beth says
I’ve kept clothes that I don’t really like wearing or that don’t fit in the past. It was a relief to unclutter my closet and let them go. Unsubscribing from online fashion stores is a great tip!
Wren LaPorte says
Sometimes I have a lot of things in my closet I completely forget about! I love these tips.
Kara Guppy says
My wardrobe is full of items that I am hoping I will wear again, but I have still not managed to lose the weight. I need a good clear out
Jenn @ EngineerMommy says
This is a smart tip. I always try to check out my own closet for fun finds before heading to the store.
Heather | The Domestic Diva says
Love these tips. I think Pinterest is also a great place to get inspiration on how to use old pieces from your own wardrobe again. I like to organize my closet by outfit so it’s easy to grab and go when in a rush.
Lynndee says
There are some items in my closet that I haven’t worn for months or even a year. I think it’s time to get rid of them. Great tips!
Sally says
Now that summer is coming and I’m moving, it’s time for me to get rid of aome clothes. Then I’ll be ready to buy some new ones, in my new destination.
Sabina Green says
I love fashion but over the years I have realised that I had too many clothes. My wardrobe is a lot less than it used to be but I love the fact that is feels uncluttered now.
Nikki Wayne says
I couldn’t agree more. That’s why I’ll follow all your tips.
monicasimpson28 says
I like the idea of shopping my own wardrobe. I always just want to go buy new things but I need to just get creative with what I already have.
Tasheena says
These tips are really helpful. I love shopping my closet.
melissa chapman says
I need to start spring cleaning and clearing out my closet makes great sense a nd a good place to start, I have a lot of clothes I don’t wear so I have a lot of work to do.
Yeah Lifestyle says
Some great tips here and sometimes I have to admit that I do have clothes in my wardrobe which I have not used for years, so time to sort it all out
Tara Pittman says
I need to go through my clothes. My closet is quite full and I know I will find new options to wear.
Amber Myers says
Oh gosh, I really need to organize my closet. It is scary at the moment. I know I have tons I can get rid of.
Sarah Stockley says
I need to have another sort through my wardrobe as I have things that no longer suit me or that are too small. I do love a good declutter