Have you ever stared into your closet, overwhelmed by the sheer volume of clothes, yet feeling like you have nothing to wear? I know I have! It's a common struggle, and I finally decided to tackle my overflowing wardrobe. My goal was simple: to own the right amount of clothing that suits my lifestyle, climate, and work needs, without feeling like I'm drowning in options.
I started by trying to get a handle on what I actually owned. I had a formal midi dress for special occasions, a good number of maxi skirts (around 10!), and nearly as many midi skirts. Then came the outerwear... I quickly realized I had a sizable collection of jackets and coats – around ten, plus a couple of blazers. When I tried to count my jeans, I was surprised to find only four pairs. It made me think about what I actually need versus what I have.
Inspired, I even tried using a wardrobe tracking app. I was shocked to find I had uploaded around 130 items, and that wasn't even everything! The app helped me see how much I rewore certain pieces, and which items were just taking up space. This really opened my eyes.
Living in a place with distinct seasons, I realized my clothing needs were complex. We experience everything from sweltering summers to freezing winters, with those short transitional periods in spring and fall. Half my wardrobe was tucked away in boxes for half the year! That's when I understood the importance of seasonal wardrobe rotation.
Another factor was my work environment. The level of formality required definitely impacts the type and quantity of clothing I need. I knew I needed more versatile pieces that could transition from casual to professional. That's when I started looking for blazers that could be dressed up or down.
I realized I needed a system, something that would help me curate a wardrobe that worked for me, not against me. Here's what I did:
I started by ruthlessly getting rid of anything I hadn't worn in a year (with a few exceptions for special occasion items). I donated, sold, or gave away items that no longer fit, were damaged, or simply didn't spark joy.
Once I had a clearer picture of what I owned, I identified the gaps. I needed more versatile tops that could be paired with my existing skirts and pants. I also realized I was lacking in professional attire that was both stylish and comfortable. I was particularly interested in a blazer that could be worn in the summer at the office.
I decided to focus on quality over quantity, investing in classic pieces that would last. When I found myself searching for a versatile summer blazer, I came across the Summer Office Women Jacket Blazer from Gracequeens. It was exactly what I was looking for: a lightweight, 3/4 sleeve blazer that could be dressed up or down for work. I've been wearing it constantly! The single button closure gives it a streamlined look, and the black color goes with everything.
I wear it with a simple tee and jeans for a casual Friday look, or pair it with a blouse and skirt for meetings. It's become a staple in my wardrobe. Finding pieces like this blazer from homepage helped me build a wardrobe that is both functional and stylish.
I spent time experimenting with different outfit combinations, making sure I could create multiple looks from my existing pieces. This helped me maximize my wardrobe and avoid impulse purchases.