As we ease into the rhythm of a new year and set new goals, I’ve noticed a few areas of my life that need attention. While we’ve established minimalist qualities in our home, this feels like the right moment to maintain—and revisit—that framework. My focus and intention have strayed, so what better place to reset than my wardrobe.
For me, redefining my path begins in the closet. It has been years since my first phase of minimalism, yet I’ve accumulated clothing I rarely reach for—if at all. Some pieces never fit the way I expected, others have seen better days, and some could simply serve someone else better. As I worked through this process, I realized many of these items were gifts. I’m deeply grateful for them, but that realization also helped put things into perspective.
Minimalism is not about owning the fewest possessions. It’s about using fewer items to define what truly matters. Your wardrobe, in particular, is an opportunity to express who you are. The clothes I reach for most are the ones that make me feel comfortable and confident. My style is classic and simple—finding a middle ground that dresses up something casual or dresses down something formal. It’s my uniform.
Layers play a key role in this approach, which makes stripping back to the essentials especially important. With a capsule-sized wardrobe, I have to be honest with myself: if I’m not comfortable putting an item into heavy rotation, it doesn’t belong. Otherwise, it collects dust and creates friction every time I open the closet.
By the end of the process, I had filled a trash bag with clothes ready for a secondhand shop. I even sold a great jacket—at a bargain—to someone it fit perfectly. Seeing the excitement in his eyes confirmed I’d made the right decision.
Knowing I was letting go this season, I did pick up a few classic staples that are already in regular rotation. That small shift alone restored confidence in my wardrobe—and reminded me how powerful intention can be.
When was the last time you pulled the weeds from your closet? Are your hangers packed so tightly they create resistance every time you get dressed? Do yourself a favor and take inventory. Start with the items you’ve neglected for months and set them aside. Creating order in your wardrobe can make you feel lighter before the day even begins.
Give yourself a full weekend if this process is new to you. Emotions may surface—let them. Just because you once had intentions for something doesn’t mean it’s fulfilling its purpose now. Give it back to the world and notice how it feels when your wardrobe becomes more curated.
That’s the first step. The second is restraint. Don’t rush to replace what you’ve let go. You may find the process needs repeating before it truly feels right. And when you do add something new, remember what you just experienced—any piece can just as easily collect dust.
A thoughtful wardrobe has the potential to change how you move through the world. Treat it with intention.
