4 Steps to Slowing Down Your Wardrobe

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Back in the day, I used to do a January challenge where I wore everything in my wardrobe and didn’t buy anything new. It was great in theory, but the other 11 months of the year I was shopping as normal. In the last few years, that’s shifted into a new mindset: the slow wardrobe. I don’t shop at all like I used to and much prefer a more considered, intentional approach. It’s taken some time but I genuinely love getting dressed and I wear everything in my wardrobe! If you’re looking to slow down a little but are unsure where to start, I’ve written a few tips, based on my own journey that will help you get started!

I ready Aja Barber’s book Consumed earlier this year and while I was already slowing down how much I shop (and how), this definitely opened my eyes to just how much the root of slowing down is about reducing consumption. So I’m actively putting these tips into practice in a few areas of my life, not just my wardrobe. But if your wardrobe is the big one you want to tackle, have a look at the steps below.

Step 1

Commit to not buying any new clothes for a month or two. Instead, focus on wearing as much in your wardrobe as you can. Make a note (mental or otherwise) of which pieces make you feel good and which ones don’t. Pull it all out so you can actually see everything you own.

If you find yourself saying, “Oh, I need ‘xx’ in my wardrobe,” start a list! If you have the impulse to shop, it might be worth investigating some of the feelings triggering that. Also, try unsubscribing from all those brand emails to help you avoid temptation.

Step 2

Have a good clear out. Go through your wardrobe and pull out things you don’t wear anymore, things that don’t fit, things you don’t love… Clearing space allows the pieces you love to breath a little bit!

Keep hold of the pieces that can be altered or repurposed (especially if you love them) and find a good home for what you no longer want (do a swap with your friends, sell on an app, donate to a shelter or refuge centre, etc). Charity shops are also an option but bear in mind that a lot of charity shop donations end up in landfills.

Step 3

Now it’s time to settle in. You have a wardrobe of pieces you like and you’ve cleared a little space to let them breathe. The impulse here is to get shopping but please don’t. The goal here is to break the cycle and slow down. Keep the focus on wearing what you’ve got. Work out different ways to wear and style what you’ve got, and make note of outfits you love!

The slowest and most sustainable wardrobe is the one you already own. So wear it! You’ll appreciate what you’ve got and you’ll start thinking more carefully about what you do buy in the future!

Step 4

Be patient. It takes time to unlearn that ‘buy, buy, buy’ mentality. Your habits won’t change overnight, but just try to be a bit more intentional. When you’re looking for something on your list, don’t just buy the first one you see. Search and weight your options; be more considered with potential purchases. See if you can find secondhand or vintage options, or if a friend is getting rid of something similar.

Keep showing love to the clothes you already have and be kind to yourself if you stumble. You’re only human after all.

I won’t lie to you and say that following these steps will be easy. They won’t! It takes time to unlearn things and change your mindset; I’ve been working on this for years and even now I have the occassional slip up. We’re only human. What I do know is that I’m much happier with my wardrobe since taking the time slow it down. I also feel like I’ve really found my personal style since deviating from the trends and just focusing on what I want to add to my wardrobe. I could write a whole post about that as well!

What’s your relationship with clothing like? What are you trying to work on?