Being Content with A Small Wardrobe

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[@sandramaki7819]

I heard a story on CBC news about a woman who wore the same dress for an entire year. It inspired me to wear the same dress for a week ( with some different sweaters and accessories). After three days, I asked a colleague if she noticed that I was wear the same dress that week. She said no. It really made me realize how no one pays attention to what we wear. Great idea to have a signature style! That is essentially what I am doing. Great video Elin! ❤❤❤ Bisous de Montreal

[@user-ko1uw4zp5b]

I had a male friend in high school (years ago) point out that he had worn the same pair of pants for over a week...no one had noticed.

[@me4011]

Maybe she lied to be polite?

[@sharonr5848]

I think of the saying: “You wouldn't worry so much about what others think of you if you realized how seldom they do.” I notice that people have certain pieces -- especially if I like them, but I really don't pay that much attention to what people wore that week. I just know they wearing clothes.@@me4011

[@edennis8578]

On the other hand, I know of a woman who got fired because her boss didn't like it that she wore the same five work outfits every week. I myself once had a man in one of my grad classes accuse me of wearing the same black sweater every day, even though I had 6 different sweaters in completely different styles.

[@edennis8578]

​@@user-ko1uw4zp5bPants are easy to get away with. Unless they're unusual, like a bright red color or covered in sequins, people usually don't notice pants.

[@gabrielafonseca4034]

I've learned recently that making peace with your body is fundamental to spending less in clothes and enjoy them more. I realized I kept "needing" clothes because I felt bad about myself and thought this cut or that piece would make me "look better". But nothing was going to make me stop hating myself except me. And yes, nobody really notices what you're wearing

[@ritastutler1470]

I did the same thing..then started drinking lots of water, quit making foods good or bad..lost weight and now realize I spent too much on clothes...bought one dollar clothes at estate sales last day...have enough...not always shopping

[@ear1421]

This is so true! I have 4 Christmas sweaters that I wear every year and I wear them all on repeat all of December. My coworkers keep complimenting and asking if they’re new and I’m like “no, it’s the same sweater I wear all December for the last 5 years, I wore this three days ago” 😂😂

[@rosalindbarnett257]

Pared my wardrobe way back about six months ago and couldn’t be happier. I wear everything I have repeatedly. I love each piece. All my faves, organized and visible. It’s simple and I love simple.

[@WynterDragon]

I love how you are able to blend psychology and minimalism, because I feel like they do go together. Realizing you have enough, let alone letting things go is really hard. We are so indoctrinated into the capitalist idea that more is better.

[@bvmama7203]

Capitalism has nothing to do w consumerism lol. It’s literally just private property and private business.

[@grreeeeee]

@@bvmama7203 it's true that a lot of people use it in a way that is buzzwordy, but capitalism is absolutely tied to consumerism because capitalism is an economic system based on profit. the way to increase profit margins is to advertise, which is now deeply entangled with psychology, which leads to rampant consumerism.

[@sarahthatcher123]

As I was becoming more conscious about my wardrobe so it could be smaller, I realized the items I enjoyed the most and for the long run, were more expensive because they were much better quality. I am really actually experiencing the saying..” less but better’. I am so happy that this ( building a small wardrobe) and buying less but more expensive/ better quality…it really does ‘work’! Thank for this reminder and encouragement.

[@2cjj]

Completely agreed with all that you shared in this video. I am a 60 year old working women. My work environment is casual and although I appreciate that, it can be challenging for me to feel “put together” for my work day. Thus I have watched many wardrobe videos recently. Your observations brought me back around to my own philosophy, people (especially these days) are so consumed with themselves they barely notice what others are wearing 😂 Getting prepared for my week just got easier, thank you!

[@Shiryone]

I absolutely agree with you. I don't have to feel bad anymore about the 80% of the clothes that I don't wear...because I only have the 20% that I do wear.

[@dixydarlin56]

Luxury for me is everything in my (thrifted) wardrobe being inside my color palette (deep winter). They all look pretty hanging in the closet. I finally got rid of the one dress that didn't "go" with the rest and it's like a breath of fresh air...

[@joannafoster3423]

My wardrobe was the first place I minimalized and I LOVE IT! Having only pieces I love and fit well is so wonderful!

[@paigeajamieson]

I never tire hearing about minimal wardrobes! It makes me feel like i'm on the right track with my own :)

[@bananie2383]

I finally donated 3/4 of my wardrobe leaving only the pieces that I feel good in. What a relief! Looking in my pared-down wardrobe is such a pleasure now. I encourage everyone to try it.

[@user-ko1uw4zp5b]

Great reminder! So true that when we stop buying cheap, impulse items, we are more free to save up for better quality items that will last.

[@sarahthatcher123]

I don’t know why it was this particular video , but somehow what you said about wearing an item over and over and having it become a ‘signature’ item ( even to other people), really hit me and made so much sense. Your toque and sweater were perfect examples. I think of how men do this all the time with their ‘black t- shirts and jeans’ , so I think we can too ( maybe just different items). I find it so ironic that in so many areas of life and society so many women cry ‘double standard’ and ‘inequality’ when it comes to men and women and yet when it comes to wardrobes or fashion the vast majority of North American women are still following and buying into some arbitrary fashion ‘standard’ or ‘mentality’ when it comes to outfit repeating or following trends and just buying and having so many items in their wardrobe and making it such a stress point in their lives. Men don’t generally feel or buy into that ‘pressure’ the same way women still do. I find that ironic and interesting. Just my observation and pondering.

[@zippy3253]

I agree. Women complain about it but still feed into these “standards”. One can only be free if they choose to not play the game anymore. Then all the “standards” would be meaningless.

[@angelasinyard3743]

Awe..finally a post on small amounts of clothing. This occurred to me, 7 years ago. Love having a small wardrobe, not the same color ...but love having fewer pieces and this includes shoes.

[@danamatsukawa4762]

I love the idea of people loving an item I wear more when they have seen it again and again. I think it is true when it is a good looking piece.

[@gettingdowntobrowntown8268]

This is your best video in my opinion. I never thought about rewiring clothes in perspective of others as deeply before. Would love to see more videos like this. I’ve been following you since the beginning.

[@kristyleavitt8007]

Thank you, Elin! You’ve encouraged me to simplify my wardrobe further - and not replace everything I’ve decluttered 😉

[@sbffsbrarbrr]

I'm a senior so don't shop much anymore. But I find the clothing I like the most are good quality, basic pieces that I purchased many years ago. It is definitely worth the extra dollars to buy well made and/or unique clothing that stands the test of time.

[@kathystclair9485]

First time seeing your channel. I liked this video. We live in a 1916 home and that is when you realize how little clothing people used to wear by the size of the closets. I don't go out much, just because I love to be home. But, in saying that your video made me think about the times I go to church. I always thought I was an observant person, but I could not tell you what someone wore last week even if they repeated the same next week. It would have to be something that stood out to me and that I really liked. So, that goes to show me people are not concerned about what we are wearing as much as we might think. I try to keep in check with how much I am consuming. But when it's all said and done as one season comes and goes there are still things that I never wear. They will probably dry rot 😀 before I get around to all of them and I do not like shopping. Never have. I don't watch videos where the influencer tells us what is out of style from on year to the next. I buy timeless pieces that don't go out of style. Have a great day!

[@Fae88856]

French women have been doing this for generations. It’s a great plan and can brand your style as uniquely yours. They do the same with perfume. They select a signature fragrance and make it their own for years.

[@ediewilson4043]

I’m so inspired. This is a new approach to minimizing my wardrobe. Other videos have just confused me.

[@sarahfrancescutti9873]

What a fabulous idea, I'll be looking at my wardrobe pieces differently. Will pull my favourites out and be more selective on what I add back in. Thanks for sharing!

[@sheilafae]

I am 100 percent on board with having a minimal wardrobe. My problem is that no matter how much I spend on a clothing item the quality is not there. Everything shrinks, pills, snags or grows holes. It is so frustrating to me.

[@heidimeigs5192]

I’m not nagging or being a know-it-all…..but how you take care of things makes a huge difference. I’m relatively poor so my budget for clothes is small…like TJ Maxx and Walmart poor. 😁😁😁. I have things I’ve had for several yrs that still look and wear great. I’m going to tell you the things I do…you can either read it and maybe get encouraged or not. Your choice. I wish all my clothes on cool/cold water, delicate cycle. (I don’t wash everything if it’s not dirty or smelly….machines are hard on our clothes) I don’t dry everything in the dryer. I air dry over half of my wardrobe. I have 2 inexpensive folding racks that I use for some things, others I hang to dry. I rarely wash my jeans. I hang them up and frequently put them on the porch to air out. I also keep Febreez spray to freshen clothes up a little. I have a pill shaver. They’re not expensive and do help to keep things looking nice. I have a small portable steamer…I don’t iron. I also keep the Downey brand, wrinkle-release spray on hand . It works great. Obviously cheap clothes will not last as long as well constructed, more expensive ones will. But by taking better care of things, I definitely get several years wear out of pieces. I have some basic Walmart tees that are in about the 4th yr of wear and they’re fine. Also… immediately treat stains. I make up a blend of hydrogen peroxide, baking soda and Dawn dish detergent that I got off of Pinterest. It works great. I’ve removed spaghetti sauce, blood, mustard stains with this stuff. Another also…if an item gets a small rip or tear that can be repaired, do it immediately. 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@amyeastman8764]

I’ve started air drying 90% of my clothing and it’s made a difference. But I totally agree, almost everything faded, shrunk, pilled ect… I finally got sick of that and stopped using the dryer

[@JD-vh4ct]

I do the same. It has made a huge difference on my wardrobe. I started to keep the dark wash of my jeans from fading. I noticed how much of a difference it made so I just continued. I also don’t wash my clothes unless it’s really needed.

[@kathystclair9485]

I don't buy expensive clothing either. I always wash and dry "everything" inside out. If possible, I air dry on my rack. I dry my husband's shirts and jeans in the dryer, because that's how he likes it. I rarely dry my jeans in the dryer. The best clothes I have ever bought were from Cold Water Creek. We used to go to their warehouse in Parkersburg, WV where clothes were a small fraction of what the original prices are. That was at least 12 years ago, and I still have some pieces. They just never wear out and are timeless.

[@uoflann4416]

Thank you for your wonderful videos.. they have helped so much. I wanted to recommend 3 books that finally helped my anxiety. After reading literally over 500 books to get some relief.. these 3 broke the code. "Atomic Focus by Patrick McKeown, Breath by James Nestor and The Language of Breath by Jesse Coomer"

[@carolperdue7534]

I struggle with this. I have to remind myself that no one is keeping a secret log of what outfits I wear and how often, lol. Honestly, I don’t notice things like that about other people so why would I assume someone is noticing that about me. I could probably get rid of 50% of my clothes and shoes and still have a good sized wardrobe.

[@sl9906]

Excellent points! I loved the comment about the repeating outfits become even more likeable, and about your sweater, which I LOVE, and was going to ask where you got it. 😂

[@GabrielaPepe-nm6wg]

This is true, I never pay attention to what anyone else wears, I only pay attention if they look good or not. Lol

[@MichelleNovalee]

I pay such attention to detail that I immediately notice when my coworker buys a new outfit 😂

[@melanieantell9884]

Great video. Really made me think about ‘would I wear this over and over again and love it?’

[@patriciamoore3318]

Great points well done! So so true. At 68 I’ve become a minimalist. And always working on it. I will adapt to the wardrobe o have and consolidate even more. Thank you!

[@JoJoTarz]

Great video and such good points! There's an "influencer" I had to stop following because she almost never repeated an outfit and it was so depressing as I haven't got the budget for that many clothes! Yeah you can get ideas from these people, but realistically it creates the old FOMO, and results in overspending. I once commented on her feed to ask her why she has so many clothes and she said that she sells them after a while but provided no link to where she sold them- and these clothes are "slow fashion" and have high price tags to boot. I love clothes and fashion, but you have to just know when it's too much !

[@to1620]

The unfortunate part about style and clothing that not many people take into account is how much an individual’s body can change. I myself have dealt with this year alone-the onset of menopause, a physical disability, and unexpected changes to my income. ALL of those factors acted together to render my current wardrobe useless. Where does that leave someone? There’s no pretty capsule wardrobe for that. In the space of six months, I may gain or lose the same 40 pounds-leaving me with little to no options. I now have to keep 3 sets of clothing, one for feeling well, one for being sick, and one for in-between. It’s a nightmare.

[@ElinLesser]

That is a REALLY good point! Weight changes and body changes and disability can be game changers, and that should be acknowledged!!

[@williamclark1244]

This video is so accurate. The pieces I invest the most in are my go to pieces. I feel my best in them which has helped me to significantly reduce my wardrobe.

[@kitkat88816]

I don’t care if anyone notices my outfit I worn before i had someone say to me once you always where that and I just said ‘and?’ And they didn’t know how to respond like it was meant to insult me or something.

[@tiffanymorris7399]

I love having a small wardrobe! It has been life changing.

[@juliejohnson9225]

I just laughed at myself because it wasn’t until the end of your video that I noticed what you were wearing. I had to go back to see if you had on black the whole time. I guess proving your point. Lol I love,the short videos.

[@sonnywind540]

I started a non buy year maybe 2018 because of a big renovation in our house. This story went on & on. So me myself and I, we had to storage a lot of things and to pack it from one room to another. Finally the projekt is done. But I went further with not buying new clothes. This year I bought new T-Shirts,4, 2 trouthers and a pair of winter boots. I enjoy this new stuff sooo much and its enough. U are totally right with find your style. Perfekt video, thank U! Merry xmas to you Elin and I wish U a wonderful new year! 💙

[@vickihodges7177]

I never care what anyone else thinks about what I wear & really don't think about that - my issue is that I get super sick of wearing the same thing over & over again. I get super excited when the weather changes & I get to switch out my wardrobe because I am so sick of everything & it's like having new clothes. And signature pieces? I don't have those. I do NOT buy that fast fashion garbage though. I have a horrible time finding clothes in my style, especially where I live. Hate buying only online because then you can't try on & returns are awful. Always just end up donating the stuff I don't end up liking on me 😢.

[@kittycoon9143]

I just want to know where you got that winter hat!

[@wsrodeczku]

you're right! now I've been thinking about my two pieces of sweather. I love them. There were rather cheap and not as high quality as yours, but.. then I thought wow. I want to have only clothes like these. which i love wearing ALMOST EVERYDAY. and when I decide to say goodbye to them, feel gratefull. and then with peace go to buy another lovely piece of clothes

[@bumblebee_mrs]

I have a large wardrobe as I hate wearing the same thing every day. I do it for me only.

[@user-yd4yr5hr3s]

You just inspired me to finally be true to myself and honest with myself to go through my every day casual wardrobe and take out what is not really working for me right now if not right fit or doesn’t fit with my current lifestyle I’m taking it out & I can’t stand a cluttered closet I love neat and order I just want to really thank you with all my heart I really needed this you reached me at the right time and I am so excited to do this perfect for the new year and new me sending my love light and good thoughts always ❤️✨

[@pennyditchfield9944]

Spot on! Great video with an important message 😊

[@missbilliedavis]

I love watching your videos. 💕💕💕

[@marcidunfee6063]

Thank you for this video. I am going to put your advice into practice. 😊

[@kellymartin5475]

Great perspective!

[@shannonasch8602]

This video made me subscribe- love the wardrobe stuff and Im almost there! ❤️💚

[@juliemoore6957]

I totally agree!!!❤

[@melissataylor8910]

Great video!! ❤

[@SimplyBeautiful516]

I find this fascinating!! Also, when you were talking about your hat, I got “Confessions of a Shopaholic “ vibes from the first book/movie. 😂

[@JenFlutterby]

Incredible points Elin! I find there are several items I reach for the most. And while I enjoy variety, I do get overwhelmed at having too many options. So I just end up grabbing my ‘go-to’ pieces anyways. Time for a closet declutter. 😊

[@donnacompton7006]

Loved it

[@ShatteredRippleBooks]

My wardrobe is not really small but not huge either. I have always kept extra pieces due to problems getting stuff dry in winter. But I'm noticing that I wear the same thing a lot in winter. Especially my favourite denim skirt. I go out so little in winter that I have moved some of my winter clothes into my lounge wear wardrobe. I'm even noticing that I don't reach for my dresses to go out in. I'm going to have to try to wear them more. I'm mainly at home but I just don't want them getting ruined by cat claws. So I'm not wearing them as loungewear. I might reconsider that though as it's better to wear them than they just sit on the hangers decisions, decisions 😂.

[@funwithbudgies2601]

You have great videos.

[@pamelaroderick6588]

when an item is expensive , it’s really not if you wear it allot! to get $ out of an item love it , wear it often

[@sarahdelozier4054]

Where did you get that beautiful colored sweater/cardigan from? It's so pretty!

[@prem3957]

Great Video Elin! Do you edit them yourself?

[@laurasauriol5843]

I don't dress for other people. I dress for myself and how I feel in my clothes. I haven't a clue what's in or out😂. Don't have a minimal wardrobe just yet

[@madeleinevonwielligh5931]

❤❤ This is my goal for 2024 ...Thank You for sharing 🤗

[@lindabourketempleton4040]

I went through my wardrobe on the weekend to do the 333 challenge then I found out I only had 40 items apart from accessories and pjs and underwear. Win

[@ElinLesser]

Wow!!! That’s awesome! Very impressive!

[@Kate-lo1in]

100% 🎉

[@mariemcgregor1884]

I swear I could list every item of clothing my coworkers own 🤦🏼‍♀️ I often wonder why what people wore is taking up so much space in my brain…especially since I don’t care and respect people for repeating outfits

[@andreamarieball]

I do the same, but maybe it's bc we are interested in style and understanding our coworkers a little better through their style choices? I think it can be a positive, not necessarily a negative, or judging way of thinking :)

[@JJJettplane]

I think it's partially because we are comparing ourselves to them.

[@heidimeigs5192]

The world does not revolve around us. 😁😁😁

[@autobotdiva9268]

bad thing about this is WINTER. need different sweaters because its freezing or cold, lol

[@Ripplesinthewaters]

I hope she wasn’t rude when she mentioned that to you. That kind of comment would have hurt my feelings. What’s wrong with a simple “thank you”?

[@ElinLesser]

Oh no, luckily she was super nice and also thanked me.. she just mentioned i also had said it before which gave us a laugh! (I hear you in life though - sometimes a simple thank you will do!!) :) thanks for the comment

[@dorothyduvall6503]

This video really resonates with me. I have a LOT of clothes, most of fairly good quality, and have quit buying lesser quality. I've pared down a lot and have much more editing to do. Your video inspires me to pare down further and to focus on truly high quality. Thanks for the perspective. I think you're right on. (74, retired, disabled, need nothing!)

[@marycassidy1695]

torn jeans?????

[@RO-wy5lx]

Great tips I'll keep in mind while shopping today❤ Rosie👩‍🦳 74 Toronto 🇨🇦

[@2cjj]

Completely agreed with all that you shared in this video. I am a 60 year old working women. My work environment is casual and although I appreciate that, it can be challenging for me to feel “put together” for my work day. Thus I have watched many wardrobe videos recently. Your observations brought me back around to my own philosophy, people (especially these days) are so consumed with themselves they barely notice what others are wearing 😂 Getting prepared for my week just got easier, thank you!