The ten-item wardrobe | Jennifer L. Scott | TEDxStGeorge

[@JessicaBirakos]

“I could respect myself enough to present myself beautifully at all times” WOW 🙏🏼❤️

[@SaraLiza]

That is exactly the quote that brought me to tears.

[@lauraleehogan1040]

Ohtu is

[@annabrown7998]

@@SaraLiza oooo

[@melciad8980]

Exactly

[@swishfamilyrobertson3637]

Oh my goodness, I think you've just changed my life with one sentence, " I could respect myself enough to present myself beautifully at all times."

[@yazminelle8331]

That was my granny lesson. First thing you do make your hair before coming out of your room.

[@najna4i4]

Same here!

[@hellagreen2734]

"not knowing my true style...the clothes that I had, they weren't sophisticated, they weren't how I wanted to express myself" YES. This is my exact problem.

[@shannonalver7728]

Thats my problem too, and without knowing your style, you end up with lots of things that dont go together.

[@hashmo101]

"wear the same high quality clothes over and over again". I work in the city and I see the most elegantly dressed men on the way to work always wear a perfectly fitted dark navy suit, great polished double monk strap shoes, plain dark tie in a windsor knot with a dimple, white fitted french cuff shirt that peaks out from the bottom of the jacket sleeve, pocket square, nice watch, great timeless bag and impeccably groomed (see your barber every 3 weeks, get friendly with a round brush and hairdryer, buff your nails). So my work wardrobe is now this. It fits into a tiny wardrobe. Getting ready is so easy. I feel and look great everyday. I avoid magazines/blogs/newspapers/instagram/tumblr that try to convince me otherwise. Lets be honest they all make their money from fashion corporations who use advertising to convince us psychologically to buy more. I call it the Joy of Missing Out. Its a con anyway, have you noticed how fashion designers like Christopher Bailey, Lagerfeld, Kors all wear the same outfit at the end of their runway shows? They don't even buy into the message they're spreading! All I do is make sure that on the way to work everyday I match the single most elegantly dressed man I see. Simple. Then I get on with my life and figure out what my purpose is and start taking steps to achieve it without wasting any more time on 'fashion'. This post has already cost me 17 minutes of that :(

[@rosestewart1606]

hashmo101 I once saw a picture of Alfred Sung with his entire wardrobe. it fit into a small armoire.

[@ByeByeBelly]

Never heard of monk strap or anything you mentioned...

[@libiaduran4726]

thank you for the time you have spent on this post. Point well take. So, dress to impress every day, only impress your self first.

[@AMcDub0708]

This is probably the most brilliant comment I’ve ever read. “The Joy of Missing Out” needs to be a TED talk ASAP.

[@fauvecorrigan1233]

This is not a parisian thing. Most Europeans are pragmatic like this. Save up and buy few, good items that will last you years rather than constantly buying low grade items that last a few months. Saves time, money and self esteem.

[@greenkitty82]

I keep saying that but others shoot me down saying they can't afford it which if you're on really low income very cheap or charity may be the only option but I would still save what I can. I'd rather buy good fitting jeans that last me 10 years then a cheap old pair that rip after a year. Saves you money in the long run but people always want more and can't be satisfied, whatever it is. Last season isn't good enough anymore.

[@jceja87]

+Zara Harrison Yes. Saw this in Madrid. There were very smartly dress people over there across the pond.

[@nanadelamer6277]

+Zara Harrison not.true,Ppl.avoid.wearing.twice.the.same.in.Europe.as.well

[@skellymom]

+Zara Harrison , Yep, they wear classic, well made items. Some do just simple colors and dress them up with nice accesories: ties, jewelry, scarves, etc. Goes a long way and is versatile. I love it because I usually pick a few items I LOVE and wear them to death!

[@candyluna2929]

but when it comes to their gvts they choose socialist who tax the heck out of them. so they wont have much mone for clothes either way

[@honeybeeish1]

America is a consumerism nation. I am from Europe and I watch a lot of fashion/beauty youtubers and I am amazed by how much stuff they own. i wouldn't buy a new piece of clothing unless I need it. Why should I buy a new foundation when I already have one that works good for me and is far for being finished. I only buy basic and clasic/timeless pieces of clothing and if I need something and don't need it right away , I don't mind wainting for a few weeks/months for the sale season.

[@jerramy]

Having visited America several times, I have noticed that clothing is very cheap compared to Europe and they always have stuff on sale with up to 75% off on some really nice items. And this goes for most consumer items, not just clothing. I think Americans buy tons of stuff just because they can.

[@honeybeeish1]

jerramy of course, that's what consumerism is...

[@CollyInSA]

I agree with the foundation part.. I always try first to finish the one I have...

[@jerramy]

Yes, that's what consumerism is. Something young people don't notice but I've been around for a while and I've seen over the decades that average clothing has become worse and worse in quality of material, sewing and design since outsourcing and cutting costs increase the profit margin goal of all business nowdays. The fashion changes next year anyway so it doesn't matter that they fall apart in the wash by the time the season ends. Throw away, buy more - consumerism. Acting as if resources are infinite and the pacific garbage gyro doesn't exist.

[@carlacardenas3983]

Zara and H&M, 2 of the biggest and most unethical fast fashion companies and are european

[@stephenbond6127]

A class act and unpretentious. She is a diamond in the rough. she's refreshingly real.

[@AbsentWithoutLeaving]

She's an excellent speaker, and I'm willing to bet her blog and book are well written as well.

[@McFraneth]

Hardly a diamond in the rough! Au contraire, she's polished and elegant, down to her Nuxe-covered arms.

[@melissaburnie]

Yes, her books are very well written and presented.

[@clearingclutterforclarity1508]

I recently found Jennifer Scott on KZbin and appreciate the message she is putting out there. I'm not one who wants a 10 item wardrobe, but am downsizing. Her ending story solidified my decision to let my old mismatching pajamas go...and replace them with actual pajamas rather than sweats (that are showing wear). Thanks for sharing with us, Jennifer! ~T

[@krsextonart]

This one was eye-opening for me. I've recently started a journey to minimalism and my wardrobe was overflowing when I started (a week ago), I donated most of it and now have a collection of clothes I truly like. Watching this video has convinced me that I can break that wardrobe down even further. Realizing that I have way too many pajamas that make me look like I'm still in high school. Thanks for posting this! Also, suddenly wanting to go to Paris, ha.

[@kimberlyperrotis8962]

Good talk. Being presentable at all times is important to me, too. It’s about valuing yourself and your one life! Clothes don’t have to be expensive, they just have to be comfortable, practical, in excellent condition, and, most of all, give the wearer pleasure!

[@bb57nyc]

I lived in Paris with a family in the late '70s. Sounds like the same room and the same armoire. I remember being shocked when my French teacher wore the same outfit three days in a row.

[@kawaiikai00]

I thought she was going to do something with those squares behind her. like they would reveal a sample wardrobe or something... nope

[@VickiLanzo]

I thought the same thing! lol bummer...

[@TheHighHeart]

Me too!!! That set design looked like they didn't care much for their speakers. What were those badly cut pieces of cardboard from an old box in the back? LOL. (But the speaker was wonderful!)

[@dianarousseau]

Me, too - I wanted to see the ten items!

[@AbsentWithoutLeaving]

You know, plenty of fashion magazines run photo spreads on exactly this. Of course, every issue, it's a whole new style set, lol, but the principal is the same. In Style magazine is known for them. Edit to fit your style and you can have a basic wardrobe that will carry you forward for years. Change out a blouse here, a sweater there, hem pants and skirts higher or lower as needed, and have fun with accessories.

[@waltraudholzer3136]

kawaiikai00 is

[@anng.r.687]

Lovely, lovely talk. You did a beautiful job. You were eloquent and appeared at ease. Your message was clear. Even though I've read your book several times, and have watched all your videos and feel like I have a good grasp on your outlook, it was still nice to hear your presentation. Thank you for sharing!

[@hibiscusflower5911]

I can't stop watching her dress and wishing I had it, for that reason I don't think I'm a candidate for the 10 piece wardrobe...

[@hibiscusflower5911]

Zoe Doucette I've been trying to get rid of clothing, but I have a lot of clothing that is probably unsuitable for donation, because of a stain or something, so I keep them. What can I do? I just got to the end of the video, I have more concern for the environment than I do for fashion, although I love fashion. I would have kept those sweatpants that she threw away. One day I'd like to have a very small, very durable, deliberate wardrobe.

[@cyndixwg]

Zoe Doucette Check farmers' markets etc in your area for textile donation (to be recycled into rags, scraps for various types of re-use). I had the same reaction to her throwing away the sweatpants! ;)

[@eveb.2080]

Zoe Doucette If there are unfit/unsuitable to donate because of a stain or something - why do you KEEP them ...? Throw them away!

[@julijakeit]

Zoe Doucette The dress is gorgeous! It matches the hostess perfectly. We all can find a perfect dress or a few of them and enjoy wearing them instead of buying sales items because they had bigger price tags or brand names. Clothing manufacturing is one of the biggest polluters of our planet. Having less but better quality not only will make one feel like a million dollars but will last longer! If it has to be sales shopping, why not looking for cotton, linen, cashmere or wool or even natural silk (the one that was made by not killing the silk worms) clothing? cotton, linen and wool or their mixes feel so good depending on weather and last much longer.

[@putheflamesoutyahoo1503]

+Zoe Doucette Get over society based/framed beauty. Find within. Look at what Fresco says about beauty in one of the many Venus Project youtubes.

[@LadyGub7]

She doesn't mention it but our disposable economy and exploitation of people psycholgical "need" to satisfy thie desires. People with the means, many of whom their wants have become their "needs" and there is so much waste associated with this. This means that their personal ecological footprint is much larger meaning theyare also not only does it not benefit themselves, but it also is a detriment to the planet and other species. This is part of why we have a planetary crisis going on. Our economyhas become dependent upon the exploitation of people's psych need to satisfy their impulses , desires and the illusion that if they get what they want they'll be happy. Soon as they tire of something they want a new one or they continuously want something else. Along with manufactuerrs who do not build to last but build to break or to replace otherwise they'd put themselves out of business. As well as the industry of debt and finance that has been spawned by this consumer lilifestyle. The more one has , the more they want. More people need to learn the truth and wisdom of the fact that less really is more and that it isn't the item in itself that "satisfies" them, it is the mere act of acquiring or satisfying a DESIRE, and it is not enduring or lasting, that's why people need to keep repeating the process and end uo with a lot of things they do not use or need. WASTE! Not to mention paying off credit cards long after the things they purchased are gone and forgotten about (as well as the work one has to do to pay for all this "stuff")..... It is truly a sad situation. I hope more people learn the truth of this and the wisdom of not feeling the "need" to persistently want things and feel compelled to satisfy those "wants". It also reduces ones' very meaning of life.

[@putheflamesoutyahoo1503]

+Debbe Decker The Venus Project, the first scratch in extreme human advancement. Fresco says 10 yrs to complete I say 5. Only needed for the United World Youth and "their" planet, the old pep just need freedom to be creative and efficient. Laws not kept up to tech. We are forced inefficient. How? like 1989 but world youth united, the targeted(why everything sucks, Craig Ferguson) can silence the world for change. TVP remodels education, infrastructure,,,health follows,,,efficiency runs rampid,,,hence moderation. We have been living in boxes quickly created to house carbon slaves cheaply for the carbon farmed slave populated infrastructure. What war did to medical, slaves did to tech. We need to get to the root, no blame and politics as usual. Money the root of all evil. Recourse based needed. Quit scarcity rule and waste.

[@AbsentWithoutLeaving]

Debbe Decker, you nailed it in your first paragraph. The advertising industry spends untold billions, trillions, of dollars on convincing people that want = need. I could not believe my eyes the first time I saw people running around in "Shop 'til You Drop" t-shirts. People! Snap OUT of it!!!

[@Irene-gq4jr]

I first watched this talk a few years ago and have never forgotten it. I still have a wardrobe that has too much in it, but now only buy good quality clothes. I also now buy 90% of my clothes and shoes from charity shops and am quite discerning. It does make a big difference when it comes to getting dressed for work or going out, so much easier.

[@dechinta]

Years ago, I went to Florida for a vacation and ended up staying there. While I was gone, everything I owned was stolen back here in Alabama. All I had with me were shorts and t-shirts that I had taken for my vacation. I had nothing to come back to, so I stayed in Tampa. I had to get a job. I went to a charity shop and got two dresses. I wore one one day and the other the next and....repeat. I had to do this for several months, while I tried to recoup enough money to get back to Alabama. I was belittled horrendously at work. Even though my co-workers knew my situation, that I had had everything stolen and that I didn't make enough money to buy clothing, that I didn't even have anything to put food in. I had gotten a box of cereal and some milk, but didn't even have a bowl or spoon, so I ended up eating the cereal out of the box and drinking the milk out of the container. It was very humbling. But the bullying I got at work was horrible. I eventually was able to buy more work clothes, but I will never forget the bullying I got for wearing those two dresses over and over. I ended up staying in Florida, buying a home and thought I would be there forever, but I became disabled and had to move somewhere cheaper, so back to Alabama I came with my tail tucked between my legs. It worked out, as my parents were getting into their 90's and I was here to care for them until they passed away. I will never regret that. They died very close together since they had been married for 71 years. And since I am disabled and unable to work, I will be in Alabama until the day I die, which sucks, but at least I got to live close to the beach for many years. I wish I had had this video to share with my co-workers in Florida, the ones who made fun of me for wearing those two dresses over and over! I am loving the idea of paring down. Being disabled and never really going anywhere, I really do not need enough clothing to clothe 30 people. Thanks! A lot of clothing is about to go on Ebay!

[@TheDailyConnoisseur]

Thank you for sharing your story. I'm sorry you went through such a difficult time! You are a strong person for being able to withstand such ridicule from your co-workers! I'm happy to hear that you got a lot out of my TEDx talk. Wishing you the best. Jennifer Scott

[@Smithpolly]

Adilene Castillo : Certainly, it doesn't sound as if they acted in a generous or nice manner in this situation but that doesn't mean they are worthless. If we were all judged only by how we acted in our worst moments, very few of us would come out of it too well.

[@p90xkp]

Hello, you have a very powerful testimony. I pray Jesus restores your health and grants you double for your trouble. Be encouraged ❤

[@Smithpolly]

Adilene Castillo : I wasn't there. I've only heard one side of the story. I have no idea what was going on in their lives. It's one thing to say "I don't like this person" or "I don't like the way he behaves" but going down the road of saying someone is worthless or not human is a whole different kettle of fish.

[@DaniLong]

@Adriene Castillo - I think you are correct and others might interpret your choice of words differently if they knew Spanish. I think you are correct because, as you said, it was not just a one time thing that dechinta´s coworkers were unkind. It was over quite a bit of time. They were not kind at all. @dechinta - I hope things go well for you from now on. You sound like a smart person, not hanging onto things that do not benefit you. Best wishes to you!

[@robinlillian9471]

From one extreme to another. I don't need a walk-in wardrobe, but I don't want to run out of clothes before I have a chance to do laundry, either. Don't know about Paris, BUT a lot of expensive clothes in the store in the U.S. aren't really all that high quality. You're just buying a famous name. It's a scam.

[@libiaduran4726]

I agree with whit your last statement, there are no good quality clothes anymore anywhere. Even at high-end stores the material and manufacture are really bad. I find that all across the board items seem to be Walmart's quality for high prices. It is quite ridiculous. Whatever happened to good fabrics?

[@sonja1]

@@libiaduran4726 same here in Germany. It doesn’t matter if you buy a brand or cheap stuff. It’s all manufactured in poor countries and the quality is bad. I find it really hard to find an item that I love and that’s good quality. That’s why I can’t get rid of the cheaply made expensive/cheap items that I don’t like wearing.

[@AbsentWithoutLeaving]

If you want to test-drive the concept, take the first step she suggests. Consider all the clothes you have for whatever season you're in, and figure out which are the ones you wear most often (your favorites). Put those in your closet and in your most easily reached dresser drawers. If you're honest, you won't have that many. Put the rest in a remote closet, or if you don't have one, into plastic storage bins so you know you can get at them if you absolutely need to. You will be surprised at the feeling of lightness and ease when you go to get dressed. Take further steps as needed.

[@perfumaphilia3246]

I would love to do this, partly because I'm extremely poor right now and can't afford clothes anyway. If people ask me why I wear the same thing all the time, I'll just act all hipster about it and say, "I'm trying this new ten-piece wardrobe thing.." instead of telling them that I'm fucking broke.

[@mariadj5716]

I am you

[@yassirislam7164]

Great presentation, and without a single power point slide! Echoes of Marie Kondo here..not sure who did their thing first but it hardly matters. Ultimately it boils down to quality over quantity and feeling joy and pleasure in wearing one's clothes rather than just throwing something on because we cant go out of the house undressed.

[@laurac4576]

This makes SO much sense and I can see myself really enjoying not having too much choice in clothing. I love it.

[@anastasiabrannan9727]

I love this, and I have adopted this for the past 10 years or so. I have a "uniform" of some sweaters, slacks, and blouses I rotate. I truly do not care about being seen in the same things over and over. I find it liberating and I never have to expend an ounce of mental energy into my wardrobe. I do love accessories, however. I will splurge on eclectic earrings and necklaces to keep things fun.

[@deborahhanna4397]

Well done, Jennifer! I have been getting back in shape over the past few months and since I read the first Madame Chic, I have been much more mindful as I'm replacing too-big clothing. Of course, this means I'm purchasing a lot less, but the few items I have bought, I like so much more than before. I'm also tailoring the ones that I loved in larger sizes. Can't wait for the next book!! Thank you!

[@Zayney]

The first time I watched this it really change my way of thinking (especially about pajamas 😄). Great Ted talk.

[@greenkitty82]

Good talk. I've always had the less is more mentality so it's good to see someone talk about having less in their wardrobe the whole wearing few high quality items. I think the U.S. and the UK as well have this mentality of insecurity by caring too much about what others think, hence why they want to be seen with having different clothes all the time. But as the French do its your confidence and attitude that make you look good and rotating the clothes into something that looks great.

[@fauvecorrigan1233]

+greenkitty82 Making good impressions is still important which is why it is good to save your money to buy good quality clothing. Its not good to buy cheap clothes and toss them out once you replace them with some other cheap clothes a few months later.

[@greenkitty82]

+Zara Harrison I completely agree with you. The only time I buy very cheap clothes is if I'm travelling and staying in hostels etc where you can lose clothes and they can get stolen. I never ever take good stuff. If one can afford good quality clothes, one should buy them as they'll last years and years and they fit better but there's some, namely celebrities who will buy good quality stuff (e.g J brand jeans), wear them once and then throw them out which is incredibly wasteful. As you say it's best to save and buy good quality stuff you can afford and have for years instead of old cheap stuff that wears out quickly and needs replacing but some I guess are happy with very cheap stuff, they don't mind it but I think good quality fits the body better, especially if you look after yourself through diet and lifestyle.

[@horrocl]

Once I helped a friend with her laundry and noticed that all the kids' drawers were very neat and uncrowded. When I pointed it out, she told me that she grew up with a mother that believed that all kids needed were three pairs of pants, five shirts, and clothes for Sunday. One result is that laundry can't accumulate till it becomes Mount Laundry (less clutter), and kids are less likely to throw clothes on the ground when there are fewer of them (again, less clutter). My kids HATED it, but I would take the clothes they had out of closets and drawers twice a year, check the fit and wear, and then we knew exactly what we had to buy. As for myself, I found that I tended to wear "my favorites" everyday. I confess I have more then ten items of clothes, but I love a closet where I can easily see what I have. It feels so good to go through my closet and get rid of things I don't enjoy, that don't fit, don't match, and then pass it on to someone who wants it.

[@yazminelle8331]

I was cleaning my kids wardrobe every 2 years, guess what. So crowed that they couldn't find anything but the same everyday.

[@LottieSue]

Studying my "season color pallet, was the best thing I've ever done to dwindle down my wardrobe and cause everything to work together. I think finding you "season" is the best way with baby steps to get a workable wardrobe. Another great idea is put all your hangers backward and after you use and laundry the item hand it up the conventional way. At the end of a few months or a year you'll see the items you have warn and you can pass along the rest.

[@libiaduran4726]

This is a great idea.

[@chinasao.2785]

I like the idea of 10 items per season. Who in the world wears all the items in their closet anyways?? This is a very smart way to save money on clothes. There is beauty in being a minimalist!

[@melovescoffee]

Clothing is the only remaining problem in my daily life i can't tackle well. When i was younger and just living on my own, i didn't have much clothing at all and was struggling with money to buy what i needed. Now i have a hoarding problem, specifically clothing. I just buy things, mostly quality things from the secondhand store because i have this panicky feeling i might otherwise not have enough. (It's a very similar thing my stepmom explained about her food hoarding problem, because she grew up in the lean times after WW2. I think having a big stash of food is actually very smart) It's not actually that bad when i compare it to what the average American has, i'm European but i still consider it a problem because i live in a very small appartement. And since most of these clothes are of excellent quality, i find it difficult to prioritize what to keep and what to get rid of and when i open the closet, i find it difficult to figure out what to wear. Thank goodness i don't have the same issue with shoes. This video has been very helpful. Than you so much, Jennifer. I think my approach will be: -Make 10 outfits. because i also need seperate things for garden work i do almost daily. -Stash the rest in zip bags and see how it goes. There won't be a need to panic, because i will still have it, it's just out of the way. -Test and streamline outfit idea and then start getting rid of stuff.

[@fitha4474]

This talk changed me alot & lead me to your channel . You are doing a sane job .Thank you Jennifer :)

[@Chezmemes]

another benefit is the reason why people like Steve Jobs and Mark Zuckerberg have their own, never changing, style. It frees the mind to do small decision, just pick the clean trousers, they are all same style anyway. That way, you can focus on more important mind occupations.

[@4evrnick]

That's the reason Jobs did it. Zuckerberg did it because he's s poser.

[@piemakerproductions]

And before them Einstein used this same method

[@pl414]

Jeff Goldblum did this in The Fly, and he gave credit for the idea to Einstein.

[@libiaduran4726]

I wish we women could do the same.

[@VincentAndre_HK]

@@libiaduran4726 they totally can do it too

[@DonnaBrooks]

This was disappointing for 2 reasons. First, I was expecting more of a demonstration on how to make more from less by using clothing creatively for multiple purposes. Instead, what we heard at the end was to throw out something just b/c it had a hole in it, & go buy more stuff. How about sewing up the hole? We live in a culture that already reinforces the use of disposables & being a consumer. Instead of repairing things or making due with what we have, we keep buying new things, & throwing "old" things "away". The problem is, there is no "away". It all goes somewhere & it all comes from somewhere, & most Americans are unaware & apathetic about the life cycle of products. Everything comes, as if by magic, from "the store" & we don't give a moment's thought to the impact of our garbage on humans & wildlife. Even clothes w/ holes in them can be donated to organizations that make quilts for the homeless, or they can be used as bedding by an animal rescue. There are very few things that can't be reused, & the things that can't be repurposed can be composted or recycled. Instead of encouraging creativity, this talk encouraged consumerism. Why buy 2 pairs of pajamas? And why be embarrassed b/c of what someone else thinks? I would have used it as an opportunity to explain why I wear something until it's worn out, & to explain the things I said here. Watch "The Story of Stuff" here on YT, or look up their website. You can also look into the Center for a New American Dream website & the Northwest Earth Institute Courses. (ETA "as if by magic")

[@Zavantica]

wow this is great!! I am going to do it now. This way I can spend less time online looking at clothes and I can focus on more important matters.

[@KM-nq7ez]

I follow her Utube channel in 2020... she’s still preaching living your best life, wearing your best etc.... she’s super inspiring. ❤️

[@ChloeSpiritual]

What’s her KZbin channel?

[@irishlizzie]

The Daily Connoisseur

[@RubiMercuri]

This reminds me of one of my favorite fashion designers quote "buy less, choose well" ..if anyone can figure that out

[@safetypinjanie]

Vivienne Westwood!

[@katherinegordon5608]

Love, Love this woman and the amazingly sensible advice she articulates so ably.

[@JChandler6416]

Just re-watched this and clearly anyone can tell that you are having technical issues with your ear piece, not simply fidgeting. Handled with poise and grace, Jennifer!

[@GinaKay]

If i went through my closet i'd probably get rid of everything. Most of my clothes suck

[@AbsentWithoutLeaving]

Great time to start from scratch! Replace something that sucks with something that you love, one garment at a time. Plan it out, know what classic look that will last pleases you, and shop exclusively for exactly what you want, one piece at a time, as you can afford it. As you build your classics, you'll know which suck-y pieces don't need replacement at all. If you have three beautiful blouses you love, you won't need ten more that you don't, and you can skip replacing those.

[@kellieramey2662]

AbsentWithoutLeaving one in-one out rule! love it!

[@ironmountain7907]

I loved this TEDx talk!

[@CaraShimizu]

Excellent presentation! Thanks to you, I have embraced the ten-item wardrobe/capsule wardrobe concept and it has changed life for the better. Looking forward to your next book!

[@TheDailyConnoisseur]

Thank you! I am so glad to hear this great news.

[@sonamsingh5874]

I bought her book polish your poise with Madame chic. She has explained about poise.i am reading it and it's very useful for us like middle class family. Money saver.

[@McFraneth]

I'm just a PA, but I invested in a Granfoulard dressing gown so I can go outside in the morning to get the post and not feel like a slob. It will last me YEARS. I live in France. I also invested in a silk nightie with Calais lace because it makes me feel like a bombshell. I think women should invest in luxury items for their own joy.

[@AuthenblissityMain]

wonderful talk! loved hearing your stories of your time in paris.

[@TameraWeeks1]

Splendid! I'm in the process of weeding out my closet and I'm having trouble. This idea sure helps me for tomorrow's clean out!

[@Desertgirlinc]

Meanwhile, I sit here with a hole on the side of my t-shirt...guess I'm no Madame Chic.

[@GeckoHiker]

I enjoyed coming back to this TEDx after paring my wardrobe down less than 50 total items. That includes everything, not just what goes on ten hangers--shoes, purse, tote, coat/raincoat, windbreaker, undies, sleepwear, scarves, belts, and jewelry. When all your daywear fits on ten hangers and you only have four pairs of shoes it's such a nice feeling because everything goes together--it has to! You can cheat a little and put an entire suit with your best blouse on one hanger, and put long-sleeve tee shirts with other shirts that match them on other hangers. My one dress can be worn seven different ways, and the sweater, jacket, shrug, top, and scarves that make those looks fit on two hangers, along with the dress. Those items also go with other outfits. Now I have room in my closet to store more junk! YAY!

[@CookingLessonsforDad]

I wish I knew my true style and where to find those clothes. I think it is hard to find affordable quality clothes in any style.

[@shannonmaire]

After moving into a small one bedroom apartment while being in undergrad. I find myself completely overwhelmed and frustrated looking at the boxes of clothes for space I don't have. This seems like a good option.

[@madilyons8665]

Shann M same here! especially after coming back from studying in Vienna for a semester. my mom thought i was insane for getting rid of so many clothes, but i had survived 4 months with about 40 pieces total - way more than i needed.

[@GreggaraZZi]

I have been redoing my own wardrobe slowly over the last few months, donating quite a few pieces to charity. Simplicity and fit is key!

[@rhiannonhill]

The trouble with this is that this representative of the bourgeoisie does not understand the fun of street fashion, or the budgets of most people. I am in my sixties, I'm a therapist and musician, but I love my trashy outlandish chuck things together original style the idea of having five boring frocks from some poncey 'designer' label is anathemic to me. I don't like smart structured clothing at all, it is a place to hide, a place to 'present' yourself as who you would like to think you are, you cannot express your individuality or creativity with a load of navy blue and beige stuff from Jaeger, so, no thanks. Primark, neons, little boleros, outlandish jewellery, sparkly trainers, funky leggings. Oh yes, and I live in France part of the time. This isn't a French issue, is a Middle Class issue. "The type of thing you'd wear to the opera." Is she kidding? Most people where I live can't even afford to download a pop track from iTunes half the time, left school at 16 and are struggling to feed themselves. This woman should be using her energy and education to help people who haven't got anything. Ugh. Being confronted about your pyjamas. First World narcissism.

[@Smithpolly]

So it's not OK to confront someone about their pyjamas but it is OK to criticise someone for weaing r "boring frocks from some poncey" designer label. Got it.

[@rhiannonhill]

Yeah, I'm allowed to respond, if you had a brain you'd see that I did not criticise her clothing choice at all, just her arrogant controlling need to tell other people what to wear. Oh, and, because it's not ME standing on a stage making money telling other people what to wear you massive fuckwit. Talk about microaggression. Lol. Don't bother to reply, I'm not getting into it with a Nobody.

[@Smithpolly]

Did someone tell you that you weren't allowed to respond?

[@flyswapple]

Omg! I was in Paris once and me and my friend when shopping, I didn’t understand why she was all dressed up. I was in my work out clothes. I couldn’t get anyone to help me but she got all the help and samples. I ask her why, she said that they don’t think you have money by the way you dressed. So I get it totally! Thanks for this video and I’m doing my best to down size my wardrobe.

[@jo-annel.wright2975]

What a great lesson. I had a similar one years ago last century with my sister. I was dressed nicely coordinated in good casual suitable for small town in Queensland, Australia. My sister was dressed mismatched casual and badly fitting bra. I got the attention of the sales lady but we had a chuckle as my sister was $worth more than me.

[@shugaheart]

Great topic, though slightly distracted by her frequent adjustment of her ear/mic piece. :/

[@barbaraallen7164]

Enjoyed her book so much that I had to give it to my daughter to read!

[@foxdoglucy]

Hi, this is an amezing and inspiring video!!!!! I'm on the prosses of minimizing my wardrobe, I have started with the summer clothes first. I have 17 pieces now (no loungewear or beachwear are included).

[@6squall9]

1st world problems are so popular in TED. Boohoo i have too much money, too much choices and too much greed. What can i do? It's so hard not to buy everything i want.

[@carriegray844]

+Squall Leonhart Because most of the people that watch TED talks are educated and usually in a good position in life because of that. They're just responding to their audience.

[@kathrynkjulian]

When I moved into my college apartment, where I had very little storage, I was faced with throwing away the clothes that didn't please me. I don't even remember the clothes I threw away, and I feel more comfortable in my own clothing. I want to pare down my wardrobe even more to make room for the things I've wanted to express myself with. This has saved so many morning headaches trying to figure out what to wear.

[@alexandriakeaveney9356]

Finally, a talk that really inspired me to go through with optimizing my wardrobe. Very realistic view presented by an informed speaker.

[@FREETOFAMILY]

Finding your personal style is everything!!! YES!!! Don't keep things you don't love or feel good in👌🏽👏🏽

[@kimgordon3695]

Liberating to donate many of my younger clothing items to a chic art student; many business suits to a women's center & my handbags to a charity event. It allowed me to make space for the next level 💞

[@DawnH123]

Love the dress, beautiful hair style. I don't have much clothing but I am having a hard time parting with perfectly fine clothing, so I have simply stopped buying. Thank you for your insight I really enjoy your videos.

[@MasterSeaKor]

I started unloading my closet before this video was complete. I'm sure that I will end up in the final count with more than ten items but all the items will be quality and be a small fraction of what I started with. Less clutter more style, I think I can live with that.

[@madisontaylor8368]

I found that I wear only a few outfits over and over again, so I sized down and every week I get rid of clothes when I haven't worn them within the month. I only shop a thrift stores, but I buy only good quality pieces. I also stick to a color pallet that I am comfortable with and use accessories to add color and embellishment.

[@Stillsmallvoice111]

Thank you, this is lovely. I really like the idea of a ten item wardrobe, I have been shrinking my wardrobe now for a few years. Love and Light Christine Kowal and The Animals

[@ScythesBlade]

I would think more like... 10 items per category. 10 shirts, 10 pairs of socks, 10 pairs of pants (5 pants 5 shorts), 10 pairs of underpants, jacket, two or three pairs of pyjamas. 54 items in all

[@milkweedsage]

that's a huge number of pants!

[@martaszanto9187]

could be 10 pants/skirts (5-5)

[@user-gd4yk4fc9g]

agree that would be easier for me

[@shannonprofessionalaesthet4723]

I hit a transition after having my babies 18 mos apart. Suddenly my shape was different and I fit in different items. I also adopted the minimalist lifestyle and it's the ongoing evolution! It's truly amazing and it lifts clutter out of your life. I don't mind wearing the same clothes over and over because I know it's fits and looks good. :)

[@m.florencia8320]

BRAVA!!! I loved your talk. You were wonderful, Jennifer. :D I love your book and how it can bring this philosophy in a manner that is easily incorporated into one's life. Your book is one of those I love to read and reread; and I'm a picky rereader. Jaja. You have renewed my commitment to pare down my wardrobe and deign myself only wear well-chosen, flattering pieces. You bring back this forgotten wisdom, "sticking it" to our consumerism society. I certainly hope others feel inspired to do the same.

[@christinacomer]

Very interesting! I am going to challenge myself to do this 10-item wardrobe!

[@michellejohnson6796]

Thanks for sharing. That dress looks fabulous on you!!!

[@GaryMcCaffrey]

I have downsized my entire worldly belongings into one small airplane carryon bag. I travel the world with everything I own either on me or in my backpack. I never buy things I don't need, even if I was really compelled impulsively to buy something (which hasn't happened yet), I can't because I have no room for it.

[@mariadj5716]

I'm on that journey too

[@fitha4474]

This talk changed my whole outlook towards dressing. I really want to thank you Jennifer. I was lead to your blog and books from here and they are worth anybody's time .Thank you so much :) Watching this nth time :D

[@menopostalsky]

I love when I stumble upon an inspiring Ted Talk. This was fabulous Jennifer! I've been purging my clothes for quite some time now and have decided to only purchase an item of clothing that I am absolutely in love with. Can't tell you how that has decreased the number of new items in my closet. I'm far from ten at the moment but totally inspired.

[@BareCookieNuts]

Why not sew the hole up? To throw them away is a waste of resources :'(

[@frappalina]

yeah! i'm an advocate for mending fixing and upcycling !!!!! fix your clothes, if you don't like them give them to goodwill or to the red cross! don't throw away clothes

[@mynampa]

It sounds like they might have been ready for the rag bag. Don't give ratty old clothes to Goodwil, et all; they have to then dispose of them.

[@drjrusso]

Don't give them to Goodwill, it is a FOR PROFIT company ... Great biz model: you donate, they sell. CEO gets millions ... Big scam

[@megan1950]

Absolutely I agreed with most of this video except tossing them out. I own animals, and it's a complete waste to look perfectly presentable in the barn. Sweatpants with holes, patched or not, would be perfect for mucking horse stalls, repairing fences, and repainting the barn. Even for riding--you keep one set of nice looking clothes for shows, clinics, and meets, but the everyday outfits are anything comfortable and safe--and inexpensive, as they will get dirty and worn! Oh my is that true about Goodwill? I never would have guessed, and we have many near me. I must investigate.

[@Petra44YT]

Actually, what I wear is almost like a uniform. A shirt (long-sleeved in winter, short-sleeved in summer), a pair of jeans (usually grey but I have one that's dark blue), a cardigan (except if it's too hot), socks, end of story. I work from home, so no need for shoes unless I go out. ... And it's very liberating. The only think I have to think about is whether the colours match and whether the t-shirt is new or ancient. That's all.

[@wednesdaywalsh]

Downsizing your wardrobe? Donate your clothes to Schoola.com and fund the school of your choice

[@safepethaven]

Interesting and entertaining, but this is hardly something new under the sun - even here in the US. I'm now in my sixties, and have had the classic basis wardrobe method since I was a child/teen, & learned this from my mother, & her mother - my grandmother - both of whom always made a lovely, classy appearance. Core conservative basic wardrobe of quality fabrics are a must; care for them well, & embellish as appropriate with accessories [jewelry, scarves, belts]. It's only since clothing manufacturing was outsourced a very few decades ago, & became very inexpensive comparatively that the 1-event outfit became the norm; which in turn led to the wrong supposition that one needed more quantity/volume to fill the need of the never-wear-anything-twice habit.

[@hdwe1756]

Notice none of the clothes she suggested for women are actually practical...

[@kimcham9949]

I noticed.

[@shs1592]

Lovely - well appreciated your talk and I listened - now to get back to cleaning out my closet ! Thank you Jennifer

[@FreyaGem]

While I totally advocate for minimizing the amount of clothing and "stuff" we have in general, I also think that it is important to repair, donate, sell, or otherwise re-use the clothing (and stuff) that we don't want anymore. The emphasis on "personal style", which is SO shallow, and on having dressy clothes all the time as the "right" way to dress struck me as very bourgeois and left a bad taste in the mouth. There's nothing wrong with people who don't want to wear dressy clothing or who don't mind wearing clothes with holes in them. The French are not GODS. They're humans with flaws and overgrown egos like everyone else.

[@ddelimar]

+Reva FoSho Indeed, there's nothing wrong with people who don't want to wear dressy clothing or who don't mind wearing clothes with holes in them, but then it's their "personal style". The point is to wear whatever makes you most comfortable (and I don't mean like wearing sweatpants everywhere, even where the dress code is strict like in banks etc.).

[@bluerose615]

Reva FoSho thank you so much for sharing such a much needed perspective! I thought the talk would move on to real things like the true self not just the external!

[@littlefootfeet]

Reva FoSho yes thank you! I do like the minimalist thing and I agree with a lot of what she said but I also had the same bad aftertaste. Especially the pyjama story? About "respecting" yourself enough to present your true style even as you sleep? Whatt? What's wrong with old hole-y pyjama pants? It kinda made it sound that if you aren't dressed in timeless elegant clothes all the time it must mean you don't respect yourself. But whatever I do support the gist of what she was saying, still nice to see I'm not the only one who had that thought.

[@violettippet5246]

I repair my clothes but I wouldn't wear stuff with holes in them to bed. :s I would have repaired the hole in the knee.

[@robinlillian9471]

Violet Tipped: I would save stuff like that for being home alone. I would at least get a new bathrobe to wear over them when staying as a guest.

[@Moscririna]

Interesting, but I would have sewed up the pants instead of throwing them in the carbage...

[@VP-ve5ug]

Very interesting thought..I have done a similar thing when I lived in Paris..accessories are key..and creativity ofcourse..

[@shirleywhitelaw4295]

It is so annoying that she kept adjusting her earpiece! I had to stop watching it. Make sure it is adjusted properly before you start!!! Arrrgggghhhhh!

[@tchaikca]

If you've never used that kind of earpiece it's frustrating....but ANY time I've used those slim profile mics, even if I have it adjusted before going onstage....it slips off frequently. The "clamp" part that goes over your ear is very loose and doesn't tighten well. She did ok with it.

[@carynelaporte8686]

Priscilla A Bermudez to jgG

[@2chill2]

Even a homeless person in Canada or an ultralight backpacker needs more than 10 items of cloths to function. I don't appreciate misleading titles. Don't waste people's time just for more views.

[@samuelluria4744]

Her point is absolutely valid. Unfortunately, some careers involve getting muddy/greasy/bloody/sweaty, all day, EVERY day. Thus, the need for basic, clean, durable work clothing can be great. As a business owner in such a case, you can wear things that look "worked in", but not get away with things that are " worn out ".

[@AbiGodinha]

Pretty sure work uniforms aren't included in this concept.

[@amyanda]

Samuel Luria a work coverall would be an excellent item for this.

[@lindahyland4267]

She also mentions that if 10 core items don't work for you, maybe 15 will. or 20. Everyone is different.

[@bluewrenreilly4414]

I thought she was going to tell me something I did not know with pictures and all ! Not impressed.

[@PeepalBaba-Givemetrees]

wonderful ☘️🙏

[@Mary-eo7ir]

I just counted, I own 42 pyjama shirts! And the vast majority don’t match, or aren’t meant to be pyjamas (old gym shirts, tank tops etc.)

[@kdavis1001]

Oddly this is something I've been thinking about for awhile, though I hadn't put a number on it. But I have been feeling this desire to really express myself and my style and feel presentable regardless of whether I'm working out or going out. I began the process of slimming down my wardrobe a few months ago, but then I got disheartened and stopped. I'm moving, though, in a little over a month, and I think that makes this the perfect time to really start working on this. Thank you for the inspiration.

[@PokemonGoPlus]

I've been wearing the same 3 outfits with a single pair of shoes to work for the past 9 months... I think my co-workers went from thinking I'm crazy to accepting it, but I also went from a huge closet with additional wardrobe boxes lined along the wall to a closet smaller than a coat closet by the entryway that has a slanted floor that's unusable. But my clothes and shoes are not high quality and not flattering. I got so sick of all my clothes I got rid of everything and the thought of shopping makes me nauseous. My shoes are about to fall apart so I do have to force myself to buy a replacement soon.

[@kaniyalindsey204]

Very well spoken and great information. Thank you ❤️🙏🏽

[@BinaryEmyaneh]

I didn't know this was actually a thing. I have been wearing the same two outfits in a rotation for over a year. It feels natural to me. I can't even imagine myself having to think about what I am going to wear.

[@archivesstyle862]

I've been loving working with a capsule wardrobe. It makes life so much easier and I get to spend my money on nice quality pieces. Thanks for sharing your insights!

[@spanishconconsciencia23]

I think I'm on the right way to stop consuming clothes and stuff like that. It's not worthwhile....

[@Metqa]

Q1: Does this fit me? All of my clothes are gone, except baggy pants and t-shirts. When I had a stable regular job, My wardrobe was pretty simple: I went to Kmart and bought a bunch of khaki and black slacks and matching button up shirts, Route 66 brand I believe. It was GREAT, cause I could just pick out my days clothes so fast, and it was a kind of uniform, so people got used to seeing me that way. I found out that they had shorts of the same cut as the pants, so I got Khaki and Black short pants for the summer. and I was in heaven. It's a great feeling to always know what you are gonna wear. I got sick several times and had to take steroids and each time I gained weight and wasnt' able to get it back off, so my wardrobe started to be stressfull. I tried upsizing my slacks but because they were boys pants and I gained weight in a woman way ( thighs, butt) it became harder to find the size I need and when the store went out of business I was so sad. I'm still having a hard time finding good quality pants now( That I can afford because I lost my main job) and my wardrobe is now random pieces from the thrift store that I find if they can fit me. I hate my wardrobe now cause there is no order or uniformity to any of it. It' would be great to get back to a small wardrobe of clothes that I know fit and look good and won't wear out from regular wearing.

[@DitaVie]

Question: How many times did she touch the headpiece..?

[@doesntmatter3358]

Her dress was pulling it off her ear when she moved her head 😯

[@lady2sweet123]

Wow. very eloquent speaker. Bravo!

[@willmpet]

When I was in High School, I had only two pair of socks, and while I wore one, the other was at home drying. I felt so poor, but Loving with it makes living without SO easy.

[@MiZzzzRC]

What if you're exceptionally clumsy? Or very sweaty? Or overweight and can't find high quality, well designed clothes?

[@erikal85]

Loved this talk, this was exactly what I needed! I'm so excited to start implementing your ideas. Thank you :-)

[@marlisphillips4193]

Jennifer, this is my first time watching this. I’ve been following you for a bit on KZbin, this after finding your first book which I enjoyed. I’m significantly older than you and so I’m writing to tell you you’re never too old to learn. I’ve been a Francophile for years, studied French all through high school and into college, practiced my rudimentary French when we traveled to France, and I’ve also used a “capsule” wardrobe for over two years now. But the story at the end of your talk was my aha moment. I have two sets of pajamas which obviously are used in heavy rotation but I don’t give them much thought. Very, very occasionally in life that moment arises where you HAVE TO go to the door in your pajamas. How frightened and then awkward would people feel if they saw what I look like in my pajamas. Part of being graceful is being aware of the effect you’re having on other people at all times. So, long story, well, still long, I’m going to tidy up my sleepwear. Thank you for the continued inspiration.

[@alishainc]

I absolutely loved this!! Especially the last story because I went to Paris last year for my birthday and was amazed with how tiny the closet was in the place I was staying (it was an airbnb) and yet how effortlessly stylish the people on the streets of Paris I saw were. I also find when I pack for vacations having just one outfit for one day cuts out the part of the trip where I stress over what to wear. If I were to describe my style it would be Chic and Classy. How about your?

[@horrocl]

I have also found that I love to travel light. I like the eBags. +Alisha's Guide

[@alishainc]

+La Louloune I ddin't say all French people. I made an observation about my experience. I clarified it so there are no misunderstandings hth!

[@angelap5305]

I

[@AbsentWithoutLeaving]

Traveling a lot on my job forced me to severely edit my wardrobe. I discovered how liberating it can be to have a handful of perfectly curated outfits to mix and match instead of a walk-in closet full of head-spinning choices. Takes a bit of work, but once you get it edited down to what you love, it's a breeze.

[@kristiehaslam2544]

Alisha's Guide i