How I’m Building a More Intentional Wardrobe

This post is coming to you after moving to my new place and having a real heart to heart with my wardrobe. I’ve realized something a little alarming: my closet is filled with a lot of clothes I love but also a lot of items that no longer serve me, my life, or my lifestyle. I’m talking itchy, rough, materials that hurt under the arms after thirty minutes or pants that bunch up to my calves after 5 mins of pulling them down.

After looking at every single tag, I saw a pattern: plastic, plastic, everywhere.

So this is all about how I’m going to rebuild my wardrobe with a lot more intention, on a budget, and as sustainably as possible.

Table of Contents

Getting Rid of What’s Not Working

I’m starting with summer since that’s the season we’re currently in. This was a tough one because summer is my favorite but honestly my summer clothes are ancient. I’m really proud of that actually. I purchased items I knew I would wear for many years and I did! That said, some of these are well over 15 years old. They’re grungy, worn, and some have yellowed. Many just aren’t me anymore, like the pair of booty shorts I keep trying to make work or the loose top that isn’t even in my color palette.

It’s time to say goodbye. Many of these will be going to ThredUp to see if they can be resold. The rest will be split between the thrift store and Trashie, which is a great recycling program that earns you cash toward gift cards. I’m also holding onto a few pieces to see if I can transform them into something new, like makeup bags, a sling bag, or patchwork items.

Focus on Loving What You Have, Not Replacing It

This one is so easy to get wrong. You clear out your closet and suddenly you have space and your brain tells you to fill it.

We don’t have to.

We really, truly don’t. You want to because we’re all conditioned to believe empty space needs to be filled, but it doesn’t. Find only the items you genuinely love. Items you know, once again, you’ll still be reaching for years from now. Buy only those and stick to them. Trends come and go but if you love something that much you’ll keep wearing it. The problem starts when you’re buying the thing that “kind of fits” or “feels okay” or “is a little heavy.” Those are already reasons not to wear something in the future, so why buy it at all?

I’ve also come to a personal revelation: I need to stop buying jeans. I know, I know. But I genuinely don’t think I even like them. It’s a sensory thing. Jeans never truly fit me properly. They fall down constantly. I have thick thighs and a small waist and my body simply does not fit the standard jean mold. They’re stiff and when they’re stretchy they over-stretch within a month and I’m right back where I started. Why do I keep trying to make them work?

All Natural Materials

This is the challenging part because like everyone else, I love a rayon dress… until I don’t. Until it’s constantly wrinkled or has turned into that stiff plastic feeling that makes me never want to wear it again.

So I’m doing my best to stop buying clothing made from synthetic fabrics. I have loads of cotton in my fabric stash and it’s long past time I start using it up. I have years worth of collected sewing patterns and I really want to get better at this craft. I just need to make sure whatever fabric I’m working with actually fits my color palette or I know I won’t wear it.

Finding What You’ll Actually Love

I also need to stay honest with myself about my body, my shape, and my actual vibe. A big issue I have with fashion right now, especially fast fashion, is how quickly styles come and go. A minute ago everyone was wearing barrel pants and now I barely see them. Are they all already in a landfill?

We need to deinfluence ourselves and be really honest. Will I actually wear this or will I just go back to basics next week? And it’s perfectly okay if the answer is basics. I know, controversial! But since when is buying something and wearing it until it falls apart considered a bad thing? That should be seen as a success!

Items I’m Looking For And Eyeing

100% all natural yoga pants and sports bras – Looking for at least 95% cotton or wool that won’t be see through.
- Happy Earth
- Pact
100% cotton vintage table cloths – I have a vision for these.
100% double gauze muslin fabric – to make more shorts and also a few tops
Timeless pieces that will last for years to come

I know it’s hard to keep up with trends, especially on a budget. But that’s exactly why I can’t stress enough how important it is to dress for yourself and no one else.

xoxo