One way to own less and ensure that everything matches is to build your wardrobe around a chosen colour palette, keeping your wardrobe simple and decluttered
On my decluttering journey of simplifying, I have purged my closet many times. I purged it after I watched The Minimalist's documentary and again after I read The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up by following the Konmari method. I purged and decluttered my childhood belongings when I went home to my mom's house and then again at my dad's. When I got back home, I had started establishing my own method of tidying and simplifying, and I decluttered once again. I began creating my own version of what minimalism meant to me and continued to explore what belongings sparked joy and in turn, I started practicing conscious consumption.
Colour Scheme Realization
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| A clients closet after purging and decluttering: earth tones, white, black, and maroon |
The last and final time I decluttered my closet, I came to a realization; the clothes that sparked joy and I had chosen to keep all followed somewhat of a colour scheme. I realized the colour that suited me best was a mauve taupe like purple and many of the clothes I loved and felt great wearing had that colour in them or went well with that colour. The rest of my clothes followed a colour scheme of earth tones, pinks, oranges, and of course, black. What can I say, I love the basic natural tones and then lots of black!
Anyways. The point is that a clear colour scheme formed for me and since then, I have continued to base my wardrobe around those colours. The practice of sticking to a colour scheme has encouraged me to become a more conscious consumer, as I now only buy pieces that fit with my chosen colours and I know what colours fit me best.
The Goal - Pick out an item with your eyes closed, and love it!
When I started putting my clothes back into my closet after my last purge, I was able to colour code them so easily because all the colours fit together. I also loved looking at my closet and picking out outfits because I could literally close my eyes, reach into my closet, pull out any top and want to wear it! In the past, it would take me forever to get dressed because I didn't truly love everything I owned. If I did this "pick a random top" test back then, the chances of me wanting to wear it would have been slim.
I have continued to keep this goal in mind, it has allowed me to become a more conscious consumer. I don't want to ruin the beautiful collection and colour set-up that I have going on, so I am very careful with what I choose to bring into my closet. To pass the wardrobe test, the item needs to truly spark joy and fit into what I have identified as my style and colours.
Remember, there are a million beautiful things out there; that doesn't mean they fit to your concept of beauty. Be mindful of what you bring into your space.
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| A shot of my closet; all the colours match with the sweaters in the heading photo of this post! |
A Wardrobe Colour Scheme results in a Simplified Closet
My wardrobe had decreased significantly after my final purge and I am in love with the results. I am sharing this with you because I believe that one major method to creating a wardrobe that sparks joy and becoming a conscious consumer, is to create a structure for the things you buy. Determining what your colours are, what colours you love, and what looks good on you, will prevent you from purchasing items that don't spark joy or fit the rest of your style.
Additionally, you may end up having less than before even though it may not feel that way. Hear me out - if everything in your closet falls under a colour scheme, then at least 80% of the pieces in your closet should match (depending on what your chosen colour scheme is). When everything matches, you really don't need a lot of pieces to create multiple different outfits. This will also help with packing, as you can create more outfits from fewer items.
One colour scheme approach is using "colour families" instead of just single colours, to give yourself wriggle room. This approach is about helping you find focus and direction in your wardrobe, instead of enforcing a feeling of confinement.
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| Another client closet - colour scheme does not need to imply having lots of colour. If you like the neutrals, blacks, and whites, stick to those. |
The Final Purge
I have been referring to my last closet decluttering as my "final purge." This is because this realization of what clothes and colours I love has helped me limit the amount of items I buy that are short-term fills. By this, I mean that we live in a consumer society where deals and access amounts of items are available to us, and in turn, we tend to buy things we don't absolutely love. I am hopeful that the structure of a specific colour scheme will help me maintain a minimal wardrobe of pieces I love and that are long-lasting.
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| Less is more. This client put her clothes she loved back into her closet after purging and then did not want to ruin the simplicity of the closet by adding items she didn't fully love. Be picky! Use this method to help identify your colour scheme. |
Progress not perfection
Now that you have read all this information, here is the most important takeaway: don't worry about making it perfect. My wardrobe is still far from perfect and I could probably still consume less and "want" less. It's really all about progress; I have become a more conscious consumer and I have created and continue the process of creating a wardrobe that is sustainable, functional and represents me. Don't stress about the little things. Don't worry if you have a shirt you love but that doesn't fit into the rest of your colour scheme. That's okay! If you love it, keep it! It's that simple ... so don't over complicate!
Reach out!
Are you interested in purging your closet? Or have you been purging and now want to find your colour scheme around which to build your wardrobe? Or do you have questions about what a conscious consumerism is or tips on how to become a more conscious consumer? Reach out to me! Send me an email, leave a comment, or DM me on Instagram! I would be so happy to hear from you!
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