Having a Confident Closet is a very free feeling, but getting to that point can be work. Like most cleaning jobs, we create a bit of mess and confusion in the process. If you followed my Closet Cleanout Checklist last week, you may have you been feeling that this week as you have been doing your Wardrobe Weeding.
“I’ve got nothing to wear!”
Fret not, for freedom and confidence are just around the corner!
Click for FREE Wardrobe Weeding checklist PDF
Now that your closet is empty and clean, let’s treat it like a suitcase by creating one outfit at a time, head to toe, just as if you were going away on a vacation.
Assess the need
First, determine your basic needs for the season you are in.
How often do you dress up? How many days a week do you work? Do you exercise, do yard work, care for children?
Ideally, your new wardrobe will be made up of items that exclusively compliment your personal Image Identity (Img.ID), but the lifestyle you live is the main determining factor on what size your wardrobe should be. When deciding the number of each type of outfit you need, remember that less is more and that many outfits can mix and match.
How many of each of the following outfits do you need for your current lifestyle. ___ work / school / sports uniform ___ casual outfits w/ shoe, sox, under garments, accessories ___ dressy casual w/ shoes, sox/hose, under garments, accessories ___ cocktail / dressy w/ shoes, sox/hose, under garments, accessories ___ formal w/shoes, sox/hose, under garments, accessories ___ workout w/ sneakers, sox, under garments ___ sleep ware (need to feel pretty in bed too!), robe, slippers ___ grub gear (for dirty work days)
Make a Commitment
Before you start putting any clothing into your closet, make a commitment to yourself that you will not clutter it up with anything that you won’t wear or shouldn’t wear (yes, that excludes anything that is not clothing, but that’s a blog for another day).
Namely, do not keep a single item that:
- you don’t like / has bad memories
- is uncomfortable / doesn’t fit correctly
- is out of style / you haven’t worn in over a year
- is worn out, stained or ripped
- is not your style / you don’t feel confident wearing
That’s logical, right? The thing is, it’s not easy to get rid of anything that has an emotional attachment to it. Whether it’s the hard-earned money you spent on it, the fact that someone special gave it to you, or your goal to loose that weight, you must face your feelings and treat your closet as if it is your suitcase.
Pack only what you wear.
When going away, you may pack your luggage with a few extra outfits, just in case you need more than one in a day, but you would NOT pack clothes that do not fit or make an incomplete outfit. Just as it is a burden to lug around extra misfits on vacation, it is also foolish and stressful to allow extras in your closet to create chaos in your life.
You may have a few rule-breakers that you feel you must keep (until you sew it or loose that weight…) everyone does. That’s fine. Just don’t pack your closet with those things and then be frustrated that you have nothing to wear. Instead, hold them aside until you have returned all the complete outfits to your closet.
Next week we will talk about what to do with all those beautiful misfits. In the mean time, enjoy the outfits you have and trust that as we go through this process God will provide for your every need. Wether you have two or twenty complete outfits, you are blessed. And if you have only two, yet you have a washer and dryer available to you, you have much to be grateful for.
I have been young, and now am old; Yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken, Nor his descendants begging bread. -Psalm 37:25
Click for FREE Wardrobe Weeding checklist PDF
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As an author and speaker, Catrina’s passion is in helping women and girls overcome confidence conflicts, especially those involving rejection, betrayal and loss. After 30 years in the beauty industry as both a cosmetologist and an image consultant, Catrina now uses her profession, her own powerful stories and her training as a Biblical life-coach to reach the heart in a way that is relatable, encouraging and inspiring. Her message is balanced with both fashion and faith and is making a difference in the lives of women and girls all over! To be part of this movement, connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Linked In, Goodreads and consider having her speak at your next event. Visit https://catrinawelch.com for more information.
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