At the risk of appearing shallow, materialistic, and a little creepy, I admittedly have a fascination with women’s closets, and I really hope I’m not alone.

Honestly, I have never been comfortable with fashion. I’ve struggled with too many choices, swinging wildly from one style and color palette to another. I’ve tried not caring at all, only to feel so frumpy something had to be done. I spent too much time and too much money, ending up with too much in my closet, and still nothing to wear. And isn’t that exactly what the fashion industry hopes we do?

This is my side of the closet. It contains my entire wardrobe, with the exception of outerwear and an old pair of tennis shoes I keep in the garage for yard work.

There are no more clothes hanging in the guest closet, stashed under beds, or stored in the garage. This is it. (My off-season clothes and undergarments are stored on shelves in those fabric boxes.)

Looking at my closet, a fashionista might feel downright sorry for me. Someone living in an impoverished nation, may rightly think it’s shameful. A true minimalist would find it excessive. And there are probably a few enlightened souls who would ask, “Who cares?

Although I am the last person who should be giving fashion advice, perhaps my struggle makes me somewhat of an expert.

Lessons I’ve Learned In Creating A Simple Wardrobe ~

• I only need a simple wardrobe to look polished and feel comfortable. (I’m not interested in following trends, and I’m not competing for a best-dressed award.)
• Once I put together a simple, seasonal wardrobe, I’m free to think about things that are more important.
• Stick with a daily seasonal uniform that can be worn most anywhere. (I no longer work outside the home, so I don’t need work clothes.)
• Be honest with myself about my real lifestyle. (I’m drawn to cocktail dresses but rarely ever go to cocktail parties!)
• Choose a limited color palette. It’s easier to shop, mix and match, and accessorize when you pick three or four colors that work together. 
• My mom taught me to think in terms of outfits. (Even if it’s just jeans and a cute sweater.)
• Make it a rule not to wear yoga pants unless doing yoga or taking a walk. (It’s a slippery slope. Before you know it, you’re wearing them to your child’s middle school graduation with an exposed purple thong.)
• Believe in quality over quantity. (I’ve learned I can neither afford over-priced, designer clothes, nor cheap, mass-produced goods.)
• Take excellent care of my clothes.
• Make my mantra “a place for everything and everything in its place.”
• Let my storage space set limits on my wardrobe. (For example, my shoe bag holds ten pairs of shoes, so that’s it. I refuse to let my clothing wander into other parts of the house.)
• Avoid shopping for entertainment and reading fashion/beauty magazines. (I’m a weak and easily confused woman when it comes to fashion.)
• If I accidentally buy something for some woman I do not know, selling the item to a fashion consignment store, like Simply Chic, takes away some of the sting.

I hope my efforts to create an organized closet that holds a simple, polished wardrobe resonates with you in some way. (Please tell me I’m not the only one who struggles with fashion!) I’d love to hear your thoughts on the subject. You could thrill me by posting photos of your closet!

“Simplicity is the ultimate form of sophistication.” Leonardo da Vinci

Think On These Things ~ Alicia