Closet Chaos to Clarity: How Simplicity Transforms Your Wardrobe (and Your Heart)
In The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry, John Mark Comer talked about the importance of practicing simplicity in our lifestyles. We do this by removing excess items and learning to be content with what we already have based on the following scripture:
“…for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” - Philippians 4:11-13
It had been on my mind to purge my wardrobe and reading Comer’s perspective on simplicity was a catalyst that pushed me to actually do it. In case you’re wondering if you should do the same, here are a few ways I knew my wardrobe was in need of a purge:
Lack of Space: My closet was full to the brim. I had to push and shove to find items and I had to push and shove to make space for new items. This was a clear sign of excess.
Struggling to Pick an Outfit: Despite the large quantity of clothes, I always struggled to pick an outfit that aligned with how I wanted to show up which brings me to the next sign…
Wardrobe to Lifestyle Misalignment: My wardrobe did not make sense for my lifestyle and how I want to show up in this season of my life. I had a ton of statement pieces and formal attire but the occasions I dress for the most frequently are work, church, and casual outings. As you can see, things were not adding up.
If you relate to any of these 3 signs, then you are likely in need of a closet purge. So here’s some tips for how to get started:
Remove every single item from your closet. Yes, everything. Also, grab something to drink because this will take a while.
Evaluate each item individually based on fit and your likelihood to actually wear the item. If an item doesn’t fit, make sense for your lifestyle or you simply don’t like it anymore, get rid of it. Also, if the item is damaged, get rid of it or get it repaired.
Create 3 piles - (1) To Donate, (2) To Keep, and (3) To Alter/Repair - then organize your clothes into these piles as you evaluate.
Be brutally honest with yourself so that you don’t hoard things that you don’t need.
Now that you’ve removed about 30-50% of your wardrobe (or more), you’ve completely solved the lack of space issue but, two issues still remain. You might notice that picking an outfit becomes less of a struggle because it is easier to see all your options. You may also notice that your wardrobe is more aligned to your lifestyle because you intentionally removed the items that were misaligned. However, the volume of options left behind may not be enough to support your everyday life or give you the freedom of creative expression through your style. This is where the wardrobe re-build begins.
Now, it’s important to remember that the goal of purging was to practice simplicity and contentment so rushing to re-build your wardrobe with a bunch of clothes just for the sake of doing so would completely defeat the purpose. The process of rebuilding should be done slowly and with intention – taking the time to identify what pieces would be helpful additions to your wardrobe and investing in quality pieces that will serve you for many years.
During this time of re-building, it is important to practice patience - which is a fruit of the Spirit - and be content with what you have even while you work on obtaining more. If at any point you feel that you are growing discontent, anxious, or impatient with the process, I encourage you to take a pause – maybe a break from buying clothes for a few months – and just pray for the Lord to help your heart in this area.
