Embracing a Small Wardrobe + Shopping Smart

When writing new blog posts, I hope to inspire and provide valuable information for women in regards to fashion and their overall confidence. I think this particular post has been brewing in the back of my mind for a while, but I didn’t realize its significance until now.

What are your Fashion Struggles?

I used to lead with the question, “What do you struggle with when it comes to fashion,” but seldom received an answer. I understand this question is broad and might be difficult to answer. However, when I ask myself the same question, I can think of a slew of things—struggling to find clothes that fit my body after gaining weight, finding brands that offer petite sizing, and feeling like I’m over shopping in general. Dare I admit that I hate to shop? I digress. It feels truly impossible for a girl who fell in love with fashion at the ripe age of 13.

Being Content with What you Have

Shopping use to be my favorite pastime—an outlet to feel inspired and creative. Gone are the days when people would look down on you for wearing your favorite pair of pants several days a week or repeating an outfit. No one really cares, and to be honest, they have their own stuff to worry about.

Finding contentment in my personal and professional life has changed me; I truly appreciate what I have and subsequently realized I don’t need a lot of clothes to be happy. I think shopping was a way for me to fill a void. Now, I want to focus on building our emergency fund, upgrading our couch, and decorating our home.

Embracing a Small Wardrobe

I have always preferred a small wardrobe and hate the idea of having items in my closet that I don’t wear or love. For this reason, I have made it a point to do a closet clean several times each year in an effort to get rid of things I’m not using.

Unfortunately, I have accumulated a handful of clothes that no longer fit. I hoped to get back into them eventually, but for the moment, that ship has sailed. I’ve been slowing selling and giving those items away. If I take off the weight—and believe me I’m trying—I know I will want something new. But that doesn’t account for the pain and guilt I feel when I think about the money I’ve wasted on clothes and accessories throughout the years. I’m sure I’m not the only one!

Shop Smarter with These Tips

I like to think I am a lot smarter when it comes to shopping. Prior to buying something new, I make sure I can wear X item multiple ways. And I make this determination prior to ripping the tag off or deciding I don’t really need it.

Fashion Tips: before deciding to buy something, ask yourself these three questions—

1. Do you already own something similar?
2. Do you see yourself wearing X item six months from now?
3. Do you like X item better than items you already own?

If you answer yes to one or more questions, you may want to reconsider buying said item.

What do you struggle with when it comes to fashion? Did anything resonate with you from today’s post. I invite you to share in the comments!

Shop the post: 

Dress: J.Crew (old) | Vest: Ann Taylor (thrifted from thredUp) | Necklace: Lace & Pearls Jewelry | Bracelet: Lace & Pearls Jewelry | Earrings: Lucia K. | Purse: Old Navy (old) | Boots: Naturalizer (old)

Photography: Nicholas Mercado