How to build a functional wardrobe?
The most important thing when building a wardrobe is to focus on your own lifestyle. It is particularly important to consider your everyday life. For example, if you go out about three times a year, do you really need to have many party outfits?
THREE EASY STEPS
1.Consider your own style. Is it casual or formal? Do you enjoy using colors or prefer black and white outfits? Look for your favorite clothes in your wardrobe that always make you feel confident and comfortable. Think about what makes these clothes feel just right for you – is it the neckline, the snug cut at the ankles, or wide legs? Jot down these features. Remember them next time you need to buy something and try to find clothes with the same flattering details!
2. Keep only clothes that fit you well. A well-fitting garment means it doesn't feel uncomfortable at any point during the day. Those clothes that consistently make you feel uneasy, or give you the impression that you don't look your best, can go to a flea market for someone else to enjoy. There are millions of people of different shapes in the world, and not all clothes can fit everyone. Let go of the old and make some money at the flea market! Check out the measuring instructions and find your own clothing size!
3. Acquire versatile clothing for your wardrobe. One top or bottom should ideally match at least a few other garments. When looking for a new top or bottom, I personally aim for it to fit into at least five different outfits. This becomes easier once point 1 is under control.
CONTINUOUS WARDROBE OPTIMIZATION
Once you know your style, clothes start to coordinate effortlessly. It's also perfectly fine if your style is a mix of many different styles. When you find your personal style, your wardrobe size will likely shrink. And this is actually a good thing – nobody needs 20 different hoodies (unless that's the only type of top you wear!) or 20 different denim styles. The fewer clothes you have in your wardrobe, the easier it is to get dressed.
A sensible amount of clothing is one whose washing cycle doesn't cause problems with daily dressing. For example, if laundry is done once a week, each everyday garment would be worn at least every couple of weeks. Often, the same garment also lasts for several wears – so don't needlessly wash clothes if they aren't actually dirty.
WHAT IS THE RIGHT AMOUNT OF CLOTHES
Minimalism has been a topic of discussion in the media for a long time. I think this is great, but it's also okay if not everyone strives for a minimalist wardrobe. The most important thing is that getting dressed doesn't cause a headache in the mornings. That's why I advocate finding your favorite clothes and potentially duplicating them. For example, you might have duplicate pieces of your favorite t-shirts or really well-fitting pants in your wardrobe – this way, one item is always in use while the other is being washed. If you are interested in a small amount of clothing, you should explore a capsule wardrobe.
Everyone should aim for a functional wardrobe that works for them, discover their own cornerstone pieces, and also favor buying second-hand. If you need new clothes, support domestic brands if at all possible. This creates more jobs in Finland and happy entrepreneurs! <3
