I decided to shop my closet, and you should do it too! Why? Because it can save you tons of money and keep you from buying clothes you don't need. How many times have you said “I have nothing to wear” while standing in a closet full of clothes? We’ve all experienced the stress that sometimes comes along with getting dressed.
All of us have had the urge to buy new clothes instead of making the most of our current wardrobes. When you get used to wearing the same outfits over and over again, you can find yourself in a clothing rut.
Although you’re neglecting most of your closet in favor of your go-to items, you may still be tempted to revamp your wardrobe. Before you spend any money on new clothes, try to shop your closet instead!
Wondering, "How do I shop my closet?" Here's how!
Shopping your closet will not only save you money, but it will help you learn to love your wardrobe. It will also help you tap into your personal sense of style while reframing your mindset about shopping.
Now that you’re ready to shop your own closet, how do you go about doing so? Here are the steps I took when I decided to shop my wardrobe!
1. Gather inspiration
I was able to shop my closet easier by pulling inspiration photos from Pinterest, Instagram, etc. You can also do this to help you determine what types of looks you like and define your style. Figure out what you like, what catches your eye, and see if you can create similar outfits by shopping your closet.
Keep your inspiration photos handy as you pull together outfits. You likely already own pieces that complement your desired style!
2. Declutter and organize your closet
If your closet is cluttered and overwhelming, it may seem more simple for you to just go out and purchase new clothes. Decluttering and organizing will make it easier to see what you already have and easier to shop your closet. Most especially if you feel like you've been hoarding clothes. As you go through the decluttering process, try on everything.
Do you like the item and enjoy wearing it? Does it fit properly and pair well with other items in your closet? Use these questions to help determine whether you should keep the piece or get rid of it.
After decluttering, organize your closet in a way that makes it easy to see what you have and find what you’re looking for. This really helps me when I shop my wardrobe!
3. Separate your basic items from your trendy pieces
Classic, basic items can be used to complete any look. Your trendy, novelty pieces are things that are worn less often or only for certain occasions. Separating these types of items makes it easier to pick out pieces that you know you need for a particular look while shopping your closet.
Put all of your timeless pieces together and all of your trendy pieces in a separate section. That way, you know exactly where to look when you need a specific item.
4. Break up your normal, typical outfits
If you find yourself wearing the same outfit over and over, try switching out one of the pieces with something that you don’t wear as often. Pair your favorite skirt with a top that you haven’t worn in a while. Or maybe pair a shirt that you wear often with a bottom that you wouldn’t normally wear with it.
By switching out one or two pieces and your accessories, you can create fresh, new combinations and outfits. While you’re creating these new looks, make the most of your wardrobe by wearing everything in your closet at least once.
The 30-day shop your closet challenge
The shop your closet challenge is a challenge where you don’t spend any money on clothes, or shoes and accessories, for 30 days. This challenge will definitely save you money, but it will also give you perspective on which parts of your wardrobe are actually necessary.
While this is a great way to learn to love your wardrobe, it can be difficult. Make it fun by creating a calendar to plan out your outfits. Or take a photo each day to track all of your looks. Follow these guidelines for the shop your closet challenge:
Use what you have
For 30 days, put together outfits using only the clothes that you already have. Instead of spending money on new items, get creative with your current wardrobe. Avoid shopping by utilizing and maximizing what you already own.
Put together your outfits
Build a base outfit using your classic pieces. Add a trendy piece to your base to complete the look. Switch out that trendy piece for another to create multiple versions of the same outfit! Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. Reach for those pieces that you normally ignore. This challenge is about saving money and sparking creativity.
Don’t buy any new items - only shop your closet!
It will be tempting to go out and pick up something new, but try to refrain! Break your shopping habit by resisting temptation for the entire 30 days. You’ll save money, become more intentional, and become more conscious of your habits and patterns. So, when you have an inkling to go buy clothes, tell yourself "I need to shop my closet instead!"
Benefits of shopping your closet
There are many benefits of shopping your closet that you will experience during and after the 30-day challenge. Here are some benefits you will reap when you shop your own closet:
You will save money
The most immediate benefit when you shop your closet is that you will save money. Since you’re not putting money towards new clothing items, you will have extra money to put towards a goal or another expense. That was the main reason why I decided to shop my closet but found that there were even more benefits to be had!
Awareness of your wardrobe
Shopping your closet also helps you become more aware of items that you want or need to purge. The overwhelm caused by closet clutter only leads to more closet clutter. Consciously shopping your closet allows you to see the areas of your wardrobe where you can afford to scale back and declutter.
Highlights gaps in your wardrobe
In addition to seeing where you can purge, shopping your closet also helps you identify where there are gaps in your wardrobe. When it comes time to acquire new items in the future, you will be aware of exactly what you should be looking for to fill in those gaps.
Maybe during the challenge, you find out that you need to invest in more classic, timeless items. Now instead of aimlessly shopping, you can be more intentional with your purchases and the items that you search for.
Allows you to be creative
During the challenge, you get to put together outfits that you don’t wear often. You get to try new pairings and get comfortable in looks that may be outside of your norm. Doing so will give you a better sense of your style and what you enjoy, or don’t enjoy, wearing.
You may even discover something new about yourself and your fashion sense while challenging yourself to think outside of the box.
Love your wardrobe and shop your own closet!
Before shopping for new clothes, challenge yourself to tap into the 70 - 80% of your closet that you usually ignore. You may be surprised what you learn about your spending habits and your sense of style while you shop your closet.
Use this as an opportunity to appreciate and love your wardrobe and to be more intentional moving forward as you continue to build a wardrobe that fits you.
Stay motivated to save more money with our completely free "savings challenge" bundle! It features challenges such as the $5 bill challenge, the 26-week savings challenge, and more! Don't forget to subscribe to the Clever Girl Finance YouTube channel and the Clever Girls Know podcast for more top tips on saving money and being fashionable on a budget!