The pandemic has caused many of us to rethink how we get dressed each day, and push back against the pointlessness of stuffy dress codes. Lazy dressing became a daily occurrence because why put too much effort into an outfit when no one's going to see it? For many of us, once this is all over there will be significant changes to our wardrobe.
Some predict we'll want to embrace glamour meaning our wardrobes will be packed with cheap fast fashion that we throw away after wearing only once. Others, like me, believe we'll commit to mindful dressing and responsible purchasing with a focus on stylish comfort rather than disposable fashion.
With social events, evening dinners, and day trips ruled out for well over a year, all I bought was loungewear to bulk out my severely limited casual options for early morning walks and quiet evenings. As we tentatively step into a post-lockdown life, the reality of permanent changes is hitting. With this "new normal" comes with it a need for a post-lockdown wardrobe declutter.
The pandemic has really highlighted that when our lives change, our wardrobe needs to flex with it. Expecting all of the clothes we bought 10 years ago to suit everything we go through and also never wear out is unrealistic. We often think having a minimal capsule wardrobe means that, once we've sorted through everything, decluttered the excess, and honed in on our personal style - that's it. You have a wardrobe with clothes you'll wear forever. Turns out that's not true at all.
My all-seasons capsule wardrobe was created with clothes I'd specifically chosen to wear all day, every day, any day - because I could. That wardrobe worked for years. Now my daily routine has shifted, the outfits I wear day-to-day have changed and my wardrobe needs to reflect that.
I've been using an outfit planning app called Acloset to encourage me to try new outfits during a time where I'm feeling uninspired by my wardrobe. Using a style app is easier if you're already wardrobe tracking and have a wardrobe inventory including photographs (or stock images). If not, you can get started with wardrobe tracking here. What I like about the Acloset app is the calendar you can view at a glance, style inspiration based on items you own, and outfit suggestions, which are admittedly somewhat questionable at times!
When I look at my wardrobe now, I feel conflicted. I'm saddened that a few of my favourite pieces no longer serve me. It's tough letting go of clothes you've owned for years, even when you no longer wear them. I'm giving myself a little grace here. We're not quite out of the woods yet. Hopefully we won't have another lockdown but the pandemic is far from over. It may be a little too hasty to sell or donate clothes I'm not currently wearing. In the not-so-distant I might find myself in need of that jumpsuit or shirt I was too quick to give away. I want to attempt restyling clothes before I declutter anything. Although there are a few obvious items that need to go that I'll declutter responsibly.
This is why, whenever we talk about creating a minimal all-seasons wardrobe, we need to bear in mind that it will always be an ongoing process. We can't declutter once and be done forever. Our lives, style, and needs change and so must our wardrobes.
