From Excess to Essentials: My Journey to a More Intentional Wardrobe

How I stopped overconsuming and started curating a closet that fits my style.

A few years ago, I was the poster child for overconsumption. If I liked it, I bought it—trendy items, seasonal pieces, you name it. But somehow, I always felt like I had nothing to wear, even though my wardrobe was overflowing. After yet another meltdown before an event, I had to have a real talk with myself.

I started by analysing what I actually wore often. It turned out my go-to pieces had a few things in common: neutrals, great fabrics, and timeless silhouettes. It took years of trial and error, but by 20, I finally started figuring out my style—and it’s still evolving.

I came up with three simple questions to guide my purchases:

1. Can I style this five ways with what I already own? (This helps avoid buying pieces that don’t add value.)

2. Have I wanted this for over a month? (Goodbye, impulse buys.)

3. Will I still love this next season? (This filters out trend pieces I might regret.)

With this mindset, I was able to build a solid wardrobe of staples that transcend trends and truly align with my style.

Here are a few of my wardrobe staples that I swear by:

• T-shirts: COS for everyday tees and the perfect white t-shirt, Flore Flore for great long sleeves

• Tanks: Flore Flore Esmé Tank and May Cami, or a more affordable option from GAP

• Jeans: Vintage Levi’s (I know, basic but worth it)

• Coats: A wool coat and a trench—Loulou Studio does them beautifully

• Jackets: A leather and denim jacket. Vintage leather for character, Toteme for denim.

• Shoes: You really only need 4 pairs—flats, loafers, heels, and boots

Recent Purchases

I’ve found that adding just one or two new items a month is all I need to maintain a wardrobe I love. Here’s how I used my three guiding questions to decide on a few recent purchases:

• Max Mara Blazer: A black blazer is one of the most-used items in my wardrobe (#1). This corduroy version adds texture and fits perfectly. I tried it on, thought about it for a month, and it stayed on my mind (#2). My current black blazer is five years old, and I’m sure this one will last me a long while too (#3).

• Leather Trench: A leather jacket is also a wardrobe staple for me (#1). I spent months searching for a leather trench with a sleek and polished fit and finally found it in this Loulou Studio trench (#2). Leather outerwear is timeless (#3), and I know I’ll wear it for years.

• Margiela Tabis: I’d wanted tabi flats for a year (#2), but was unsure if I could pull them off. A pair of black flats seemed like a safe choice given how much I’ve worn my Chanel ballet flats (#1 & #3). I caved earlier this year, and they’ve already become a favourite—comfortable and unique.

I could go on, but you get the idea. The common thread among these pieces is clear: they’re all black, with subtle variations of my existing wardrobe staples. I’ve stopped forcing myself to embrace colours or trends that don’t resonate with my style, and it’s paid off—I’ve never received more compliments on my outfits.

Wrapping It Up

Looking back on this journey, I can confidently say that slowing down my shopping habits has been one of the best decisions I’ve made. By being more intentional about what I add to my wardrobe, I’ve created a collection that feels more me than ever—one that’s full of pieces I truly love and wear regularly.

Building a wardrobe you’re proud of takes time, trial, and a lot of patience. But I promise you, it’s worth it. Whether you’re just starting out or well into your minimalist journey, remember that the goal is not to have the most, but to have the right pieces that make you feel confident, comfortable, and true to your style.

So, if you’re struggling with “I have nothing to wear” moments, maybe it’s time to take a step back, evaluate what’s really adding value to your wardrobe, and ask yourself: Does this piece truly fit my style? If not, pass on it—and keep building a wardrobe you’ll love for years to come.