Blog: Crossroads Style

Recently, I have been seeing and hearing more about scaled-down, curated closets. As fun as fast fashion is and as exciting as having an overflowing closet can be, I am becoming more interested in quality over quantity—pieces I love that I can mix and match together. Not only is a curated closet a way to focus on your personal style, it will also save you money and prep time each morning, and it’ll have less impact on the environment.

So what exactly is a curated closet? A curated closet consists of quality pieces that are meant to mix and match with each other. If this is something you are interested in, there are so many blogs and books out there to help get you started! Check out some of my favorite tips and resources on the topic below.
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1. Define Your Style
Everyone’s style is different, and it may be difficult to define yours. However, you’ll want to narrow it down as much as possible for a challenge like this. For example, my personal style has evolved from a relaxed bohemian to a relaxed minimalist look. I gravitate towards fun prints every now and then, and I’ll buy a few stand-out pieces.
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2. Purge, Purge, Purge
The first step is to go through your entire wardrobe and purge the pieces that you don’t wear. As much work as this step is, it is the most important. You will get a better sense of your style and what is important to you to have for each season. Will you focus more heavily on a combination of tops and bottoms, or do you love to wear dresses? This will be important because the best way to create a curated closet is to focus on the number of items. I like the idea of a range (like 30-40 items) instead of one specific number.
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3. Organize
After you purge your closet and are left with the pieces that you truly love, see if there are any holes in your closet that you need to fill. Are you missing a button-down blouse or a perfect pair of denim? Once you fill the holes in your closet, make a pact with yourself to hold off on shopping until the next season. Remember: the idea is to keep it simple.
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4. Remix
Your biggest challenge will be learning to remix your now limited wardrobe to create an entire season of outfits. This may be challenging if you are used to having a higher quantity of clothing in your closet, but it will help to refine your style and really test your closet curation.

After reading these tips, if you are interested in taking on a curated closet challenge, below are some of my favorite resources for inspiration:
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⋅ Anuschka Rees: This is the site of the author of The Curated Closet, and it will be one of the most in-depth and helpful resources to get you started. Anuschka gives you step-by-step instructions, worksheets, and exercises to help create your new closet.

⋅ Project 333 (Be More With Less):  Featured by the Associated Press, The Today Show, and O, The Oprah Magazine, Project 333 challenges you to live with 33 items of clothing or less for an entire three months.

⋅ Unfancy: Caroline began curating her closet and has helpful tips for those just beginning. She keeps it simple, straightforward, and approachable.

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