As we head into the year’s biggest shopping season, I find myself advocating for a “less is more” approach which may seem counterintuitive. I’m not anti-shopping; I’m pro-discernment. Thoughtful choices mean being intentional, investing in quality pieces that endure, selecting styles that genuinely suit you, and prioritizing items you’ll cherish season after season.
This ethos is also at the heart of my design approach. I focus on fewer styles, each created with intention and crafted to include unique, flattering details that complement many body shapes and sizes. These are timeless silhouettes, designed to stay current and versatile for years to come. Styles that become your go-to pieces, you’ll wear on repeat.
Why Less is More: The Power of a Thoughtfully Curated Closet
It’s a familiar scenario, standing in front of an overflowing closet and thinking, “I have nothing to wear.” This paradox can be traced back to one simple truth. Most of us wear only about 10% of the clothes we own, leaving the rest to collect “dust”. Yet, why do we continue to add more items to our wardrobe? And why does it matter if we opt for high-quality staples over a quantity of trendy, low-quality pieces?
Let’s explore why owning fewer but higher-quality garments is better for our style, our wallets, the planet, and our mental clarity.
The 10% Rule: Why We Only Wear a Fraction of What We Own
Have you ever noticed that you keep gravitating toward the same few styles, over and over again? Whether it’s the perfect pants, the versatile blazer, or your go-to white shirt, you instinctively reach for what feels good and looks good, with little thought to the rest of your wardrobe. There’s a psychological reason for this. Familiarity breeds comfort! You know these pieces work, they fit well, and they reflect your personal style, so they get worn repeatedly.
Meanwhile, the other 90% of your closet is often filled with impulse buys, fast fashion trends, or items that no longer suit your lifestyle or body. These pieces don’t bring you joy, so they’re left hanging, never seeing the light of day.
Why Owning the Right 10% Matters
Instead of focusing on quantity, shift your mindset to curate a wardrobe with only the right 10%, the pieces you love, wear often, and that can be styled in multiple ways. This doesn’t mean you have to dress in the same “uniform” every day, but rather, that you build a closet around versatile, high-quality staples that reflect your personal taste and meet your daily needs.
When you focus on curating your wardrobe with the right items, getting dressed becomes effortless. You’ll always have pieces you feel good in, and you’ll waste less time deciding what to wear. A closet filled with intentional, loved pieces not only reduces decision fatigue but ensures you’re putting your best foot forward every time.
How to Build Your Ideal Wardrobe
Here are a few steps to start creating a wardrobe you’ll actually wear and love:
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Edit ruthlessly
Declutter your closet by asking yourself if you’ve worn each item in the last year. If not, it’s time to donate or sell it. Start with items that don’t fit, don’t flatter, or no longer align with your style.
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Identify your 10%
Take note of the pieces you wear frequently. What do they have in common? Are they comfortable? Easy to mix and match? Versatile for different occasions? Use this as a guide for future purchases.
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Focus on quality, not quantity
Invest in timeless, high-quality pieces that will stand the test of time. A well-made blazer, a classic Trench Coat, perfect pants, the ideal cardigan and that classic white shirt can be worn year after year and still look fresh.
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Seasonal refreshes
Instead of overhauling your wardrobe each season, mindfully add a few new items that complement what you already own. A great pair of boots, a statement coat, or a quality sweater can breathe new life into your existing wardrobe without the need for constant shopping.
Ready to refresh your wardrobe?
Find all the styles we’re loving this season on our Looks We Love page!
