Struggling with “Nothing to Wear”?
Have you ever stood in front of a wardrobe full of clothes and sighed, “I have nothing to wear!”? If so, you’re not alone—this is a common frustration, especially among women.
While there’s no permanent fix for this dilemma, I have discovered a method that is truly a game changer! I wouldn’t even call it a trick—it’s more of a lifestyle upgrade. It has simplified my mornings and made dressing up effortless.
I often receive compliments for the way I dress and it looks like I waste a lot of time getting prepared, but that is not the case.
Want to know my secret? It’s simple: effective wardrobe organization!
The Easiest Wardrobe System You’ll Ever Use
The key to effortless dressing is planning ahead. Here’s a simple yet powerful system to keep your closet organized:
- Plan one outfit per day. Since there are seven days in a week, you only need seven outfits.
- Assign each outfit to a specific day. For example, your Monday dress is followed by your Tuesday shirt and pants, then your Wednesday tee-shirt and skirt, and so on.
- Hang them in chronological order. This way, when you wake up, you don’t waste time deciding what to wear—it’s already set for you!
My Personal Wardrobe Strategy
I have different sets of clothing for different occasions:
- Work attire: Five outfits for weekdays.
- Casual wear: Three to four outfits for Saturdays.
- Sunday wear: A separate set for Sundays.
- Outings: A dedicated collection for casual outings.
- Events & parties: A selection of dressier outfits.
Each set is grouped together in my closet, making it easy to locate and wear. For added convenience, I take pictures of each set so I can reassemble them correctly after laundry day.
Optimizing “My Martha Closet System”
To make this system work smoothly, follow these tips:
1. Maintain a Rotation of Work Outfits
- Aim for at least 10 work outfits so you can go two weeks without repeating the same look.
- If that’s not possible, don’t stress—wearing the same pants, dress, or shirt twice a week is completely fine!
2. Shop for Outfits Before You Need Them
- Don’t wait until you receive a save the date to start searching for something to wear.
- Purchase outfits gradually, incorporating them into your budget.
- Follow the 50/30/20 rule (50% needs, 30% wants, 20% savings) to avoid impulse shopping. At this point, it is my understanding that everybody is aware of this budgeting method. Imagine, you can spend 30% of your revenue on things you enjoy (if you see a cute suits, you can just get it!) and still be able to pay back your debts, save for emergencies, to go on vacation or to buy a house! It is very effective, you just have to adjust the numbers to fit your own life.
3. Reduce Laundry Frequency
- Over-washing can cause clothes to fade quickly.
- Invest in a washing machine with a “Refresh” cycle—it keeps clothes fresh in just 10 minutes, eliminating the need for frequent dry cleaning (This option has reduced my dry-cleaning bill to zero!)
4. Stick to the Basics
- Ensure your wardrobe has essential pieces for all occasions.
- A good rule of thumb: three casual outfits and three formal outfits for outings and events.
5. Declutter Regularly
- The Oxford dictionary defines “declutter” as removing unnecessary items from an untidy or overcrowded place—and that likely describes most closets!
- Sell, donate, or give away items you no longer wear.
- If you live in a region with different seasons, store off-season clothing in neat boxes under the bed or on upper shelves.
A Personal Lesson in Decluttering
Many years ago, I moved to another continent, taking with me tons of belongings I thought I needed. Customs charged me a huge fee even though they were personal and used possessions! My husband was less than thrilled! Eventually, these so much needed items that I moved around the world sat untouched in the garage until I finally decluttered and got rid of everything!
However, some sentimental objects are worth keeping. I regret discarding my old journals, which could have offered insight into my younger self and even been a meaningful keepsake for my daughters. I would have loved to share the journals with my adult daughters for them to know me better and put their own experience in perspective. But what is done is done!
Try It for Yourself!
Give My Martha Closet System a try for a week and see how it transforms your daily routine. Let me know in the comments how it worked for you!
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