CREATE AN INTENTIONAL WARDROBE// How do you want to feel?

A stack of four folded grey and blush sweaters bought secondhand from The Attic in Guelph, on a grey marble table. Photography by Leah Williams

Have you ever put something on from your own closet and felt like you were wearing someone else’s clothes? Or when something fits perfectly, but it just makes you feel a little off or uncomfortable, but you don’t really know why?

If we shop to fill a feeling of lack or incongruence, trying to make ourselves feel better, without actually knowing how we want to feel, then we will probably overbuy. We’ll end up with closets stuffed with things we don’t wear, feeling overwhelmed and still unsatisfied. Whether you shop new or thrifted, you can still end up in the same situation.

When you’re just starting to evaluate your closet, entering the letting go process, or building a small ethical wardrobe, it can be really useful to get clear on your “why,” and how you want to feel. This acts as a guiding vision and focus point for shopping or decluttering.

Letting go of items from your wardrobe and home can be hard. But when we set them free, we actually let go of the past, we make space for the present and room for our vision. (When I refer to “letting go” of items, I mean passing them along to someone who can use them, not sending them to landfill)

For example: My closet why is that I want getting dressed and wearing clothes to feel like a relaxing sigh, to be easy, stress free and guilt free. To see the clothes in my closet and feel peace, not overwhelm. To be totally free of doubt, able to grab any items and have them go together effortlessly without thinking. I aim to feel relaxed and comfortable when I’m out all day, and feel so good getting home that I don’t need to change into something more comfortable.

These beautiful sweaters are from my fall visit to The Attic in Guelph

Imagining how you want to feel (An idea from Danielle Laporte and her book The Desire Map) is one of the best ways to help you make clear choices and shop intentionally.

How do you want to feel when you open your closet and see what’s in it?

How do you want to feel when you get dressed and put your clothes on?

How do you want to feel when you walk out your door for the day?

And how do you want to feel when you get home?

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