Small Closet, Big Dreams
Do you appreciate your things more when you have less?
I’ve been thinking about this question again, so I revisited and updated this text. I also asked Rachel Tashjian Wise, and she gave a great answer in one of her recent newsletters — I wanted to share it with you:
My actual wardrobe (look!) is quite small. My imaginary wardrobe? Enormous! And honestly, I like this setup.
There’s something fun about dreaming of owning stuff vs. just owning stuff. Whenever I obsess over that one item and finally get it, the thrill seems to fizzle out almost immediately. The hunt, the anticipation, the “is it here yet?” Way more thrilling than just having it, I find. The one real exception is my 2001 Prada top, which I’ve probably mentioned about 50 times by now. I wanted it badly, I love it badly — and yes, I wear it... badly? I mean, a lot.
Lately, I’ve been thinking that letting go feels surprisingly liberating (both of clothes and people, actually)! I guess it’s my big 2024 conclusion. I used to believe that a closet bursting at the seams meant endless options and excitement. But now? With fewer things, I feel more connected to each one. Is it like having a close-knit group of friends instead of a long list of acquaintances? In many fashion discussions online, you’ll find everything from minimalist capsules to huge and diverse wardrobes. Some of us are minimalists by necessity, others choose to embrace simplicity with open arms. But regardless of the amount, our clothes are more than just fabric, aren’t they? They’re expressions of who we are — a reflection of our moods and identities.
But here’s what I wonder: does having a mountain of clothes dilute that connection? With my now small closet, I know each piece like an old pal. I sold a bunch of things this year, and what I do have left I wear regularly. Each item is there for a reason. Of course, there’s always that fleeting moment when you realize you’re holding something beautiful in your hands, and yet… it’s just a thing. The magic you felt when you first laid eyes on it can sometimes fade before you know it (omg, I hope it doesn’t happen with me and the Prada top).
This brings me to another thought that keeps me up at night: when you acquire yet another handmade special little thing for an already overflowing collection, does its artisanal charm even matter anymore? Or does it become just another piece in the puzzle, losing that initial specialness? This “handmade dilemma” is something I think about often.
Anyway, this is just me questioning things and hoping to hear your thoughts. To me, there’s something wonderfully freeing about not being overwhelmed by choices. With fewer items, getting dressed feels like an exercise in thoughtfulness. But I’m curious — do those with larger wardrobes feel that same connection?
There’s surely no “right” answer here, but I genuinely want to know: does the size of your wardrobe influence how much you value each piece? Have you ever considered letting go of things — not to make room for more stuff but simply for clarity and simplicity? Or maybe you do that regularly? And generally, what do you think?
P.S. No resale links from me today, but there are plenty in previous letters — it’s almost too much!
Yours, warmly,
Anni
So much to chew on here, Anni! I'm one of your maximalist readers - I have a LARGE wardrobe, that is fluid in nature, and I love shopping (95% of my shopping is in person, and secondhand, FYI).
To address this:
"With fewer items, getting dressed feels like an exercise in thoughtfulness. But I’m curious — do those with larger wardrobes feel that same connection?"
I definitely feel that connection to my clothes still. Getting dressed for me is a conversation - what I want to wear on a particular day is based on practical things (weather, clients, work, am I walking) but primarily on how I want to feel (happy, energetic, hiding, armoured).
Some of my clothes and shoes have been with me for over 15 years, some 5 years, some are new-to-me. The connections I build are usually around what memories those clothes hold for me ("I wore this to Linda's birthday and had that odd conversation" or "this set of jewelry is one my mom wore in the 1970s."
I shop frequently, but I'm very picky. I try on a ton of things - regardless of price - just to see how they look/feel. Trying things on eliminates that "I want that!" feeling - or, if it is something I must have, then I'll either buy it or stalk it until it's marked down. If I miss out...it wasn't meant to be.
"They are just things." They are! And they need to be used - so I ensure that my closet is set up so that I can see and wear everything, every 6 months (I use the backwards hanger trick). Nothing gets passed over.
Sorry for the long comment! Thanks again!
I think it’s very challenging to have connection to a larger wardrobe - I’m curious if someone can say they have it. There are a few within the large that hold connection, the rest is stuff. I have mentally moved to refreshing and adding thoughtfully, which is NOT aligned to the pace of market consumption, social media, etc. It must be for the cycles that make sense for my life. The practice of ignoring outside’ frenzy has been my biggest (ongoing) learning.