After a brutal clear-out last January, I kept 31 pieces. That's it — for every occasion, every season, every mood. Here's the full list, what I let go, and whether I miss any of it.
January Was Brutal
My wardrobe reached a particular state last January — overfull, overwhelming, and somehow still useless on the mornings
when I needed it most. I'd been buying things for three years in a vaguely direction-less way, guided by what was on sale
or what I thought I should want rather than what I actually wore.
So I cleared everything out. Everything onto the bed. Everything assessed, every piece held and considered. What stayed
needed to earn its place. What went was donated the same day so I couldn't retrieve it.
I kept 31 pieces. Here's what they are and why.
What Stayed and Why
5 bottoms: Wide-leg camel linen trousers (worn constantly). Dark straight-leg denim (the most versatile thing I own). Black tailored trousers (for everything formal). A cream linen midi skirt (summer, dinner, weekends). Black leather-look trousers (evening, winter, surprisingly office-appropriate).
7 tops: White fitted tee (bought three, kept one that fits perfectly). Ivory silk cami (does double duty as both
casual and elegant). Black fitted turtleneck (the winter backbone). White linen shirt (tucked, untucked, open over
dresses). Cream fine-gauge knit (weekend, travel, everything). Striped marinière (the one printed piece in my whole
wardrobe). Chocolate brown knit (the unexpected workhorse — goes with more than anything).
3 dresses: Cream linen shirt dress (the most functional dress I own). Black silk midi (for occasions). Beige knit
dress (the lazy-day solution that looks like an effort was made).
4 outer layers: Camel trench (classic, timeless, worth the space). Black tailored blazer (the most-reached-for piece in the wardrobe). Cream oversized coat (winter, one statement per season). Denim jacket (lighter days, layering option, travel).
7 shoes: White trainers. Tan leather loafers. Black pointed-toe flats. Tan strappy flat sandals. Black ankle boots.
Nude slingback heels (for the occasions that genuinely require a heel). White leather sandals.
5 bags: Small black structured bag (daily). Tan tote (work, shopping, travel). Woven summer bag. Small evening bag in gold. Backpack for travel and gym.
What I Don't Miss
The things I thought I needed but never wore. The occasional-occasion pieces bought for a specific event. The colour I
liked in the shop but couldn't make work at home. All of it gone, none of it missed.
What the Carry-On Taught Me
Everything I own fits in one carry-on. I haven't checked baggage in eight months. The mental clarity that comes from a
wardrobe that is genuinely finite and genuinely functional is something I didn't expect to value as much as I do.
"Owning less didn't make me feel restricted. It made me feel like myself."
The 31 pieces don't cover every possible occasion. They cover my actual life — which is the only thing a wardrobe is
supposed to do.
Camille Dubois
Fashion Editor · Lumia Outfits
