Wardrobe planning is the first step on the way to a well-curated wardrobe. It helps us select clothes, shoes, and accessories that work for our environment, lifestyle, personal preferences, and needs. Having a well-planned wardrobe means we’ll need fewer clothes but have more choices. And, let’s be honest, wouldn’t it be great to have a perfect outfit for everything we do? Without having to buy that many clothes?
Such a well-planned and well-curated wardrobe won’t be put together in a week or two. It’s an effort to create it. However, mid-term, you will not only feel your best in your clothes but also save time and money. Moreover, wardrobe planning supports sustainability and helps you go down the slow fashion road. So, what do you think? Aren’t these good reasons to start planning your wardrobe more strategically?
Not convinced yet?
Take a look at your current wardrobe and check how many of the following you’d give a yes:
- It’s easy to pick an outfit, even when I’m in a rush.
- I wear the vast majority of my clothes regularly.
- I feel my best wearing my clothes.
- My wardrobe is well-organized.
- I own quality basics I love.
- I maintain a detailed shopping list for new clothes.
- I’ve set myself a clothing budget and stick to it.
- I know how to create different outfits with what I already have.
Do most of these statements apply to your current wardrobe? Great. If not, give wardrobe planning a try. But first, let’s see what it exactly is and what the key benefits are.
Wardrobe planning helps you determine what you need, discover what you really want, assess what you already have, and identify the missing pieces in your wardrobe.
Wardrobe planning supports you in building a wardrobe that works for you and fits your lifestyle. Creating outfits for every activity and occasion in your life will be an easy task. If you plan your wardrobe wisely, you need fewer clothes but have more choices.
Wardrobe planning will, not right away but mid-term, save you time and money. Plus, it supports sustainability.
When following a plan, you spend less time searching, purchasing, and returning items. You can get dressed for any occasion in an instant because retrieving a complete outfit from your closet will be quick and easy.
A well-planned wardrobe saves money because you know what to buy. You don’t buy duplicates of items you already own or clothes that don’t work for your lifestyle or don’t go with your existing wardrobe. Plus, if you plan your wardrobe carefully, you need fewer items. This allows you to invest in quality. Quality garments will last longer and eventually save you money.
Another key benefit of wardrobe planning is that it supports sustainability and helps you go down the slow fashion road. Because you buy (and return!) less and keep your clothes longer.

How to Plan Your Wardrobe in 3 Steps
- Step 1: Consider Your Environment – Where you live determines what kind of clothes, shoes, and accessories you need.
- Step 2: Review Your Lifestyle – How you live determines what types of clothes, shoes, and accessories you need.
- Step 3: Clarify Your Needs – Your environment, personal preferences, and lifestyle decide which and how many outfits (clothes, shoes, accessories) you need.
Wardrobe Planning Worksheet Collection

Plan and create a wardrobe full of clothes you love to wear!
And there you have it. This is why I think wardrobe planning is well worth the effort. Now it’s your turn. Take a closer look at your environment and how this determines the kind of clothes you need.
More Tips and Inspirations
Here’s where you find all of my wardrobe planning articles:
I’d always recommend decluttering your wardrobe as part of the planning process. Thereby, you’ll get a much better idea of what to keep and what to discard.
- Wardrobe Decluttering a la Marie Kondo: Pros and Cons
- Wardrobe Decluttering a la Marie Kondo: Lessons Learned
A well-planned and well-curated wardrobe help you transition into slow fashion. I’ve listed a range of attainable steps for creating a ‘slow wardrobe’.
I’m sure you want your carefully selected clothes to last longer. My series of wardrobe maintenance articles provide tips on how to take good care of your clothes and extend their lifespan.
- 7 Tips to Extend the Life of Your Clothes
- How to Take Care of Luxury Fabrics
- Laundry Symbols Explained
If you like the ‘less, but luxe’ idea, follow me on Pinterest, Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter for more tips and inspirations. And don’t forget to join my email list to receive weekly updates plus content that’s exclusively available to my readers.
Thanks for sharing this post and your thoughts!
Are there any tips or shortcuts for wardrobe planning? What do you generally think about a well-planned, curated wardrobe? How important is slow fashion and wardrobe maintenance for you? Let me know in the comments below!
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