Perhaps it’s my age or my new-found love of less, but in the past year or so I’ve refined my style and subsequently, my wardrobe. I no longer harbour a deep attachment to my clothes. Instead, I’m practical and sensible about what I buy and what I keep. I value quality over quantity, classic hues over trendy brights, texture over prints (although stripes and delicate florals are evident in many of my skirts and tops).

Granted, it’s taken a good few years of decluttering to reach this stage; my wardrobe has always been bulging and it’s been far too hard to let go of the clothes I once coveted. I spent most of my teens and early twenties reading fashion magazines; publications that glorify the walk-in wardrobe and promote ever-changing fashion trends. It took me a good while to realise that fast fashion isn’t cause for celebration. It is, in fact, unrealistic for most of us. It’s satisfying to come to a considered place in regards to the clothes you wear – to shop wisely and carefully and practise restraint. There is also the fact that as I age (and grow) acceptance of my changing body shape affects the clothes I own and the way I dress. Just like my smalls, there was a moment when I realised that no, my waist is not going to return to a size 6, hence there’s no point holding on to those tiny skirts.

I’m also in the midst of the tricky maternity stage and I’m well aware of the fact that many of my clothes won’t be worn for the next two years (said items have been packed away for a later stage). My body loves to expand into voluptuous curves in pregnancy and there’s no point denying the fact that I take a good year, maybe more, to return to my pre-pregnancy self (or a semblance of).

This past weekend I spent a good few hours in my bedroom – sorting, packing and clearing. I launched into it with vigour and as a result, I have an organised wardrobe that contains only the essentials. Regardless of whether you’re pregnant or not, you might find these tips helpful:

pack away your woollens

It makes sense to declutter your wardrobe on the cusp of a new season. Whilst there are still days when a cardigan is necessary, we have definitely bid farewell to woollen jumpers and thick scarves. The bulk of winter was folded and placed in space bags (with a few muslin bags of lavender to ward off the bugs) and packed away in the wardrobe. I’ll admit, there were even a few items that weren’t worn over this past winter – time to pass them on, I obviously don’t need them.

be realistic about the clothes that you love and wear

My aim is to love and regularly wear every piece of clothing that I own. I don’t think it’s a lofty expectation but it does require a critical eye and a seasonal clear-out. Over the past few days I found many pieces that had stretched or become misshapen, clothes that no longer fit quite right (even when I wasn’t pregnant) and some items that simply didn’t suit my style anymore. I was also realistic about the fact that I own far too many floral skirts and striped tops – I kept my favourites and gave the rest to appreciative family members.

essentials are more important that stand-out pieces

I’ve fallen into a fashion trap in the past; where I covet (and subsequently purchase) stunning stand-out pieces only to discover that I only have the bare minimum of essentials. I’ve set about changing this over the past few months. My year-round essentials include: cool, summer dresses, a pair of denim shorts, two pairs of well-fitted jeans, two cardigans in different weights, a few skirts, black singlets, loose-fitting cotton blouses, long-sleeve cotton tops and one jacket. I still have a way to go in terms of minimising my essentials but I feel that I’ve made a vast improvement on my wardrobe that was.

This is a very basic, spring-cleaning guide to your wardrobe. If you’re seeking a thorough step-by-step guide to editing your wardrobe (one that’s written with eloquence and insight) I highly recommend popping over to read Erin’s wise words.

How is your wardrobe looking of late? Did your reach your thirties and realise that your sense of style had evolved and, dare I say, matured?