What defines the minimum number of pieces in your wardrobe? And what defines the maximum? I suggest the minimum is achieved when, under the normal circumstances of your life, you always have something appropriate available to wear; something that suits your face and figure, something that fits your body and the occasion, something hanging there clean and ready to go. For the past number of years I have been hovering right around that minimum wardrobe for a number of reasons, not the least of which is my idealism.
Recently, though, I had an “aha!”, a thought which propelled me to look at the other end of wardrobe limits. Logically, available space defines maximum.
Professional organizer Marcia Ramsland, in her “Organize Your Closet Today!” (which, incidentally, is currently available for free!), specifies allowing 1 1/2 inches per hanger.
I personally have 45 inches of hangbar, and no plans to change anytime soon. In reality, I can comfortably accommodate one hanger per inch. So here is the formula for maximum, based on available space and assuming one garment per hanger:
inches of hanging space
1 or 1 1/2 inches
What this means to me is as I transition my wardrobe to spring, I will not be buying hangers. If something moves in, something must move out. 😉