The Secret I’ve Held Onto For Years: The Minimal Quarterly Closet
I’m about to share a secret I’ve kept for years. It’s not that I’ve been hiding it from others, but rather, it’s something I learned years ago when I worked as a private nurse in Minnesota for one of my millionaire clients. Over the years—raising babies, moving several times, working, and navigating the usual hustle of life—I sort of shelved this wisdom in the back of my mind. I’d think about it occasionally, maybe try it here and there, but I never fully embraced it until now.
I can honestly tell you that this is the best way to save both time and money—and never wonder what to wear again!
Let me take you back to the day she shared her advice with me.
"I only shop quarterly," she said.
At the time, I thought it sounded kind of…boring. After all, back then, shopping was a joy. It was my form of relaxation and escape. But now? I find shopping to be a hassle, expensive, and, honestly, overwhelming. That is, until I adopted her method.
Let me explain.
You may have heard of the concept of a “minimal wardrobe” or the idea of curating just 30 items for 3 months. Well, quarterly shopping is similar but even more structured. It’s about shopping four times a year, and only during certain times when the best deals and selections are available.
Here’s how it works:
January: Take advantage of the sales after the holidays.
April: Fresh items come out for summer.
July: Great deals on end-of-summer pieces, plus the start of fall arrivals.
October: Stock up for full fall and winter.
I think of it like buying our beef and pork in bulk. Yes, there’s a big upfront cost, but it lasts all year. No more stopping at the store for meat every week—just like how you can have a fully stocked, thoughtfully curated closet with zero stress.
The freedom in this approach is undeniable. You’ll learn to love every single item in your closet because you’ve hand-picked them. You won’t be scrambling for outfits or wondering what to wear. It’s a strategy that saves time, money, and—let’s be honest—mental energy.
And just like that, you’ll have a closet you love, with everything you need to mix and match, season after season. No more endless shopping trips. Just a few, intentional moments per year that lead to a closet full of nothing but the best.
AND NO SPENDING MONEY ON IMPULSE BUYS - unless you absolutely can’t leave without it, and even then, think again!
Here is my Spring Capsule organized by shoes, tops/dresses and then bottoms. You can shop it HERE if you are ready, otherwise- keep reading.
How to Stay Organized When Shopping Quarterly
The beauty of quarterly shopping is that it allows you to reuse pieces from the previous quarter. Let’s say you’re in love with that pair of A&F jeans (like I am) and they’re still going strong into the next quarter—great! That’s one less item you need to shop for in Q2. This method isn’t just about being selective when you buy; it’s also about keeping track of your closet’s inventory every three months. If you do this, your wardrobe will never become the cluttered mess it may be right now.
Here’s the thing: that dress from five years ago? Come on, friend. You’re not going to wear it again. Maybe… but no. It’s time to let go. And this leads us into the core idea of simplifying your wardrobe—and how to get started.
But Where Do I Start?
Start with a massive declutter. Let me share another secret with you: the best way to declutter your closet is this:
Imagine you’re all dressed up and walk into a party. Every person at that party is someone you absolutely love and are thrilled to see. Feels pretty amazing, right? You’re energized, joyful, and alive.
Now, apply that same feeling to your closet.
When you walk in, every item should feel like a cherished guest at that party. Your closet shouldn’t feel like a gathering you dread, or worse—like a party where everything’s going great until you run into a few people you wish you hadn’t.
Let go of those items that no longer spark joy, and yes, sister—let go of those people in your life too!
Spring Capsule Sketch:
20-30 items total
Handbags: 2 (Hanson Leather Co. MN Made // code: CHRISTIAN10) – Year-round use. I typically add a fun market bag in summer.
Shoes: 4 main pairs. (tall boots from Q4).
Pants: 4 pairs.
Tops: 11 pieces
Dresses: 2 (think date nights/girls brunch, you’re ready)!
Workout Items: A few staples and tennis shoes
Winter Q4 Capsule: A couple of beloved items carried over, black denim, zara denim, a few sweaters
Outerwear: Mostly jackets, with vests and coats. I have started to pack these away.
Process:
Assess: Review what you still love from last quarter (Q4).
Pack Away: Store away anything that’s too heavy, but you still LOVE.
Donate: Let go of what no longer serves you.
Shop: Buy what you truly need and absolutely love.
Wear: Enjoy wearing everything you have for the quarter.
Organization Tips:
By Color: Keep your wardrobe cohesive by color.
Use the Same Hangers: Simplify and keep everything looking neat. (I have pretty gold wire ones for the current capsule, white wood for my pants and velvet white for any other items/non slip).
Conclusion
Quarterly shopping and a simplified closet aren’t just about saving time and money—they’re about creating space for what truly matters. By curating a collection of items you love and use, you’ll feel more organized, energized, and confident every day. Remember: it’s not just about what you wear, but how it makes you feel. So, start with a clean slate, shop intentionally, and enjoy the freedom of a closet that works for you. Shop my home and style here.