It’s the start of the new year, and there’s an exciting buzz in the air about new possibilities. Secretly, you know in a few weeks those lofty New Year’s resolutions will likely fizzle. And then, on the first workday in 2026, you roll out of your cozy, warm bed and confront the inevitable – a messy, overwhelming closet where there’s nothing to wear. However, it doesn’t have to be this way. One resolution that you can achieve to eliminate needless clutter is to minimize.

I have been practicing minimalism for the last five years, and in presentations I have given in the Renton community, I argue that your wardrobe is at the heart of your lifestyle. When you face your wardrobe in the morning, it sets the precedent for your day. Do you see clutter, chaos, and helplessness when you look at your closet in the morning, or do you experience peace, as I do?

Instead of setting large, fleeting goals in January, focus on simplicity. Starting with your work wardrobe is a powerful step toward living a minimalist lifestyle and transforming your daily routine.

For starters, here are some tips:

1. Keep it basic. Your personality should shine through your words and actions, and it doesn’t solely rely on your clothing.

2. You need less than you think – just enough clothing that gets washed or maintained weekly. An example could include five bottoms, five tops, two layering pieces, two pairs of shoes, and some accessories – all are sufficient for a weekly wardrobe. The clothing’s color palettes should match each other seamlessly.

3. Focus on timeless pieces. Trendy and fast fashion items fade quickly, but you’ll likely continue to reach for those comfortable clothes and beloved accessories for years to come.

4. Understand your body type, styles and patterns you love, and colors that suit your skin complexion.

5. Select quality items. The more you invest in sturdy clothing now, the less you spend in the long run.

While I call the wardrobe the heart of simple living, I didn’t analyze my own clothing habits until 2025. I resisted adopting a “work uniform” at the office, craving room for fashion exploration, and fearing that simple items would bore me. The philosophy that changed my mindset was, “But what if I tried?”

This past year, I embarked on a fitness journey and lost over 4 inches from both my waist and chest. My clothing had started to outgrow me, and my wardrobe needed an update. I successfully identified my ideal work uniform and learned some important lessons along the way.

1. Don’t shop for “good enough for now.” Poor-fitting, low-quality pieces do not belong in your closet and will stealthily cost you more money to replace.

2. Focus on your realistic self – not your past, future, or fantasy self. What is your current size, and what clothing makes you feel confident?

3. Don’t fret about other people’s opinions on a small wardrobe. If you are dressed appropriately, feel confident, and don’t stink, it’s no one’s business if you repeat outfits weekly.

4. When ordering clothing online, make sure you can return it. It’s challenging to determine how the item fits and feels, and you may lose money on e-thrift stores that don’t offer refunds.

I want to highlight what works best for me. My personal work uniform usually consists of dark trousers, simple blouses, and pullover sweaters – all of which match each other. In my newly curated work capsule wardrobe, I have four pairs of five bottoms, four tops, three sweaters, one blazer, three pairs of shoes, and six jewelry pieces. My color palette is black, brown, cream, green, charcoal, and silver. In total, twenty-two items fully encapsulate my work attire, and I couldn’t be happier.

As we age, things get increasingly complicated. From financial pressures, supporting family and friends, health issues, and so on – life doesn’t get easier. Simplifying our wardrobes reduces decision fatigue, which also eases the first part of our mornings. Unlike setting big goals in January, reducing your work wardrobe is a quick and effective way to see progress in the new year.

What’s my 2026 Resolution? Keep things simple since the life around us is not.

Abby Elliott is a Renton resident who has given local presentations about minimalism. Contact: pickleforadime@gmail.com.