The ten-item wardrobe | Jennifer L. Scott | TEDxStGeorge 

“I could respect myself enough to present myself beautifully at all times” WOW 🙏🏼❤️

"wear the same high quality clothes over and over again". I work in the city and I see the most elegantly dressed men on the way to work always wear a perfectly fitted dark navy suit, great polished double monk strap shoes, plain dark tie in a windsor knot with a dimple, white fitted french cuff shirt that peaks out from the bottom of the jacket sleeve, pocket square, nice watch, great timeless bag and impeccably groomed (see your barber every 3 weeks, get friendly with a round brush and hairdryer, buff your nails). So my work wardrobe is now this. It fits into a tiny wardrobe. Getting ready is so easy. I feel and look great everyday. I avoid magazines/blogs/newspapers/instagram/tumblr that try to convince me otherwise. Lets be honest they all make their money from fashion corporations who use advertising to convince us psychologically to buy more. I call it the Joy of Missing Out. Its a con anyway, have you noticed how fashion designers like Christopher Bailey, Lagerfeld, Kors all wear the same outfit at the end of their runway shows? They don't even buy into the message they're spreading! All I do is make sure that on the way to work everyday I match the single most elegantly dressed man I see. Simple. Then I get on with my life and figure out what my purpose is and start taking steps to achieve it without wasting any more time on 'fashion'. This post has already cost me 17 minutes of that :(

A class act and unpretentious. She is a diamond in the rough. she's refreshingly real.

Oh my goodness, I think you've just changed my life with one sentence, " I could respect myself enough to present myself beautifully at all times."

I lived in Paris with a family in the late '70s. Sounds like the same room and the same armoire. I remember being shocked when my French teacher wore the same outfit three days in a row.

"not knowing my true style...the clothes that I had, they weren't sophisticated, they weren't how I wanted to express myself" YES. This is my exact problem.

Once I helped a friend with her laundry and noticed that all the kids' drawers were very neat and uncrowded. When I pointed it out, she told me that she grew up with a mother that believed that all kids needed were three pairs of pants, five shirts, and clothes for Sunday. One result is that laundry can't accumulate till it becomes Mount Laundry (less clutter), and kids are less likely to throw clothes on the ground when there are fewer of them (again, less clutter). My kids HATED it, but I would take the clothes they had out of closets and drawers twice a year, check the fit and wear, and then we knew exactly what we had to buy. As for myself, I found that I tended to wear "my favorites" everyday. I confess I have more then ten items of clothes, but I love a closet where I can easily see what I have. It feels so good to go through my closet and get rid of things I don't enjoy, that don't fit, don't match, and then pass it on to someone who wants it.

I follow her Utube channel in 2020... she’s still preaching living your best life, wearing your best etc.... she’s super inspiring. ❤️

Just re-watched this and clearly anyone can tell that you are having technical issues with your ear piece, not simply fidgeting. Handled with poise and grace, Jennifer!

America is a consumerism nation. I am from Europe and I watch a lot of fashion/beauty youtubers and I am amazed by how much stuff they own. i wouldn't buy a new piece of clothing unless I need it. Why should I buy a new foundation when I already have one that works good for me and is far for being finished. I only buy basic and clasic/timeless pieces of clothing and if I need something and don't need it right away , I don't mind wainting for a few weeks/months for the sale season.

This is not a parisian thing. Most Europeans are pragmatic like this. Save up and buy few, good items that will last you years rather than constantly buying low grade items that last a few months. Saves time, money and self esteem.

Liberating to donate many of my younger clothing items to a chic art student; many business suits to a women's center & my handbags to a charity event. It allowed me to make space for the next level 💞

Omg! I was in Paris once and me and my friend when shopping, I didn’t understand why she was all dressed up. I was in my work out clothes. I couldn’t get anyone to help me but she got all the help and samples. I ask her why, she said that they don’t think you have money by the way you dressed. So I get it totally! Thanks for this video and I’m doing my best to down size my wardrobe.

When I moved into my college apartment, where I had very little storage, I was faced with throwing away the clothes that didn't please me. I don't even remember the clothes I threw away, and I feel more comfortable in my own clothing. I want to pare down my wardrobe even more to make room for the things I've wanted to express myself with. This has saved so many morning headaches trying to figure out what to wear.

Studying my "season color pallet, was the best thing I've ever done to dwindle down my wardrobe and cause everything to work together. I think finding you "season" is the best way with baby steps to get a workable wardrobe. Another great idea is put all your hangers backward and after you use and laundry the item hand it up the conventional way. At the end of a few months or a year you'll see the items you have warn and you can pass along the rest.

Years ago, I went to Florida for a vacation and ended up staying there. While I was gone, everything I owned was stolen back here in Alabama. All I had with me were shorts and t-shirts that I had taken for my vacation. I had nothing to come back to, so I stayed in Tampa. I had to get a job. I went to a charity shop and got two dresses. I wore one one day and the other the next and....repeat. I had to do this for several months, while I tried to recoup enough money to get back to Alabama. I was belittled horrendously at work. Even though my co-workers knew my situation, that I had had everything stolen and that I didn't make enough money to buy clothing, that I didn't even have anything to put food in. I had gotten a box of cereal and some milk, but didn't even have a bowl or spoon, so I ended up eating the cereal out of the box and drinking the milk out of the container. It was very humbling. But the bullying I got at work was horrible. I eventually was able to buy more work clothes, but I will never forget the bullying I got for wearing those two dresses over and over. I ended up staying in Florida, buying a home and thought I would be there forever, but I became disabled and had to move somewhere cheaper, so back to Alabama I came with my tail tucked between my legs. It worked out, as my parents were getting into their 90's and I was here to care for them until they passed away. I will never regret that. They died very close together since they had been married for 71 years. And since I am disabled and unable to work, I will be in Alabama until the day I die, which sucks, but at least I got to live close to the beach for many years. I wish I had had this video to share with my co-workers in Florida, the ones who made fun of me for wearing those two dresses over and over! I am loving the idea of paring down. Being disabled and never really going anywhere, I really do not need enough clothing to clothe 30 people. Thanks! A lot of clothing is about to go on Ebay!

I recently found Jennifer Scott on RU-vid and appreciate the message she is putting out there. I'm not one who wants a 10 item wardrobe, but am downsizing. Her ending story solidified my decision to let my old mismatching pajamas go...and replace them with actual pajamas rather than sweats (that are showing wear). Thanks for sharing with us, Jennifer! ~T

Lovely, lovely talk. You did a beautiful job. You were eloquent and appeared at ease. Your message was clear. Even though I've read your book several times, and have watched all your videos and feel like I have a good grasp on your outlook, it was still nice to hear your presentation. Thank you for sharing!

This one was eye-opening for me. I've recently started a journey to minimalism and my wardrobe was overflowing when I started (a week ago), I donated most of it and now have a collection of clothes I truly like. Watching this video has convinced me that I can break that wardrobe down even further. Realizing that I have way too many pajamas that make me look like I'm still in high school. Thanks for posting this! Also, suddenly wanting to go to Paris, ha.

Finding your personal style is everything!!! YES!!! Don't keep things you don't love or feel good in👌🏽👏🏽

I like the idea of 10 items per season. Who in the world wears all the items in their closet anyways?? This is a very smart way to save money on clothes. There is beauty in being a minimalist!

I have been redoing my own wardrobe slowly over the last few months, donating quite a few pieces to charity. Simplicity and fit is key!

This reminds me of one of my favorite fashion designers quote "buy less, choose well" ..if anyone can figure that out

Clothing is the only remaining problem in my daily life i can't tackle well. When i was younger and just living on my own, i didn't have much clothing at all and was struggling with money to buy what i needed. Now i have a hoarding problem, specifically clothing. I just buy things, mostly quality things from the secondhand store because i have this panicky feeling i might otherwise not have enough. (It's a very similar thing my stepmom explained about her food hoarding problem, because she grew up in the lean times after WW2. I think having a big stash of food is actually very smart) It's not actually that bad when i compare it to what the average American has, i'm European but i still consider it a problem because i live in a very small appartement. And since most of these clothes are of excellent quality, i find it difficult to prioritize what to keep and what to get rid of and when i open the closet, i find it difficult to figure out what to wear. Thank goodness i don't have the same issue with shoes. This video has been very helpful. Than you so much, Jennifer. I think my approach will be: -Make 10 outfits. because i also need seperate things for garden work i do almost daily. -Stash the rest in zip bags and see how it goes. There won't be a need to panic, because i will still have it, it's just out of the way. -Test and streamline outfit idea and then start getting rid of stuff.

I would love to do this, partly because I'm extremely poor right now and can't afford clothes anyway. If people ask me why I wear the same thing all the time, I'll just act all hipster about it and say, "I'm trying this new ten-piece wardrobe thing.." instead of telling them that I'm fucking broke.

Good talk. I've always had the less is more mentality so it's good to see someone talk about having less in their wardrobe the whole wearing few high quality items. I think the U.S. and the UK as well have this mentality of insecurity by caring too much about what others think, hence why they want to be seen with having different clothes all the time. But as the French do its your confidence and attitude that make you look good and rotating the clothes into something that looks great.

If you want to test-drive the concept, take the first step she suggests. Consider all the clothes you have for whatever season you're in, and figure out which are the ones you wear most often (your favorites). Put those in your closet and in your most easily reached dresser drawers. If you're honest, you won't have that many. Put the rest in a remote closet, or if you don't have one, into plastic storage bins so you know you can get at them if you absolutely need to. You will be surprised at the feeling of lightness and ease when you go to get dressed. Take further steps as needed.

wow this is great!! I am going to do it now. This way I can spend less time online looking at clothes and I can focus on more important matters.

Good talk. Being presentable at all times is important to me, too. It’s about valuing yourself and your one life! Clothes don’t have to be expensive, they just have to be comfortable, practical, in excellent condition, and, most of all, give the wearer pleasure!

The first time I watched this it really change my way of thinking (especially about pajamas 😄). Great Ted talk.

I hit a transition after having my babies 18 mos apart. Suddenly my shape was different and I fit in different items. I also adopted the minimalist lifestyle and it's the ongoing evolution! It's truly amazing and it lifts clutter out of your life. I don't mind wearing the same clothes over and over because I know it's fits and looks good. :)

Finally, a talk that really inspired me to go through with optimizing my wardrobe. Very realistic view presented by an informed speaker.

I started unloading my closet before this video was complete. I'm sure that I will end up in the final count with more than ten items but all the items will be quality and be a small fraction of what I started with. Less clutter more style, I think I can live with that.

Jennifer, you are so poised and well spoken, it is a pleasure to watch and listen to you! And by the way, I love your dress! Very well done and I totally agree with everything you said, and do some of it myself❗ We all need to stop consuming so much on every level, and we need this kind of advice to stop buying so much, to help our beautiful planet, consumerism is ruining our gorgeous world. For a lot of us, clothing can be a huge, unsustainable bad habit, buying way too much‼ It seems so liberating to not be caught in that trap.....Best wishes to you 😊

Pour DECHiNTA : j'ai lu le commentaire de cette dame et j'ai appris, encore aujourd'hui, une très grande leçon de vie. I read the comment of this lady and I learned, even today (I am 56 years old) a very beautiful lesson of Life. RESPECT.

I stumbled across Jennifer's book in 2021 and it literally changed my life. I found out later she has a RU-vid Channel and since then I became a member and can't live without her precious advice.

Excellent presentation! Thanks to you, I have embraced the ten-item wardrobe/capsule wardrobe concept and it has changed life for the better. Looking forward to your next book!

I first watched this talk a few years ago and have never forgotten it. I still have a wardrobe that has too much in it, but now only buy good quality clothes. I also now buy 90% of my clothes and shoes from charity shops and am quite discerning. It does make a big difference when it comes to getting dressed for work or going out, so much easier.

This talk changed my whole outlook towards dressing. I really want to thank you Jennifer. I was lead to your blog and books from here and they are worth anybody's time .Thank you so much :) Watching this nth time :D

Oddly this is something I've been thinking about for awhile, though I hadn't put a number on it. But I have been feeling this desire to really express myself and my style and feel presentable regardless of whether I'm working out or going out. I began the process of slimming down my wardrobe a few months ago, but then I got disheartened and stopped. I'm moving, though, in a little over a month, and I think that makes this the perfect time to really start working on this. Thank you for the inspiration.

Jennifer, this is my first time watching this. I’ve been following you for a bit on RU-vid, this after finding your first book which I enjoyed. I’m significantly older than you and so I’m writing to tell you you’re never too old to learn. I’ve been a Francophile for years, studied French all through high school and into college, practiced my rudimentary French when we traveled to France, and I’ve also used a “capsule” wardrobe for over two years now. But the story at the end of your talk was my aha moment. I have two sets of pajamas which obviously are used in heavy rotation but I don’t give them much thought. Very, very occasionally in life that moment arises where you HAVE TO go to the door in your pajamas. How frightened and then awkward would people feel if they saw what I look like in my pajamas. Part of being graceful is being aware of the effect you’re having on other people at all times. So, long story, well, still long, I’m going to tidy up my sleepwear. Thank you for the continued inspiration.

Her point is absolutely valid. Unfortunately, some careers involve getting muddy/greasy/bloody/sweaty, all day, EVERY day. Thus, the need for basic, clean, durable work clothing can be great. As a business owner in such a case, you can wear things that look "worked in", but not get away with things that are " worn out ".

This makes SO much sense and I can see myself really enjoying not having too much choice in clothing. I love it.

another benefit is the reason why people like Steve Jobs and Mark Zuckerberg have their own, never changing, style. It frees the mind to do small decision, just pick the clean trousers, they are all same style anyway. That way, you can focus on more important mind occupations.

BRAVA!!! I loved your talk. You were wonderful, Jennifer. :D I love your book and how it can bring this philosophy in a manner that is easily incorporated into one's life. Your book is one of those I love to read and reread; and I'm a picky rereader. Jaja. You have renewed my commitment to pare down my wardrobe and deign myself only wear well-chosen, flattering pieces. You bring back this forgotten wisdom, "sticking it" to our consumerism society. I certainly hope others feel inspired to do the same.

Bravo Jennifer et merci. Je n'avais jamais vu nos habitudes comme vous les décrivez, mais j'aime beaucoup votre point de vue ! Bien à vous. Sandrine

Love, Love this woman and the amazingly sensible advice she articulates so ably.

I've been loving working with a capsule wardrobe. It makes life so much easier and I get to spend my money on nice quality pieces. Thanks for sharing your insights!

Splendid! I'm in the process of weeding out my closet and I'm having trouble. This idea sure helps me for tomorrow's clean out!

I didn't know this was actually a thing. I have been wearing the same two outfits in a rotation for over a year. It feels natural to me. I can't even imagine myself having to think about what I am going to wear.

This is Great ! I’ve been trying for years to get my closet to a manageable size. I donate items , Finally have a bit of space to see my wardrobe. Within a few months , I’m back where I began. I’m going to try. Thank you fir including the seasonal aspect. I’m in the Southwest USA , so I do need warm and cool clothing.

I can't stop watching her dress and wishing I had it, for that reason I don't think I'm a candidate for the 10 piece wardrobe...

This talk changed me alot & lead me to your channel . You are doing a sane job .Thank you Jennifer :)

This talk has given me pause to more fully evaluate how I live with or, more, without intention. Thank you so much. Steve

I love the idea of minimalism and I'm not a minimalist, but I love the clothes I have. They're versatile.

The story of her sweatpants really hit home for me. I have a few tshirts that I wear to run errands or to sleep in (scary that they could be either/or, huh?) They were frayed at the collar, had some holes but I kept wearing them because they were soft and I liked them. After watching this video I went and put them directly into the trash. I also pulled out a bunch of clothes that I don't love or wear and put them in the donation bag.

Great presentation, and without a single power point slide! Echoes of Marie Kondo here..not sure who did their thing first but it hardly matters. Ultimately it boils down to quality over quantity and feeling joy and pleasure in wearing one's clothes rather than just throwing something on because we cant go out of the house undressed.

I love this so much! It's like a lightbulb just went off in my head. Going to clean out my closet right now! Thankyou!

I love this, and I have adopted this for the past 10 years or so. I have a "uniform" of some sweaters, slacks, and blouses I rotate. I truly do not care about being seen in the same things over and over. I find it liberating and I never have to expend an ounce of mental energy into my wardrobe. I do love accessories, however. I will splurge on eclectic earrings and necklaces to keep things fun.

Well done, Jennifer! I have been getting back in shape over the past few months and since I read the first Madame Chic, I have been much more mindful as I'm replacing too-big clothing. Of course, this means I'm purchasing a lot less, but the few items I have bought, I like so much more than before. I'm also tailoring the ones that I loved in larger sizes. Can't wait for the next book!! Thank you!

I will never be able to keep my clothing items to just ten. However I am going through all of my wardrobe and culling out the pieces I do not need. I plan to shop carefully and pare down to half of my original amount. I have read all of the books and enjoyed them very much. I found your talk inspiring.

wonderful talk! loved hearing your stories of your time in paris.

I was looking for a TED talk to listen to while taking on the formidable task of clearing out my wardrobe - something I never quite know how to go about. This talk came up in the recommended section on RU-vid and thinking 'what a coincidence!' I put it on, and listened - in my holed sweatpants and old, unflattering, bobbled jumper. Safe to say I've been inspired!

I am a very casual person, so I didn’t think that I would like Jennifer’s book very much. Yet, she talked about certain things on her YT channel that intrigued me. So I bought her book on Audible and I’m so glad I did. So many points resonated with me and it helped me be more discerning about my daily choices. I didn’t much care for the narrator, to be honest, so hopefully in the future she will get to narrate the book. But it was well-worth my time. Hope that helps anyone “on the fence.” ✌️

Loved this talk! Inspiring, informative and well presented. I'm going to your blog right now. Thank you for sharing. (You know, this 10 item wardrobe idea solves SO many problems ~ on SO many levels (for me). Loving the notion I can wear higher quality clothing just boosts my happiness level. Having less to mess with in a closet saves time , work and looks better to the eye. Not having to give so much thought to selections means I have more space to think of other things. I have styles and brands that suit me. A few well chosen items, I see, stay around longer, offer versatility and options (since my sense of taste is simple & well made) accessories can switch anything into something else. Head bow.

Great presentation! I love the idea and reasons presented for a ten item wardrobe Thanks, always a joy ! I actually do feel better when I'm dressed well. Our self esteem seems to blossom.

Love the dress, beautiful hair style. I don't have much clothing but I am having a hard time parting with perfectly fine clothing, so I have simply stopped buying. Thank you for your insight I really enjoy your videos.

After moving into a small one bedroom apartment while being in undergrad. I find myself completely overwhelmed and frustrated looking at the boxes of clothes for space I don't have. This seems like a good option.

Well done, well done! Classic wisdom, knowledge and style, hold up to the test of time!

Fantastic, thanks for this reminder. I've just opened my wardrobe and feel totally motivated to have a big clear out now.

Hi, this is an amezing and inspiring video!!!!! I'm on the prosses of minimizing my wardrobe, I have started with the summer clothes first. I have 17 pieces now (no loungewear or beachwear are included).

Loved this talk, this was exactly what I needed! I'm so excited to start implementing your ideas. Thank you :-)

I loved this TEDx talk!

Well done, Jennifer! Clearly and eloquently presented. I'm looking forward to the release of At Home with Madame Chic in a few days.

Loved this! Great talk. Inspired me to get rid of more items in my wardrobe that don't belong anymore.

,,And because this is so overwhelming for so many people I think a lot of people give up and they just wear exercise clothes all day even though they don't exercise.'' Oh my, sums up my life perfectly. LOL

I really enjoyed this talk. I've been homeschooled now since about 10th grade (I'm a senior now) but before that from 7th-9th grade I wore nice classy clothes every day. I liked to dress up and look put together and chic. For me, this meant a button up shirt, a classy business skirt, and some Mary Jane black heels. Of course this varied sometimes I wore a sweater instead of a blouse or nice boots instead of heels. But this idea that she has I have done and I really do like it.

Thank you, this is lovely. I really like the idea of a ten item wardrobe, I have been shrinking my wardrobe now for a few years. Love and Light Christine Kowal and The Animals

Love it! I have all of her books, they're such an inspiration to me.

You presented that very well, Jennifer.

Thanks for sharing. That dress looks fabulous on you!!!

Lovely - well appreciated your talk and I listened - now to get back to cleaning out my closet ! Thank you Jennifer

Yay! Great job Jennifer!

Love this, I have been watching you for the past week and am learning so much from you. I cleared out my closet today. I made a video and will be uploading next week. You encourage me so much!!

I have downsized my entire worldly belongings into one small airplane carryon bag. I travel the world with everything I own either on me or in my backpack. I never buy things I don't need, even if I was really compelled impulsively to buy something (which hasn't happened yet), I can't because I have no room for it.

Thank you. This was the motivation I needed to begin purging.

I found that I wear only a few outfits over and over again, so I sized down and every week I get rid of clothes when I haven't worn them within the month. I only shop a thrift stores, but I buy only good quality pieces. I also stick to a color pallet that I am comfortable with and use accessories to add color and embellishment.

Very interesting thought..I have done a similar thing when I lived in Paris..accessories are key..and creativity ofcourse..

Very well spoken and great information. Thank you ❤️🙏🏽

Enjoyed her book so much that I had to give it to my daughter to read!

When I was in High School, I had only two pair of socks, and while I wore one, the other was at home drying. I felt so poor, but Loving with it makes living without SO easy.

I agree with minimalism though I'm a huge clothes lover :) You just should keep what you love or really need. The speaker looks very elegant.

I'm just a PA, but I invested in a Granfoulard dressing gown so I can go outside in the morning to get the post and not feel like a slob. It will last me YEARS. I live in France. I also invested in a silk nightie with Calais lace because it makes me feel like a bombshell. I think women should invest in luxury items for their own joy.

learning to sew with the vintage clothing as i love the material. will sell or donate the rest. challenge as artist and doing different work as i wear different looks all the time! helpful video for downsizing to only what you LOVE.

I bought her book polish your poise with Madame chic. She has explained about poise.i am reading it and it's very useful for us like middle class family. Money saver.

When working, I too bought far too many clothes - and yet I always preferred classic lines, buying at least one suit or quality jacket each year. I still have the first one I bought in 1986. Trouble is, I care for my clothes so well that I get sick of them before wearing them out. Of course this would not occur if I had the 10-piece wardrobe. :p Now retired, I still dress well, although more casually, and if I need to wear something twice in one week I no longer care. It's about ego isn't it? So why should we care who others think? Just dress well, care for your skin and hair & simply get out there to enjoy life !!

This is why uniforms work, it takes away a decision everyday, it also makes it easier for those with less money.

I thought she was going to do something with those squares behind her. like they would reveal a sample wardrobe or something... nope

LOVE THIS HUMAN!!

Nice! Once again! I love your style and videos jls!!!❤