Having an edited closet can liberate you: it will help you reclaim your time, give you peace when you have to think about what to wear, and you’ll get better use out of your items. So, how do you do it?
Click the video below to watch a closet edit I did for the new year, and read on to get a step-by-step guide!
- If every time you go into your closet, you feel as if there is nothing you want to wear š«
- If your lifestyle has changed and you are looking to refine your wardrobe choices
- If you canāt find things you love š
- If the things that used to be your go-toās are no longer of interest to you
If you can identify with these things, then it’s time to clean out your closet!
- How do my friends and colleagues perceive me and is it in sync with how I perceive myself?
- What goals do I have for my appearance?
- Will cleaning out my closet help me level up or meet my style goals?
- Does my closet stress me out or give me peace of mind?
- Is my closet easy to navigate, saving me time?
If you consider the following goals, then your edited closet will save you time and youāll be able to get dressed more quickly and happily.
Goals to consider: š
- Create a capsule collection or selection of basic go-to pieces that mix and match with other style-driven pieces. This is a collection of seven to ten foundational wardrobe pieces that are your āgo-toā items
- Create more wardrobe choices by editing your closet
- Feel relieved and well put together once the closet edit is done
- Conclude with a foundational wardrobe that can take you anywhere with minimal effort
1. Get a label maker to remember how the new categories in your closet are arranged
2. Buy durable clear hangers to save space in your closet (big hangers take up lots of space!) and make sure you can see your clothes easily
3. Buy Luxe 5-section acrylic collator for small accessories, treasured jewelry, passport holder, small boxes and scarves
4. Purchase an over-the-door organizer that can hold footwear and any items that seem to be misplaced in your closet. These items will now be tucked away, and each pocket can be labeled if it’s not clear what’s in it.
5. Think about the categories of clothing you own and organize different sections of your closet for each:
- Pants
- Dresses
- Shirts
- Skirts
- Blazers/jackets
- Footwear
- Scarves
6. Think about the color within each category, and organize your clothes like this:
- All white, black, and solid-colored items together
- Patterns together in each wardrobe category
- Core pieces should be mostly neutral in navy, gray, taupe, black, white, ivory
- The smaller percentage of items will be bold colors and prints
- Light and dark clothes both work
7. Remove anything you have not worn in a year or is tattered and needs repair.
Think about the following:
- If you donāt like it, you won’t wear it
- Clothing owned more than three years but in good condition actually helps our environment, since no new clothing is being consumed! š
8. Create a recycling pile ā»ļø
9. Think about an organization where you can sell gently used clothing or make a donation. Some places to get started are:
- The Salvation Army
- Goodwill
- The Real Real
- Tradsey
- Any local family shelters
10. To hang or not to hang?
Most things you own can be hung up unless the hangar will be making dents in the items. It is always better to be able to see all your choices in a closet so you can choose easily.
Items to be hung:
- Pants
- Blouses
- Skirts
- Dresses
- Lightweight sweaters
- Belts on hooks
Items to put on a shelve include:
- Sweaters that are bulky or oversized
- Handbags and small accessories
- Footwear
11. Allocate space for short and long clothing:
Everyone has clothing that varies in length and sometimes it’s hard to find an item if itās caught between longer pieces. If possible, allocate space to both long and short items and then sort by item and color.
12. Label your shelves: This keeps everything organized!
Try on whatās leftĀ if you have a question about the item’s wearability and if it’s in line with your current goals:
1. Not sure if it fits?Ā Try it on if you donāt know!
To know if your clothing fits properly, consider the image below. The image on the left shows an awkwardly fitting skirt, which should ideally fit like the one on the right-hand image. Learn more here:Ā Tips for proper fit
2. Is it an essential part of the capsule collection?
- Do I need this item for seasonal dressing for work and play?
- Does this work for my office and profession?
- Do I need both dressy work items (suits) andĀ business casualĀ items?
3. Does the color still work with your currentĀ hair color and skin tone?
4. Make a pile of clothing that you love but that needs some tender loving care or may need alternations.
If you are interested in exploring a closet edit or refining your presentation, let us knowĀ hereĀ and we will be in touch!
Happy editing š
*** Bonus ***
Find more style secrets on our blog! Click the links below to read!
šHeading Back to Work: The Best Brands for Versatility and Long-Lasting Wear
šMaking the Most of Your Body: Style Secrets to Achieve Your Ideal Look
š„¼Why I Love Vintage: And Will Be Committing to Making It a Bigger Part of My Life