With spring here and summer on the way- now is the time to tackle your closet. It can be a daunting task but well worth the effort. Here’s a few tips to make it as easy as possible.
1. Pick a date and give yourself at least a window of four hours to complete the process.
2. Have snacks and drinks on hand so you can stay motivated.
3. Invite a friend over to help- it will be more fun and helpful to have an objective opinion. Make sure that the friend can be honest and look at how the clothes fit you, not their own personal preferences.
4. Clean the area you will be working in. A cluttered area will make this task seem even more difficult.
5. Set your room up with a clothing rack (a broom handle over two chairs will work), a full length mirror, and three large baskets or a space to pile items while deciding what to keep.
Okay, you’re ready to begin!
1. Remove all of your spring and summer clothing from your closet and hang it on the clothing rack, pull out your shoes, and lay out your accessories on the dresser.
2. Put all of your Fall and Winter clothing to the side. Don’t forget to have any items dry cleaned that may need it prior to storing them away.
3. Try on each piece of clothing. Think about the fit, style, and if the color works for you. Focus on your overall silhouette and how the clothes make you feel.
4. Make 3 piles:
- clothing you love,
- items you are unsure of, and
- items to get rid of (either for donation or to take to a consignment shop).
5. Create as many outfits as you can with your clothing including shoes and accessories. Mix and match tops and bottoms and accessories to create more looks.
6. Revisit the “maybe” pile and decide what belongs back in your closet. Only keep the clothing that makes you feel good.
7. Make a shopping list of items you are missing from your wardrobe. Add a couple of fun, “trendy” items to your list that will keep your wardrobe up to date. Accessories are a great and inexpensive way to add detail and interest to classic clothing.
8. Put everything back in your closet arranged in order (i.e. pants, skirts, shirts, dresses- whatever makes the most sense to you). Nothing that needs repair, laundering, or alterations should go back in- only clothing that is ready to wear right now. Set those items aside so that you can take care of them prior to wearing them.
9. Pat yourself on the back for a job well done!
10. Stand back and admire how fabulous your closet looks!
Tip from the Pros: after creating outfits, write each one down including shoes and accessories or take digital photos. Place the piece of paper or photos in a clear plastic bag and hang it in your closet. You will now have a list of outfits ready when you are in a hurry.
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