As stores are filling up with fresh and exciting fall merchandise, now is the perfect time to tackle that closet clean out that you’ve been dreading. The task can seem daunting so why not make it a fun experience? Clear your Sunday schedule, invite over some friends, turn on some music or even open a bottle of wine, and take your closet from drab to fab. So where to start?
The first step is to edit. Are you holding onto your clothing from high school? Do you have a closet full of items of various sizes? Or are you using your closet as a storage area, keeping items that you never wear?
If you answered yes to one or more of the questions above then you are not alone. Women hold onto clothing for many reasons and most often we have some sentimental attachment to it. I am definitely guilty of that too. For me it’s items picked up on my travels that I just can’t part with. But if you have not worn something in a year – pitch it. Did I make you cringe?
So many times women ask me, “but what if it comes back in style”? Or, ” what if I lose weight and can fit back into it”? I call these items dispiriting (deflating) clothing. Having a closet full of items that do not fit now, not only makes getting dressed in the morning stressful but can also contribute to poor self esteem. How would you feel if everything you go to put on doesn’t fit? Try to keep your dispiriting (deflating) clothing to a minimum. Still with me?
The second step and probably the most time consuming is organizing. Ask yourself one simple question: how do I get dressed in the morning? May seem basic but it will give you some hints on how to best arrange your closet.
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Do you like one area for your work and another for weekend? Or do you prefer getting dressed based on colour? Having subcategories, such as grouping all separate jackets, separate pants, suits, blouses, together makes getting dressed in the morning even easier. And blocking suits and shirts by colour is not only the most visually appealing, but it makes recognizing what you’re missing even easier. Place the items that you wear most frequently at the easiest and most accessible spot.
Having all the same hangers is always nice but it is difficult to keep up. Instead I opt for the hangers my garments came on, that way I can easily identify the item. I do the same thing with my shoes. By keeping the boxes they came in and having the label facing me I can grab my favourite pair of black pumps in two seconds flat.
Folding your sweaters by style and giving each style their own pile not only keeps things tidy but it also makes it easier to find what you are looking for. Consider folding all of your cardigans together, all of your basic sweaters together, all turtlenecks together, etc.
And lastly, purchasing trays or clear plastic drawers to separate your jewelry, scarves and belts is an easy and cost effective way to organize. Having these items right in front of you helps insure that you won’t forget to finish off your outfit with a little sparkle.
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