No doubt, the tedious process of detoxing the messy mayhem in my closet can be quite overwhelming. (I am sure the entrance to Narnia was once there). The reason for this is mostly due to my sentimental emotion, love, and attachment towards certain clothing items that represent a piece of who I was at a certain time. And, I must admit, I am selfishly not ready to say farewell to some of my wardrobe favorites…even if no longer worn.
For me, nothing can be more anxiety producing than subjecting my wardrobe to such harsh scrutiny……why can’t I keep those gorgeous stiletto heels on display for my personal everyday viewing even if I no longer wear it and, not to mention, can’t walk properly in them? Who said you need to walk in shoes?
It surprises me how much meaning, energy, and passion we can transfer into our wardrobe.
Design a capsule wardrobe
Due to my gift and curse of needing things organized, along with the desire for a better wardrobe without the cost, is the best explanation for embarking on a tedious project. But what I have learned about having an edited closet, is it begins with making the wise purchases, knowing your style, and knowing what and what not to invest in.
Its these simple details that make us look our finest and will prevent unnecessary impulse buys that make you say, “what was I thinking?” So here are some perspectives that has help me make better decisions and be more decisive and picky about what to invest in.
Know your personal style
Knowing the most minuscule details about your personality, best features, body strengths, and yes, even body flaws (we all have them) can make you look your best, set you apart, and speak volumes of who you are. Look beyond fashion trends and learn what items to add and what to edit to create an aesthetically balance you love.
Whether it’s a belt, hat, scarf, or earrings, add a little something appropriate to the outfit that reflects your unique personality. Because its less about breaking fashion rules and more about just stirring it up.
Decide which staple items you need
Resist the impulse of buying something because it’s on sale. Instead develop a capsule wardrobe list, do your homework by deciding what exactly it is you need for your wardrobe even if you must budget and save or wait patiently for it to go on sale……one day at a time, one sale to resist. I have been trying on this new style of patience. Here are some classic staple items, but invest I what you love and feel comfortable in.
- Brenton top
- Classic white top
- Statement blouse
- Silk blouse
- Long sleeve floral dress
- Little black dress
- Wrap dress
- Pencil skirt
- Well fit jeans
- White jeans
- Slacks
- Denim jacket
- Leather biker jacket
- Blazer Pencil skirt
Design a shopping strategy to get the best sales
Know when the best items will go on sale. Winter clothing (January/February), summer clothing (August/September). Subscribe to favorite designers to be alerted early of sales. Save items on a wish list prior to a sale so you can purchase immediately.
Of course, this step can be done in any order and on any day. It can also be done on a separate day. There are no hard rules. Do what works best for you and fits into your schedule.
After going through your closet and you made a list of what it is that you need for your capsule wardrobe, the cleaning out and organizing begins.
Closet space
How you organize your closet will depend on how much space you have. If you have limited closet space you want to utilize every inch. Shoe containers are the best to help maximize vertical space. Also use the closet door to use organizers, hook racks, or hooks.
The Hangers
Invest in good hangers. Today, there are many good options: wooden, non-slip, velvet, durable plastic, belt hangers, scarf hangers, pant/skirt hangers. Wire hangers do not support the shape of the clothing well.
The shoes
Sort shoes into categories and designate a place to store shoes. It can be plastic shoe boxes, shoe rack, shelf, or a hanging shoe shelf. Stuff knee high, over the knee, or tall boots to maintain their shape.
The bags
Sort handbags by size and type. Bigger bags can stand alone on a shelf. Store clutches in plastic containers or use a shelf divider. Keep clutches separate from each other to prevent damage or wrinkling. And avoid keeping handbags on the floor.
Hats and Scarves
Be creative with hats and scarves. You can use belt hangers, hooks, shelf or hanging rack. I used an old monkey book ends that I found to display my fovorite hats.
How to start
Choose a unplanned day
Your wardrobe is an investment so choose a day where you will not be rushed and make poor decisions because you had an appointment or other obligations to meet.
Take everything out the closet
First, take everything out of the closet to clearly see what needs to be replaced, updated or added to your capsule wardrobe. While taking all items out, briefly look at each item to determine its worthiness of a potential place in your wardrobe. Surprisingly, there will be some items, even if just a few, you will immediately place in the discard or give away pile.
The satirical Choices: have a thinking mindset of “which wardrobe staples are best suited for me” instead of “what should I keep”
Get 4 empty boxes or large bags
The 4 options are:
- Save/sentimental (but will not wear)
- Donate/cosign
- Tailor/clean
- Toss/damaged
The items that you will keep will be hung on a hanger in the closet.
Be prepared to try on most items (especially if unsure).
Some satirical questions to ask
To decide whether to keep, toss, donate, or sell, ask these simple questions (print or write it down to refer to it) Tip: if you answer any question with the slightest hesitation or unsure about it, you probably will not miss it when its gone.
- Have I worn it within the last year? (if not there is a probably good reason)
- Does it still have tags? (if it still has the price tag attached, there is also good reason)
- Is it a sentimental item you will not wear but don’t want to give it away? (if so, place to side to store it away. (Sentimental items do not require a place in your wardrobe)
- Does it still fit correctly? (our bodies change as we get older, so be honest. Do not keep items you hope one day will fit into)
- Does it flatter my body type? (if unsure, try it on)
- Is it in good condition?
- Does it need to be tailored?
- Does it need to be cleaned?
- Is it part of a capsule wardrobe?
- Can it be worn with other items?
- Will you wear it?
- Would you buy it today? (if not, say goodbye. You will never wear it)
Few things will survive these questions, but the ones that make it are worthy of a hanger.
Make a list to keep for the wardrobe items you need to create a capsule wardrobe.
As you go, keep notes on capsule wardrobe contenders for the upcoming vacancies in your closet. Keeping quality classic in your wardrobe is just as important as letting go of what you don’t need.
Organize by color, type, and season
Its personal preference on how you want to organize your closet. Choose what works and feels best for you. I prefer to organize by color, type, and season. I first start with color and type: tops, blouses, sweaters, skirts, jumpsuits, pants, jeans, blazers, jackets, coats.
Then From each color and type of clothing, I will organize the season: summer, spring, fall, and winter. Start with the short sleeve tops to mid-arm tops then long sleeve tops (within the same color family). I will put the light prints/patterns with the whites and dark prints/patterns with the dark colors.
You will find the wardrobe detox process liberating for the mind and soul. After all, why should you hold on to “maybe someday” or mediocre “so-so” clothing. This takes up unnecessary space and creates clutter. Only acquire and keep items that you absolutely love and make you feel great.
Its far better to leave space in your closet, save up, and do without for a time to get exactly what you want with no exceptions, no substitutes, and no compromises.
Happy closet editing!
XOXO JC
images, Toa Heftiba, Sofia Ávila, Hessam Hojita, beyza nur kocaosmanoglu