About this
time of year stores are filling up with goodies
and even though your rational mind knows
you probably have plenty of clothes, your brain’s fashion
neurons are firing and signaling that it’s
time for new stuff. So now is the perfect time to review what’s
in your closet. Wardrobing Truths to Remember
Get a sense of what works for you. These things
are the elements of your style. If, for example, you find pants
that are flattering, invest in three pairs in different colors.
Keeping your wardrobe in shape is an ongoing process. Clutter
is the enemy. Knowing, as you go along, what you need makes you
a better shopper and minimizes impulsive buying. Also,
keep trying new color combinations or give old favorites new
life by adding new accessories. Keep a shopping notebook to jot
down your needs.
Stick to your own basic Harmony and Fashion Type
rules. This gives you a foundation for deciding what to add and will
automatically keep you better organized and well-put-together.
You know it’s
time to take action if:
What’s in your wardrobe has become a mystery to you.
Everything is so crammed together you have no idea what you own – and
you have trouble finding something you need.
Your closet is full of pieces you fell in love with and bought,
but never figured out how to work into your wardrobe.
You wind up
wearing the same combination over and over because you know
it works and it’s
a chore to wade though everything else or make repairs.
Many of your clothes can be transformed with a new
hem length, better buttons or new heels and soles
on shoes, now is the time to do it.
The Plan
Have a full-length
mirror, heavy-duty garbage bags and hangers
of the same type ready. I favor
hangers with a hook that allows 3-5 tops to hang in a vertical
row, saving horizontal closet space.
(Longs carries them)
Try on things you haven’t worn recently. Ask yourself:
Do I love this? Is it flattering? Is this the
image I want to present?
Sort items into piles according to the yes, no or maybe answer
to the questions above. “Keepers”
(the yes’s), “sleepers” (need mending or cleaning), “donation” (the
no’s), “dumpers” (they’ve had
it) and the “archive” group to visit because you
just can’t give them up (even though you haven’t
worn them for a long time). Maybe they’ll come in handy
for a costume, they are collectables – a
designer piece, they have sentimental value or you could paint
in them.
You may end up with a “maybe” pile as
well. Rethink this pile and sort them into one of the other
piles – probably the “donator” or “archive” piles.
Just don’t let the archive pile grow to fit more
than a storage box or two (I’m thinking of you pack-rats).
Return clothes to the closet, organizing by categories and
colors (neutrals to brights) within the
category. Then, you’ll always know where to look for that
garment you want when you’re late.
Begin with tops, casual to dressy. Next, bottoms, skirts
then pants, each in order of casual
to dressy. Pant suits can go at the end of the line. Each group
goes in color order of neutrals to
brights.
Jackets are next. First come casual jackets then tailored
blazers. Give bulkier outerwear their
own area like the front entry hall closet.
Now dresses, beginning with casual, then the tailored
dresses that can transition from day
to night. Next, cocktail or evening dresses which can be a mix
of glittery tops and fancy pants
or short and long sparkly dresses.
Purses, hats and shoes can go up on shelves or on hooks.
Take shoes out of boxes so you can
see them. They are also organized from casual to dressy and by
color.
Put out-of-season clothes away in garage storage or
a separate closet.
Now you can “shop your closet” and find what
you need. Even bum-around clothes should make
you feel good. If you have too many boring basics,
add color or a few statement pieces to add
dimension. If you have too many trendy or impulse pieces,
invest in a couple of neutrals to anchor
your “personality pieces”.
Stay organized by always putting your clothes back where they
belong and taking stock twice a year.
(The arrival of this newsletter could be your cue.)
Now you can be ready for anything
and focus on what you need to do – feeling great and
confident!
