It feels good to open your closet and see only the things you genuinely love to wear.
We all get attached to our clothes. Yet, no matter the reason for holding onto specific garments—nostalgia, sentimentality, or a hefty price tag—they are just material goods.
That’s why the occasional closet edit is an excellent opportunity to take stock of your style and ensure your CLOSET STILL REFLECTS WHO YOU ARE.
What is the point of a closet edit?
A proper closet clean-out will help you:
- Take stock of what’s really in your closet
- Reinvest in your favorite items
- Achieve a better sense of personal style
- Avoid things you won’t ever wear
In the building of a basic closet, we cannot go wrong if we strive for simplicity and perfect fitting. – Elsa Schiaparelli.
5 Simple Steps to Refresh Your Closet
Your closet is a reflection of your style and identity. It’s where you get dressed every day, so it’s essential that you FEEL CONFIDENT AND COMFORTABLE in the clothes that you have.
But sometimes, our closets can start to feel stale. If you’re looking for a way to refresh your closet, here are five simple strategies that you can follow.
1. Define Your Closet
Think about the kind of closet you’d like and the words that describe it—for example, COLORFUL, VERSATILE, and CLASSIC. Whatever you choose should encapsulate your style.
As you go through items in your closet, keep these words in mind. If you’re on the fence about an item, ask yourself if it accurately embodies these words. If not, then you know it’s time for it to go.
2. Ask Yourself Guiding Questions
Before you start tossing things out, you’ll want to spend time thinking about the following:
- What do I keep too much of? Most people wear 20% of their closet 80% of the time. So, barring occasional items, are there items you don’t wear?
- What have I been holding onto? Perhaps you have a bag or a pair of shoes you’ve kept in the closet for the past five years “just in case,” but deep down, you know you probably won’t wear them. Acknowledge these feelings and let the items go.
3. Bring the Items Out
Set aside some time to declutter your closet. Gather all your clothes from the loft, drawers, and under the bed. Have a good supply of hangers ready; wooden hangers allow clothing to hang well, but felt-covered options can also be purchased.
Remember to have some garbage bags handy for discarding items you no longer wear or need. Lastly, ensure you have access to a full-length mirror to ensure the clothes you keep look and feel great on you.
It’s always good to change and keep things fresh, whether it’s a hairstyle or closet. – Sheamus.
4. Start Sorting
Now’s the time to review your clothes. As you go through each item, ask:
- Does this suit me?
- Is it in my color?
- Does it compliment my body shape?
- Is it in good condition?
- Would I wear this right now? And if not, have I worn it in the last 12 months?
With that in mind, create a pile for each of the following categories:
- Items to Keep: Return these items to your closet. You can rearrange them by garment type, length, or color. Whatever you prefer.
- “Maybe” Items: These items must be cleaned, altered, or mended.
- Items to Go: You can give, sell, donate, or recycle these items.
5. Maintain Your New Closet
One week, your closet is perfect; the next, it’s a mess. Last but not least, you need to maintain your edited closet.
To keep your closet lean and functional, we recommend:
- Storing Clothing by Season: Storing your seasonal clothing in separate places will free up space in your closet for the clothes you are currently wearing and make your closet feel more organized and spacious.
- Trying a “One In, One Out Approach”: It’s easy to think you’ll be happier with more. Before buying something new, asses if there’s an item you can get rid of. Having a few lovely things is always nicer than several lower-quality ones.
- Shift Your Mindset: If possible, avoid shopping for specific occasions. Rather rent something. Let’s be honest: how often will you wear that item? This is especially true for occasion dresses.
Are you tired of wasting time digging through your closet to find what you need? ByFERIAL can help!
Our Consultant Directory is a global network of trained, certified image consultants who can help you declutter and organize your clothes so you can get dressed quickly and easily. We’ll also help you create a capsule wardrobe that’s stylish, functional, and flattering for your body type. Whether you’re looking for a complete closet makeover or just a few simple tips, ByFERIAL can help.
- Closet editing:
We’ll help you get rid of the clothes you don’t wear so you can focus on the pieces that you love and that flatter you. - Personal shopping:
We’ll go shopping with you and help you choose new clothes that fit your style and needs. - Wardrobe styling:
We’ll help you put together outfits that make you look and feel your best.
ByFERIAL image consultants can meet with you in person or virtually for a personalized, customized wardrobe consultation and styling. Our image consultants are available in over 10 countries as well as virtually, so you can get the help you need no matter where you are.
ByFERIAL Image & Color Institute has specialized training programs specifically designed to help both hobbyists and professionals identify the necessary components that contribute to putting together the perfect outfit.
Learn to DEVELOP A TAILORED PALETTE and understand the cuts that work for your body type with our 4×4 Color Theory training. Unlock the potential of your closet and live your best life today!
