Its happening: were hurtling into a new year!
So lets start with that sacred closet space.
Dont underestimate the power of a wardrobe cleanse.
©Columbia Pictures/Courtesy Everett Collection
Below,Vogueasks five professional organizers for a step-by-step checklist to guide you through a transformative closet cleanse.
Heres everything you oughta help you declutter, reorganize, and reignite your love affair with your wardrobe.
Pause buying anything new, and stop the habitual ways you buy fashion, says sustainable stylistKerry Wilde.
Either way, your motivations will shape your approach.
Also, in our post-pandemic reality, consider how you might want to refresh your work attire.
Do you work from home?
How often do you commute to the office?
How has your lifestyle changed, and how have they influenced your everyday attire?
I work alongside a number of personal stylistsorganizing and styling services really complement each other.
Which colors inspire you in your closet?
What colors have you enjoyed wearing over the past three to six months?
If youre someone who feels easily overwhelmed, break down your cleanout into manageable chunks.
Also, as this process carries spiritual significance, it demands your undivided attention.
When you’re going through your closet, it’s an opportunity to rediscover pieces that you already own.
These are your most-worn pieces, and those that align with your personal style.
Before you donate, ensure your clothing is in its best condition to minimize the risk of rejection.
confirm to wash all pieces intended for donation.
Tie shoes together to prevent separation.
Also, keep in mind that presentation matters.
Do a little homework into the charities in your community, says Cline.
Really think through what organization you want to support.
Or, if it’s an everyday staple, return to the keep section.
Only garments that cannot be salvaged should be junked.
Think mismatched socks, old undergarments, and garments beyond repair.
Disposal options largely depend on the resources available in your community.
Many stores offerrecyclingfor clothing and footwear.
Some nonprofit organizations may accept fabric scraps forart projects, and animal shelters often welcome textile donations.
Singla suggests having a maybe pile, for those pieces that havent quite won you over.
For example, when was the last time you wore that leather blazer?
Do you feel confident donning those skinny jeans from 2016?
Does that JW Pei purse you impulsively purchased complement your individual style?
Coha, however, calls this a pile of doom.
Alternatively, I introduce a one in, one out rule.
Be ruthless, be revitalized.
Or, simply sleep on it and revisit the decision with a fresh pair of eyes.
As Coha says, its okay to feel attached to certain items.
But you oughta limit yourself to the physical ephemera that accumulates from all the good times.
Time to say goodbye to the dress you wore on a first date 15 years ago!
She has a novel tip.
Instead of keeping a physical item, consider taking a photo.
For smaller spaces, a hall closet or under-bedstorageare equally suitable options.
If your closet space allows, Coha advises to separate your clothes by season.
Keep transitional weather pieces easily accessible while storing out-of-season items away, she says.
Going hard on skirts?).
If space is precious, Coha suggests prioritizing items in your wardrobe that can trascend season, too.
You’re able to visually see the prints and the chunk of the sweater.
Plus, it wears better."
As for bottoms, Thomas recommends hanging them for a better view of their colors and denim wash.
If your closet space is limited, velvet hangers are an absolute game-changer.
Not only do they save space, but theyre also ideal for blouses and other delicate pieces of clothing.
For tops, she suggests also sorting them by sleeve length, then color.
It winds up feeling like a whole new way of using their wardrobe," she says.
Step 9: Maintain your organized closet
A curated closet is an ongoing commitment.
And when that happens, as Coha says, focus on quality over quantity, and clothes with versatility.
Yes, it might sound corny, but its true.
Let your closet be a canvas for your ever-changing fashion story.
