1. Start with a positive mindset and have a trusted friend (or stylist) with you. If you’ve had a bad day and are not feeling good about your body image, it’s probably not the best time to cleanse your wardrobe. If you have a friend who will be honest with you, but also kind, they can help you objectively look at the items in your wardrobe.
2. Take all the items out of your wardrobe. Yes, everything, it’s usually best to lay them on your bed so you can get a real sense of what clothing you have and how much of it is being worn. I do this twice a year, in October and April, when the seasons are changing.
3. Begin splitting all the items into 3 piles: Yes, No and Maybe.
4. Items that go in the ‘Yes’ pile should be definite keepers, items that you wear, that fit and are wardrobe staples. Once you have identified all the ‘Yes’ items place them back in the wardrobe. For ease of access it helps to have all the hangers facing the same direction.
5. Any items that don’t fit, you don’t wear or you don’t feel good in, place in the ‘No’ pile. You can take these items to a charity shop, sell them on sites such as eBay or swap them with friends.
6. The ‘Maybe’ pile can be a bit trickier, so ask your friend for their opinion and ask yourself the following questions: Does it fit? Do I love it? Do I wear it? Would I buy it again? Do I feel good in it?
7. Return any kept ‘Maybe’ items to the wardrobe, preferable with the hangers in the same direction.
8. Now you have all the items you are keeping back in your wardrobe, it is time to put them in an order. I order my clothes by category; shirts, tops, jumpers, jeans, trousers, skirts, dresses and jumpsuits. You could also order the items by colour if you would find this an easier way of identifying outfits.
9. With all your items in an order that helps make getting dressed easier for you, you might want to consider creating some new outfit combinations. This is my favourite part of the wardrobe editing process, I love helping clients identify new outfits from clothes they already own.
10. Finally, identify any gaps in your wardrobe. For example, if buying a blazer will create a range of new outfit options for you, then make a note of that. Create a list of staple pieces that are missing from your wardrobe and that can mixed and matched well with the existing items in your wardrobe.
Thanks for reading, I hope you found this helpful. If you want any further information or would like to book a wardrobe edit with me, email info@lifeincolour.co
Natalie x