Keep Your Closet Clutter-Free

Let’s talk clothes! We love them, we hate them, we impulse buy them, we change our minds every year, we follow trends, we try to find our own styles, we are influenced by Instagram and TikTok, and, on top of all of that, our bodies can change! Clothing and closet organization can often feel like a challenge, but is one of the most rewarding areas in your home to get in order. 

Picture this, you walk into your closet, and no matter what outfit you grab you know you will feel good and look great! To quote Amy Fine Collins from Vanity Fair, “Opening up your closet should be like arriving at a really good party where everyone you see is someone you like.”

In this article I am going to give several of my tried and true methods for decluttering you closet, and creating new habits to building your ideal wardrobe. 

STEP 1:

Take out all the items that you wear all the time. Your “go-tos.” Those things you feel the most comfortable in. And this can be by category- favorite work outfits, lounge outfits, runnings errands, workouts, etc. Lay them all out and look for common themes. Cut, color, size, style, type, etc. 

STEP 2:

Create a “maybe” pile. These are the pieces that you like, but you don’t reach for them as much. For example, I have a super cute graphic tee that is just not as oversized as I wish it were. I like it and the fit is fine, but it’s not something I wear often. Set that “maybe” pile aside because we will circle back to it at the end.

STEP 3:

Look at your remaining clothing items, and take them out one by one. Ask yourself: Why is it not my favorite? Why isn’t it my go to? Do I like the style or was it an impulse buy that looked cute on the influencer but didn’t look good on me? And, perhaps the toughest question, Am I waiting to lose a few pounds so it will fit me right? A note about weight… Be honest with yourself, but also be kind. It’s better for our mental health to have clothes that flatter our body than to have clothes with a certain size number. Toss anything that isn’t working for you right now. Think you might lose weight and someday fit in that size? Great! Use it as a motivation. Reward yourself with new clothes when that day comes. In the meantime, if you walk in your closet and stare at clothes that don’t fit your body, it will hurt your mental health. Remember our goal, you want to love everything in your closet and FEEL GREAT!

STEP 4:

Now that you’ve cleared everything out and purged all those pieces that definitely aren’t working for you, let’s revisit that “maybe” pile. The reason we do this last is because you’re on a roll. When you get rid of the Definitely NO items, it makes it easier to look at the Maybe items with new eyes. Again, be kind to yourself. That graphic tee that doesn’t fit just right so you don’t wear it much… let it go.

Now you’ve purged your closet down to the best of the best, the MVPs, the creme de la creme… use this as your guide for all future purchases. This is how you define your personal style. You have established the types, colors, fits, and sizes you prefer. Now make a list of the common elements. I’ll use myself as an example… I put all of my favorite outfits together. (See picture below)

• What I noticed immediately was color. I loved my neutrals with hints of muted warm colors like caramel, rust, and mauve. 

• I love a good bodysuit.

• I also loved more oversized tops that I can wear with fitted bottoms or tie to make them more fitted for loose bottoms. 

• I love the look of crop tops, but do not love the look ON ME. 

• I prefer boatneck or crew neck tops on my body. 

• I still love my skinny jeans, but also love my flairs. 

I made a list, and all future purchases must follow these guidelines. *The exception would be special occasion clothing like party dresses. Am I still influenced by lovely ladies I follow on social media? Absolutely! I am just more strategic now with what clothing they share that will work for me. Bonus: I have saved some money in the process without the impulse buying! Win-Win!