Closet Purge

The frivolity of the New Year has passed. In fact, the first month of the year is nearly over! Why wait until spring to "clean up your act?" I think the New Year offers a great opportunity to clean out your closet! Here are some tips I have come across to help you in the potentially pain-staking and painful process.

Sort it out.

There are those pieces that you cannot do without; you love and live in them. Keep 'em, but organize them in a way that makes sense for you - by type (tee vs. tank), color, or occasion (casual, dressy, essentials). Having some sort of organization makes for easier wardrobe choices later on and when you're in a hurry.

Then, there are things in your wardrobe that have not seen the light of day in at least a year or more. These are easy tosses. Unless they have some great sentimental value, they can head straight to the donation pile. (Emotional attachment is grounds to go to the "maybe" pile; however, when you get to the point where you need to choose yes/no, be brutally realistic). 

Also, things that do not fit any more or are very worn (think pulled fabric, armpit stains, holes, etc.) are easy to eliminate. I cleared about 4 hangers getting rid of stuff that has become too big on me; too big = ill fitting = not flattering = not for me. Out it goes!

If you're like any other woman, you've likely accumulated quite a number of shoes and bags. Treat them as you would your clothes. Ask yourself: When was the last time you wore them? Do they fit? Can you stand in them, or do they cripple you in a matter of minutes? Are they wearable with the rest of your wardrobe? How many pairs of flip flops do you really need? Again, approaching your items with a realistic, practical perspective safeguards you from holding on to things you really don't need.

Along those lines, assess quantity. How many __________ (tees, skirts, pairs of jeans, hoodies) do you really need? Perhaps a more recently purchased item can officially replace an older one. 

This tip I cannot take credit for, but is perhaps my favorite. Borrowed from Style Me Thrifty: "Keep a notepad handy as you go through your wardrobe. Make a wish list of new pieces of clothing or accessories that might breathe new life back into an outfit. A skinny belt, long necklace, or nude pumps might be just want you need to tie a couple outfits together. " I do this all the time, not just when I'm purging my dresser drawers. I create a "Wish List" so that when I feel the urge to shop (which is often weekly), I can go with purpose and settle on something my wardrobe "needs" rather than something I impulsively like.

Hopefully, these tips will get you on the way to a more organized, accessible wardrobe. Sifting through your clothes periodically is quite helpful, especially as the seasons change. Sometimes, you've forgotten about that great halter top you can effortless rock this summer or those great cords you snagged right at the end of the fall/winter season last year. Knowing what you have is half the battle. Utilizing as many wardrobe pieces as possible and creating knock out looks in clothes you feel confident wearing is the sweet victory. :)