Decluttering Your Wardrobe Part 2

Anyhoo, I started and after beginning my new "collection" went through all the old stuff and ended up with several laundry baskets full which were given to the local charity shop. A family member of similar size was given first dibs at anything she liked. Move forward seven or eight months.....................some of those first clothes I bought when I started to change my wardrobe I realised were not really me. Either they were the wrong fabric (polyester) and/or it wasn't something I really wanted. Like the purple short sleeved top with the frill at the bottom and the white top thingy which looked alright on the model but not really on me - I'm not a wear hanging off one shoulder kind of girl.



Above: Fashion Mistakes. These two items were among the first things I bought when I started planning a new wardrobe. I wasn't really happy with them, but the sales lady who was the store manager was so positive about them and how they looked great on me, she convinced me to buy them.


Ask yourself the following about every item in your closet:
1. Do I love it?
2. Do I wear it?
3. Does it project the image I want to project?
4. Does it itch or scratch?
5. Does it pinch my toes? Are the heels to high to walk in?

Everything in your wardrobe should:
*Fit well
* Be worn regularly
*Comfortable enough that it is not distracting
*Project the image you want to project
Any items that do not fall into one of these categories are ready to be let go.


(i) Things you've never worn - you can tell because the label's still on, and they're still shop pressed
(ii) Things you haven't worn for a year
(iii) Things that are uncomfortable
(iv) Things you have worn but you've grown out of
(v) Things you hope to wear again some day

1. Group like with like.
Slacks should be hung; knits and sweaters should be folded. Your favourites in front of the closet, less-frequently worn items towards the back.

2. Hang & stack by colour.
You might forget if your blue sweater is a v-neck or crew neck, but you will always remember it's blue. Ditto for your flare leg and straight leg grey slacks.

3. Separate Out Undies
The most useful addition I've made to a closet is a set of baskets for undershirts (men) and camisoles (women).

When you pull out a slightly see-through button down, too-low-cut-for-work wrap dress, or sheer sweater, you can easily find the appropriate under garment.

4. Organise with Baskets & Bins
Baskets or bins are also great for tights, gym clothes and winter gear like mittens, scarves and hats. If you can store your winter accessories out of season in the same bin, even better.

5. Own less clothing!
If you haven't worn something in its season for more than one season - get rid of it.

Remember: Each piece of clothing is taking up valuable space. A good rule of thumb to follow: when you buy something new, be prepared to get rid of/donate something old.


The new rules of shopping should be something like this:

1. If there's only one thing you remember it should be: "buy less, buy better".

2. Don't buy now: research has shown that we get a lot of pleasure from thinking about something. Think like you've bought it. Often, by the time you've come to actually buy it, you're bored of it.

3. Never buy anything you like. Only buy things you love. Never buy anything that almost looks amazing. Only buy something that absolutely looks amazing. If you have an issue with even one little thing, don't buy it.

4. The first place to shop should always be your wardrobe.

5. Think of your wardrobe as an exclusive nightclub, where you are the doorman. Have a one in, one out rule. Decide on a maximum number, and stick to it. If you love something enough to want to let it in, decide who's not pretty enough to stay.

6. You're also the maitr'd: it's your responsibility to make sure the right people are sitting near the right people. That helps turn any clutter into a collection. So, work shoes next to work shoes, evening dresses next to evening dresses etc.

Information about decluttering from This site.