Yes, it’s that time of the year if you are located in the Northern hemisphere – Spring 🙂
I always look forward to spring. After the cold winter season, the weather is now warmer, the sun is shining, and you can smell the cherry blossoms. It feels like the appropriate time for a refresh or a new start to things.
And, it’s the best time to clean out your wardrobe – yes a task I know many people dread doing!
I generally do this activity twice a year with the seasons – spring/summer and autumn/winter. Best way to refresh and remind myself what I have in my closet 😉
So for those in the Southern hemisphere you can do this too for autumn/winter!
Let me give you a few tips to make it easier.
I have found sometimes it is best to do this task with your BFF unless you have a Personal Stylist who can help. The reason to get a friend to help is that sometimes we can be so attached to certain items that really aren’t flattering. Or, there may be other items that look great that we may not appreciate or see for ourselves. We are our worst critics! Therefore, it’s nice to have someone you can trust to bounce things off of.
First start by having a space to work in and organize your clothes. Organize by bottoms, tops, blazers/ jackets, suits and dresses. You will likely need to try on a few pieces and review some outfit ideas so have your footwear nearby too!
Now make 4 piles as follows: 1. Yes, 2. No, 3. Maybe, and 4. Alterations required.
The Yes pile
This is for the the clothes you love and wear often. Fits your body type, accentuates your beautiful features and is part of your best colors palette. This is the definite YES I look fab, I feel amazing and I’m keeping this!
The No pile
I don’t like it, how it looks on me or how it makes me feel. It’s not your best color, doesn’t accentuate your features or suit your body type. You may have worn it only a couple of times for x reason and likely is you will not wear it again. Then please give it away.
I like to donate to charity or giveaway to family / friends all the clothes I put in my NO pile. Perhaps I can help someone who is in need or who can make use of them.
The Maybe pile
This is the uncertain pile where you like it as much as you don’t! Ask yourself, when was the last time I wore this? Does it fit my body type, accentuate my features, is it my best color? Will I wear it again? If you probably haven’t worn it in a long time and still have no occasion to wear it then no use hanging on even longer.
Or maybe it needs an alteration, then include it in the alterations pile.
The Alterations pile
This pile is for clothing that needs alterations since it may be too big or too small or has missing buttons or zipper needs replacing, etc. Although, after making any alterations you will plan to wear that item. No point making alterations if you still won’t wear it – may as well give it away now!
Another consideration with the maybe and alterations piles is to try out different outfits. See if you may have items you can combine with tops, bottoms, jackets, scarves, belts or accessories. Create looks that accentuate your best features and are part of your color palette. This way, you can decide whether to keep them.
Further, after you’ve gone through all your clothing and outfit ideas you may realize that you have what you need, or what to add, or even discovered some new outfit combinations. The next time you go shopping you will know what pieces to purchase to enhance your wardrobe – instead of spending on items you are unsure of.
Lastly, to avoid the dread of cleaning out and refreshing your wardrobe. Another thing to consider is organizing by garment type (trousers in one area, tops in another, skirts and dresses separate) and by colors so they are easier to find when you need them :-).
Finally, always take good care of your apparel in general whether it be clothing, footwear or accessories and it will last you a long time.
I hope this has helped in spring cleaning your wardrobe. Should you have any questions or need any assistance just reach out :-). Would love to hear from you!
To find out about wardrobe essentials and more! Get a copy of my eBook: Your Personal Style – A Concise Guide To Being Your Own Personal Stylist