Need some inspiration before we begin? Here are five fellow blogger closets that I love sneaking a peak into.
Domestic Jenny's:
Ms. Moth's:
Kelly's (The Glamourai):
1. Evaluate
Step back from the clothes! Start by assessing your closet with a fine-tooth comb: What outfits do you love and feel the best in? What pieces do you reach for time-and-time-again? Whatever your fashion flair, be it feminine frocks, destroyed denim or classic knits, you’ll want to build your closet around the pillars of your style personality.
2. Purge
Pause for a deep breath - this is the hard part. Remove all items from your closet that you haven't worn in the past six months. Sort them into two piles: Pieces you can salvage, remix and revamp, and pieces you can’t.
If that dress doesn’t fit, the tags are still attached, those pants have holes in the crotch, or you have no idea what that harness-looking top even is, get rid of it. I recently read something that put this into perspective: Think of these items as you do your e-mail: When you clean out the junk mail you can see your other messages clearer, right?
If you are struggling with Part 2, keep a "perchance" pile. I have a
Now, after The Closet Cleanse, don’t just discard your duds. You may not be able to wear it anymore, but someone else can. Look into local ways to donate, sell or swap your items.
3. Shop
Ah, shopping. Finally! Most of your “what was I thinking!” pieces were probably purchased on impulse, so this is what we’re aiming to avoid. Make a list, be intentional, and shop with a purpose. Make sure the pieces you’re purchasing fit with your wardrobe. If you have to buy three other items just to make an outfit work, why buy it in the first place?
You'll never regret choosing quality over quantity. Remember - there is no standard scale when it comes to quality. One woman’s H&M is another woman’s D&G.
4. Experiment
We fall into style ruts simply because we’re creatures of habit, so mix prints and patterns, color-block your outfits, and pile on your jewelry. Take pictures or write down outfits so you can remember and remix them multiple times over.
5. Smile
Fashion is meant to be fun, so be confident in what you wear and you’ll inevitably look and feel great (and other people will notice, too)!
What are your closet cleansing tips and tricks? Do you have a nice closet? It doesn't have to rival Mariah Carey's; but if so, I'd love to post it here on corals + cognacs. E-mail me and submit your photos!
