Insiders Guide: 5 Questions to Ask Yourself When Cleaning Out Your Closet
Are you in need of a diy wardrobe edit?
These 5 questions are CRUCIAL for a SUCCESSFUl and functional Wardrobe. i share my wardrobe edit secrets so you can make the most out of your clothing while weeding out the items that no longer belong. when working with a client, we go through each one of these questions to DETERMINE what to keep, donate or fix.
Spoiler Alert: you will not find ‘Does this bring me joy?’ in this list. marie kondo is extremely talented and has wonderful tips; but when going through your wardrobe it is much more complex then just finding ‘joy’ in each piece.
ONE
Does this fit flatter my body shape?
Ensure that all your clothing emphasizes what you love and not what you are self conscious about. Depending on your body type, clothing pieces should hug or lay loosely in certain areas. Knowing what silhouettes work best on you is crucial! Once you can recognize what to look for to flatter your body type, this question becomes one of the easiest to answer!
Bonus:don’t forget about the items that are too big or small for you. I see a lot of people keeping items around in hopes that one day they will be able to fit in it again. there is no judgement if you find yourself doing this, i myself have been guilty of this in the past. this process can be hard, but you can do this! Once you do you will be one step closer to a SUCCESSFUL and FUNCTIONAL wardrobe, full of items that fit and flatter you.
TWO
Is the color flattering on me?
Finding colors that complement your natural coloring is a game changer. If you have that top that you feel washes you out, there is a good chance that the color isn’t a compatible color with your color tone. These tops will inevitably collect dust in your closet and when you decide to branch out and attempt to wear it, it will only frustrate you when you realize it still doesn’t suit you.
Bonus: While color is extremely important for your tops, dresses and scarfs, it is (thankfully) not as important for pants, skirt or shoes. Choosing colors that compliment your specific color season pallet only needs to be taken into account for clothing pieces near your face. This is where color has the potential to do the most good.
THREE
Have I worn this in the past year?
If the answer is no, try it on and find out why. Maybe you forgot about it or got in the habit of passing it by. Sometimes when I work with clients we find some of these pieces to be amazing and some of the most versatile and flattering pieces they have. Refresh yourself by trying on these forgotten about items and attempt to style them in new ways. If you find it to be an item you could use often, woo hoo! If it still doesn’t feel right, put it in the donate pile.
Bonus tip: This even includes the pieces that may be hard to give away such as designer items, gifted pieces, and any other items that may hold a sentimental value, but not a practical one. You may not realize it, but these pieces are silently torturing you and weighing you down every time you see them.
FOUR
Is it worn out or damaged?
Piling is typically the number one culprit I see in clients wardrobes, followed by color fading, holes and stains. It is IMPOSSIBLE to look chic or sharp when your clothes are in bad condition. If these things can be fixed by a pilling remover, tailor, or dry cleaner then make piles for these three things and get those fixed as soon as your done cleaning out your closet.
Bonus tip: read your CLOTHING labels to avoid this from happening to your future purchases. I always check clothing labels before i purchase anything for my clients or myself. if the care is too complex, it’s often not worth buying and you will find it DETERIORATing much faster than it should.
FIVE
Is it significantly out of style?
Whether it was last years fast fashion trend, a shirt from decades ago or something that just looks dated; it most likely needs to be retired. Looking your best cannot happen while wearing pieces that are dated. Dated pieces also can have an aging affect, which is also something you want to avoid.
Bonus: this question is a big reason why I always recommend investing in classic pieces opposed to trendy pieces. classic clothing items won’t be easily traced back to the time you purchased it, therefore making it a staple piece for years to come.
Now, it is time to get to work!
If you follow these questions and tips, then you are guaranteed to have a more functional and simplified wardrobe. I always recommend doing this at least twice a year; once for your spring/summer wardrobe and once for your fall/winter wardrobe. Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions. Happy closet cleaning, everyone!
