Nearly every time I work with a client, or meet someone and tell them I’m a stylist, they say “Oh if you looked in my closet you would throw away everything!“ And I’m gonna say here like I say it to them- that’s has NEVER happened! Not once!
I love What Not To Wear. Iconic, amazing show that prompted me to launch Trust in Tricia. But all everyone seems to remember is the big, shiny garbage can they made everyone toss their old clothes into. Well those dramatics were for tv. And as much as I wish I had a camera crew following me around, I don’t… yet. My aim is never to make people get rid of their clothes, rather it’s to help make the best use out of them. While analyzing client’s wardrobes I do usually end up with an edit pile- things to be donated or just plain tossed. But it is usually fairly small depending on wardrobe size, and items are only placed there after special consideration.
So in the event I am not at your house performing a Closet Analysis(… yet!), here are the exact techniques I use that are the most effective way to clean out your closet:
1. Get mentally prepared. This is going to take work and maybe a few tears depending on how long it’s been since you’ve purged and how attached you are to your clothing. Give yourself 2 hours of uninterrupted time, whatever beverage gets you going (it could be wine, or coffee… or wine) and some music.
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2. Surpass the items you wear everyday and you know you like and get to those items that haven’t seen the light of day in awhile. And I mean, dig. All the way to the back of the closet and all pertinent drawers. And start pulling things out. When I perform Closet Analysis for clients I use a portable garment rack to separate items but you can just make piles on your bed if you don’t have one. Pull the items you aren’t sure about either the condition of, the fit or how to wear them and sort them into piles- things that WORK, MAY WORK and DON’T WORK ANYMORE.
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3. Now start getting rid of things.
Ask yourself:
– Are there garments that are ripped, faded, stained or otherwise damaged beyond repair? If so, then it must go because there is just no excuse. I don’t care if you physically can still wear it around the house, it doesn’t mean you should! Pull out those items immediately and put them in the DON’T WORK ANYMORE.
– Do any items require tailoring but for months you never get around to it? Pull them out and get it done or don’t keep them.
Then move on to items that are still in good condition.
– Do I need this?, Do I love this? and Why haven’t I worn this in a while? I’m sure you’ve heard the tip ‘if you haven’t worn something in a year get rid of it’. Well I disagree! Perhaps you haven’t worn something the past season just because the weather did not agree, or the occasion did not arise. If so then the fact that you didn’t wear it for a year (which in reality means 3-6 months for those of living north of the equator due to seasonal weather) is not enough of a reason to part with it just yet. These go in the MAY WORK AND WORK PILES.
– Is this a wardrobe basic or a truly trendy piece? Because while trends do come and go, and some short lived, wardrobe basics and essentials have a much longer shelf life.
– Does the item has sentimental value. Your university’s sweatshirt? A concert tee signed by the band? By all means hold on to your memories, I would never tell you that you have to throw it away. However, I will say that it may not take up valuable closet space where something more useful can be hung, or in a prime position where you will be tempted to wear it. You should keep it as a memorabilia, not a shirt you can wear out to a casual lunch!
– Do you have the space for it? For clients that have large or multiple closet spaces I go easier on the editing. Because if you have the space to neatly store your items while remaining organized, why not hang on to them? However, if your closet is bursting at the seams, or you’ve got too much stuffed in drawers and under the bed that you forget what you have then be much more strict on getting rid of pieces that really aren’t serving you.
– How does the item make you feel? This is really the #1 rule to go by when editing your wardrobe. Clothing should evoke a feeling, and you want to be sure you have a closet full of items that make you feel your best.
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4. Try things on! It’s the least fun part (insert wine) but necessary. Try on any items in the MAY WORK pile that are questionable and evaluate if you like them and they fit or not. And mostly pay attention to how they make you feel! Because above all we want a wardrobe full of items that may us feel great.
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5. Take the items from the MAY WORK and WORK piles and put outfits together. Try on options, even with shoes and accessories. This way, if you have an item that fits well but you haven’t worn it because you don’t know how to style it, this forces you to make an outfit with it so you will wear it. And if it doesn’t work with anything in your closet, consider if it’s worth keeping or if it merits purchasing something new to make it wearable. *Tricia’s Tip: when you put on combos you love, snap a pic of each look you like or hang them together in your closet so you don’t forget them!
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6. Lastly, organize the mess you’ve made. Bag up the DON’T WORK pile to donate, consign or toss. Re-hang the WORK items in an organized way that will help you remember what you have and where to quickly find it. I suggest hanging the outfits you tried on and recently put together front and center, so when the time comes to get dressed you can just grab your entire look right away. And I’m sure you came up with some pieces you know you won’t wear anytime soon but can’t part with like goal sizes, sentimental items and memorabilia. Just be sure to keep those items together and separate from your functioning wardrobe.
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Let me know if these tips helped, and which on was your favorite!
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Caught up on a certain step? Still having trouble because you can’t decide if garment fit you in a flattering way, or exactly what to wear them with? Having trouble parting with pieces and you convince yourself to just keep everything?… Then invite me over for your next edit session! We can chat more about here!
