Every year when the weather starts to warm up I get the itch to overhaul my closet. I'm sure we've all had days when we wake up and stare blankly at our wardrobes wishing we could throw everything out and start over. Since that's not possible for most of us, I've found that simply doing a closet cleanout with the change of seasons can make your clothing choices seem fresh again.
If it seems like a big undertaking, don't sweat it. All you need is a free afternoon, a good Pandora station to jam to, and these tips:
1. Start by making four piles
Donate—These are clothes that you want to give away to a charity or someone you know. This pile should include items that don't fit, things that you feel you've moved beyond style-wise, and anything you haven't worn in one year—trust me if you haven't worn it for that long you won't miss it!
Trash—This pile is for items that are beyond repair including clothes with stains and holes, shoes that are falling apart or pants and dresses with frayed hems. If you feel awful throwing away clothing, check to see if your neighborhood has a facility that recycles clothing.
Tailor—Clothing that you love and that has fixable damage should be gathered up and taken to a good tailor or cobbler. Little adjustments such as hems that need shortening or missing buttons and larger items that could use some taking in are often inexpensive to fix and the repairs make a world of difference. Remember, shoes can be resoled if you have worn them down, and leather can be cleaned by a professional, so take a good look at your pieces and see which ones can be given some new life.
Keep—This is the pile for everything you simply cannot part with.
2. Try everything on
Yep, everything. This is an essential step in clearing your closet because it forces you to be honest about what you really reach for every day when you get dressed, what works on your body and what no longer fits.
3. Have a fashion show
Once you have laid out your keep pile, try combining pieces you've never put together before. If you need some inspiration, flip through magazines or browse Pinterest and try to replicate looks you love. This will give you a fresh perspective on what you own.
4. Make a list of the holes in your wardrobe
Now that you've sifted through your whole closet, make a list of what's missing. Focus on the basics first: a great trench coat, flattering jeans, gorgeous button-up shirts and sleek, wear-them-with-anything nude or black pumps are essential for every woman. Then, add a few trendy pieces you'd like own to the list.
5. Go shopping
Get out there and comparison shop. Buy the best basics your budget allows for and look to fast-fashion retailers like H&M and Forever21 for affordable, trendy items. Even more mature women can often find trendy, fun accessories at these stores, which mainly target teens and younger women.
You may also want to read:
How to Look Fresh for Spring
5 Spring Trends Anyone Can Wear
Bethany Porter is a blogger and beauty junkie. She believes in healthy living and that women have powerful potential for beauty both inside and out.
