The Closet Edit
I once read that the condition of your wallet says a lot about you. The premise goes, if your wallet is neat and organized, with all the items in the right compartments, you're most likely good with managing your money. You know how much you're spending, you pay your bills on time and you probably balance your checkbook to the penny. Now with digital wallets, I'm not quite sure how to spot a financially responsible person!
The same can be said about a person's closet, there is a lot to decipher by looking into someone's wardrobe. For example a closet who's items are strewn about might mean that the person has a variety of interests, doesn't like routine, and responds well to new experiences. While a neat and tidy person is one that follows the rules, is reliable and detail oriented.
Whatever your closet profile, there's no question that an organized closet is not only more attractive to look at, but will save you time and money. Time saved not having to stare at a closet full of clothes with thinking you have nothing to wear, and money saved by utilizing items already in your closet, preventing you from buying more of what you don't need. The only way to get there is by getting your closet properly edited and organized. After all, we do need to get dressed every day. Walking into a neat and organized closet can make getting dressed more of a pleasure and not a chore.
Many people struggle with getting rid of items in their closet. They may be holding on to an old favorite (your new favorites are better), an item that is dated but hoping the trend will return (it will not), waiting until the item fits better (very unlikely), or waiting for the perfect occasion to wear it (that never arrives).
Here are a few questions to ask yourself while pondering if you should keep an item or toss it:
Have you worn the item in the past year? If you haven't worn the item in over a year, chances are you won't be wearing it in the next year.
Does it fit and do you like the way it looks on you? If it doesn't fit right, the likelihood that it will fit right at some point in the forceable future is slim to none.
If you saw it hanging in the store today, would you buy it again? If the answer is no, it most likely won't be worn
A great closet means editing out most of what is not your style and what is not serving you. The average person wears 20% of what's in their closet, leaving the other 80% to take up space and collect dust. Some of us hold on to items that we don't wear because it holds a fond memory, I call them "souvenirs." I say take a photo, it doesn't take up any space!
A great closet means editing out most of what is not your style and what is not serving you. The average person wears 20% of what's in their closet, leaving the other 80% to take up space and collect dust. Some of us hold on to items that we don't wear because it holds a fond memory, I call them "souvenirs." I say take a photo, it doesn't take up any space!
The next step after your edit is to organize your clothes by category. Organize hanging items according to tops/bottoms/dresses/skirts/blazers etc. Once you organize by category, organize by color. This way you know exactly how many white blouses, for example, you own.
To make your closet aesthetically pleasing, make sure you choose hangers that are the same color, with a chrome hook. Wood hangers are nice if you have the space, but light color, velvet hangers look great and save you space.
Finally establish a rule that every time you buy something new, you give away an old item in your closet. Out with the old, in with the new!
For a private styling appointment please email me at maria@styledbymaria.com.
Best,
Maria
xoxo
