Closet Clarity: It’s All About the Staples
The start of the new year is a time for a much-needed refresh of our routines, whether that’s working out, eating habits, skincare regimens or, of course, a closet update.
As a fashion and organization lover, a closet makeover is my favorite thing to update and cleanse. A good rule of thumb to follow is to reorganize your closet at the start of a new season, in order to switch out the thick sweaters for lightweight cardigans for spring or vice versa. However, when January 1st rolls around, I like to do a complete revamp. I sometimes change my whole organization system, clean out clothes to give away or sell, as well as making sure my closet reflects my own evolving personal style.
I am including tips, ideas and recommendations to follow through with your own closet clean-out goals to make 2021 not only more fashionable, but manageable, as well.
The Clean-out
The hardest part of organizing anything is starting. A closet overflowing with clothes can be a daunting task, but if you put on some good music or a tv show you love, the time will fly by. For the initial clean-out stage, I like to create piles: your “keep” pile, “sentimental” pile, and a “move on” pile. Then, you can make these piles more specific later, if you want a “donate” pile, “sell” pile, or you can even split up the “keep” pile by season or style of clothing.
Make sure you download Poshmark, Depop or ThredUp, which are great apps and websites to sell your secondhand clothes.
Organization System Ideas
After the clean-out comes actually implementing an organization system, and there are lots of options to choose from.
By essentials
A capsule wardrobe is a great way to curate your closet to your own needs and personal style, which involves keeping your clothing basic and versatile, so that pieces that can be mixed and matched to create a “mini closet” with all of your favorite pieces. So, instead of having 10 pairs of the same jeans, just keep two pairs to make room for other items.
By style
Similar to the capsule wardrobe mentality, but if you aren’t quite ready to give away a lot of your clothes, then organizing based on style or trend could be a good option.
For this option, I like to go through to see what I have that is trendy at the moment, and give away what is out of style. Then, I can go through to group certain pieces together, like all my oversized blazers, flared jeans or chunky boots.
By color
My favorite way of organizing my clothes is by color, as its not only aesthetically pleasing, but makes everything easy to find. Now, there are a few different ways you can organize by color.
Rainbow: You can think of a classic rainbow to imitate, and start with your red and pink items, and gradually end with purples and neutrals.
Neutrals: If you tend to wear neutrals more often, then you can put all your whites, blacks, greys and browns at the front so they are easy to reach for, and keep your pop of color or accent pieces to the side.
Color palette: This is a method I want to implement in my closet this year. I want to keep my everyday neutrals and favorite pieces, but only keep colors that are flattering on me. So, instead of keeping a neon pink sweater and funky orange, I will keep and invest in blues, greens and purples that compliment my skin tone more.
Closet Organization Staples
Now, to maintain a beautifully organized and curated closet, you must have good quality containers and organizers. I love to shop for these organizational pieces at The Container Store or on Amazon.
Velvet Hangers, The Container Store, $23.76
These hangers are a must for any closet makeover! They are thin and durable to fit as many garments in your closet as possible. Plus, they’re super chic. Good quality hangers are a great way to improve your closet’s organization as well as protect and maintain your beautiful clothes!
Clothing Rack, Amazon, $79.99
If you are in need of more space or a way to display your clothes, then a clothing rack is great option! They make small racks, big racks, and racks with shoe shelves that are all easy to assemble and will keep your clothes organized.
Drawer Dividers, The Container Store, $19.99
These dividers will help keep your t-shirt drawer at bay so every shirt has a specific place that can be easily found. These are good to use to organize shirts, pants or anything you want to put in your chest drawers.
This month is great time to take a minute to breathe, reevaluate and tackle some tasks you’ve been meaning to work on, so I hope these tips help you start on your next closet cleanse!
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