With Spring upon us comes SPRING CLEANING! Today I’m sharing the steps I take when cleaning out my closet or a client’s closet, leaving you with an entirely wearable wardrobe! Anything you grab, you know will help you look and feel like a million bucks!
Keep in mind, when you are doing a deep clean, you are going to try on every single piece of clothing in your closet. So be prepared for that. Grab some water and get ready!
After you try on each piece, you will sort that item into 1 of 3 piles—YES Pile, NO Pile & MAYBE Pile. I’m going to advice you on the 5 items I typically advice putting in that NO Pile.
HERE ARE THE 5 ITEMS TO DITCH IN YOUR CLOSET!
1. Uncomfortable Clothing (including shoes)
Anything that causes blisters, restricts movement, or is itchy… it’s out. It's not worth sacrificing any of these things in the name of fashion…or how much you paid for it. Most of us keep uncomfortable clothes, because we spent money and we’re simply uncomfortable with getting rid of them. I'm giving you the affirmation to pass it on! Get rid of it.
2. Anything You Haven’t Worn in 2 Years or More
The next item that belongs in that NO Pile are clothes that you haven't worn in 2 years or more! A lot of people will suggest a "1-Year Rule", but I don’t think that’s enough time. I say 2 years, especially after the year we've had.
EXCEPTION: Occasion Wear. which could include evening or resort wear. Basically anything that you don't wear often. That said, these pieces still need to be current and fit.
If you’re unsure about an article of clothing, I suggest "The Hanger Trick"— As you're trying on each item of clothing, put the hanger back into your closet backwards; the opposite way you naturally hang them. As you wear each piece throughout the season, you can hang it back up normally. As you near the end of the season, you'll have a really great visual of which pieces you have worn and which ones you haven't. Then, make an effort to wear those ones you haven't yet worn. If you don’t like how you feel in that piece, well, there you go. It’s time to get rid of it.
3. Anything That Doesn’t Fit You & Can’t Be Tailored
Anything that is too long, too short, too baggy and cannot be tailored belongs in this pile. Oftentimes you can donate or sell these items because they're still in good condition.
EXCEPTIONS:
1) Maternity wear: But if you’re not pregnant, pull out those pieces and put them into storage.
2) Sentimental Items: Put it in a hope chest, in storage, or on display, but make sure they're not being stored with wearable clothing.
3) Weight Fluctuation: I totally get that weight fluctuates, so it's okay to keep a pair of pants that's a size big or smaller than your normal. But once again, pull it out of your closet and into storage.
4. Not in Good Condition
This next one may seem obvious, but a lot of people try to get away with a little stain or unintentional rips. Any clothes that are not in good condition, belong in the NO Pile. Even if you think your hair can cover up a stain or you can fold up your sleeve just right to cover a hole, it's not worth the anxiety you'll feel trying to hide it. Give it one more scrub with Oxy Clean, and if it doesn't come out, it's time to go.
5. Doesn’t Make you Feel Great!
This is the most important question to ask yourself. DOES IT MAKE YOU FEEL GREAT?
As you try on each garment, ask yourself these 3 questions:
1) Does it fit and flatter me? Different clothing works for different body types. Make sure you're dressing for YOUR body type.
2) Is the color right? We've all tried on a shirt or a dress, looked in the mirror and instantly know that's "your color"! Your features pop and you look alive. On the flip side we've all tried on a color that makes you look ill. Not your color. You want to match your undertones to your clothing. If you have warm undertones, wear warm-toned colors. If you have cool undertones, wear cool-toned clothing.
3) Do I LOVE it? I guarantee you'll always choose something you love over something you like. Be honest with yourself here.