Original blog post can be found here: NS Lifestyles Blog
Spring is finally upon us, and with it comes the perfect opportunity to refresh our wardrobes and bid adieu to the clutter of seasons past. But where to begin? Cleaning out your closet can feel like a daunting task, but fear not! I’ve teamed up with the esteemed luxury fashion stylist Lisa Sher-Chambers to bring you the ultimate guide to decluttering and revitalizing your wardrobe for the season ahead. Lisa’s keen eye for style and impeccable taste in fashion make her the ideal collaborator for this endeavor. Together, we’ll share expert tips and tricks to help you streamline your closet, identify timeless pieces, and embrace a renewed sense of sartorial elegance. So grab your favorite beverage, clear some space, and let’s embark on this journey to a more organized and chic wardrobe together!”
Start by assessing your closet and identifying items that it’s time to part with. Here are some things you should consider getting rid of today, and the first thing to consider is, do you love it and do you feel good wearing it? If the answer is no to both of those questions, the answer is unequivocally, get rid of it. Here are some additional considerations when making the keep, toss, or storage decisions:
Clothes that no longer fit
Whether they’re too small, too big, or just don’t flatter your body anymore, hanging onto ill-fitting clothes only takes up valuable space. Donate or sell/consign these items to make room for clothing that fits you well and makes you feel comfortable. With so many choices, be sure to carefully consider where you donate or consign your items. Consult, with an expert on this. If you love the items in question and they don’t fit, take it to a tailor to see if they can be altered.
Worn-out or damaged items
It’s easy to hold onto clothes that have sentimental value or that you think you might wear again someday, but if they’re damaged beyond repair or have seen better days, it’s time to let them go. This includes items with holes, stains, or stretched-out fabric. For really special pieces, like archival top designers or a dress you wore to your daughter’s wedding, for instance, consider storing these in a designated area of the house.
Trend-driven pieces that no longer feel relevant
Fashion trends come and go, and it’s natural for some pieces in your closet to feel outdated. If you haven’t worn something in the past year because it no longer feels on-trend or reflects your current style, consider parting ways with it. Also, some trendy items may still look okay, but if they don’t work with your current lifestyle, consider parting with them.
Uncomfortable clothing
We all have those pieces in our closet that look great but feel uncomfortable to wear. Whether it’s shoes that pinch your toes or a dress that rides up constantly, there’s no need to hold onto clothing that makes you feel uncomfortable or self-conscious. Sometimes, we hold onto clothes that have that je ne sais quoi, or a quality that cannot be described easily, but we don’t like the mood we are in when we wear them. That level of discomfort is absolutely unacceptable in the closet! Get rid of items that put a damper on your day!
Duplicates or similar items
Streamline your wardrobe by keeping only the best quality and most versatile pieces. Do you really need multiple versions of the same item? Probably not. Let go of duplicates or items that serve the same purpose.
Items with tags still attached
If you’ve bought something and never worn it, chances are you never will. Be honest with yourself about whether you’re really going to wear that impulse buy, and if not, consider donating it to someone who will, or consign with a reliable source. NWT/NBW (new with tags/never been worn) often fetch the most value. Again, consult with an expert on which platforms or resellers are the most reliable.
Sentimental pieces that you never wear
While it’s nice to hold onto clothing with sentimental value, if you never wear it, it’s just taking up space. Consider repurposing sentimental items into something you will use, like turning an old t-shirt into a quilt or pillow. In other words, find a way to honor it. For higher value pieces like special occasion dresses, find a special place in your home to store them
By clearing out the clutter in your closet, you’ll not only make getting dressed in the morning easier, but you’ll also create space for new pieces that make you feel confident and stylish. So, take some time today to go through your wardrobe and let go of the items that no longer serve you. Your closet—and your mind—will thank you for it.
