An organized closet is a NECESSITY.
A luxurious necessity that you will thank me for later. If you already know the power of an organized closet, you're my kind of gal. If you have no idea what I'm talking about, it's time to address your mess. Not only will you love the way a tidy closet looks, you will love that it saves you time, eliminates mystery clothing, contains only the items you love, and eliminates the stress of your getting-ready-routine. Everything will have a home, creating functionality that makes sense for your needs.
When an item is missing I know it's either being washed or that it's time to shop for a replacement. I have a closet full of staples that are my most frequently worn items, basically my uniform. Mostly tanks and t-shirts in white, black, nude, and blush. I organize my hanging items by color and sleeve so it's super easy to:
Find what you have
Know what is missing
Identify what you need
STEP 1: RAID YOUR CLOSET
Pretend you are shopping. Get rid of the overwhelming feeling of “too many clothes but nothing to wear”. Toss any items that you wouldn't purchase again, don't fit, or are flat out uncomfortable. Try everything on at least once. Ask yourself these questions:
Is this item in good condition?
Does it flatter my body type?
If I run into my ex / arch nemesis wearing this will I feel confident?
Only keep the items that answer YES to all three questions and give you that confident ‘first day feeling’ of a brand new outfit. If you wouldn’t purchase it again as it is, it’s time to let it go. Don’t forget to include your shoes. Do this a few times a year to keep your wardrobe feeling FRESH + NEW. Make it fun by asking a trusted and stylish friend for help.
If you’ve got the space to grow—take it a step further and go shopping FOR REAL! Replace that oversized blazer with a new tailored cut. Swap last year’s wedges with this year’s new booties. FRESH accessories will update an entire wardrobe without breaking the bank. To keep your wardrobe in great shape, remember that quality always trumps quantity.
STEP 2: ORGANIZE BY CATEGORY
Simplify the decision making. Organize by CATEGORY in separates {camisoles, t-shirts, shirts, skirts, pants, dresses, blazers}, and then by color {light to dark} and by style {sleeveless, short sleeve, ¾ sleeve, long sleeve} within each category. Organizing by category allows you to take inventory of what you have and what you need. Creating this system will designate a place for every item and will eliminate wasted time spent “searching” for pieces in your wardrobe. The most accessible parts of your closet {your PRIME real estate} should be used for items worn frequently. Special occasion and out-of-season clothing should be hung in the hard to reach places. This method works best for most people.
OR ACTIVITY
Organize by ACTIVITY by pairing outfits ahead of time to eliminate thinking through outfits daily. Organize activities by: workout wear, work wardrobe, weekend wear and special occasion. You can essentially create an entire outfit on one hanger if you do it this way. Take a snapshot of the outfits and combos you like best. Create an album on your phone titled STYLE to save your outfit pics for reference. This method works well for those who travel often and are on the go.
**Also, I would be doing you a disservice if I didn’t mention hangers. They should all be the same, trust me, uniform hangers will transform the look for your closet. These are my fav. They are the easiest to find, they don’t shed, and they are a great price.
STEP 3: UTILIZE VERTICAL SPACE
Don’t be afraid to use hooks and over the door tools to maximize visible storage in and out of the closet. Over the door shoe storage systems are great for limited space closets. This one is my fav. They can be used for shoes or other small items that don’t make sense to fold or hang in the closet {small purses, scarves, shoe inserts, sports bras}. Stick to clear or mesh pockets for visibility. Consider using an over-the-door tool with multiple hooks for easy access hanging {hats, belts, scarves, robes, leggings, jeans}. If you wear jeans often use a wall-mounted coat/hat hook rail to “display” them. Fold jeans at the waist {zipper in, back pockets out} and use the two outer belt loops to hang. Install hooks on a door or wall near the closet. Keep it tidy and styled to avoid making the wall space look cluttered.
STEP 4: PLAN AHEAD
Adding these tips to your nightly routine will help you save those precious morning minutes and get you out the door on time {{to-go coffee included}}.
CHECK the forecast nightly to plan your outfit for the following day with no surprises. Whatever the weather may be, you’ll be packed and prepped with the appropriate accessories to rock the day.
PICK OUT & PUT OUT your outfit before bed—shoes and accessories too. Check to see if anything needs to be steamed, ironed, or tossed in the dryer to have you looking your best in the morning PRO TIP: Keep a handheld steamer close at all times for quick & easy wrinkle release.
PACK & PREP your purse and workbag to be “out-the-door” ready. If you change purses often start using an inner-bag to make the switch quick and easy, ensuring nothing gets left behind. Pick a small, soft zippered pouch {mesh works great for easy viewing}, or purse organizer to contain all your essentials. Whenever you switch bags—just grab your inner bag and go!
PLAN FOR TRAFFIC because it feels good to be early, no need for the added rush and stress of running behind. Early is on time and on time is late.
PACK a LAP-KIN {lap napkin, thanks mom} in your glove box for drive-time coffee and snacks spills; spills will be caught by your handy lap-kin instead of your outfit.
CREATE A PLAYLIST for your morning routine. It can be the same songs each day or not, hum along, or sing out loud—choose what makes you feel good and puts you in a positive mindset right from the start so you can win the day.