2014 is HERE! Is your closet ready?
Each new year we all reflect on the previous one, make resolutions and goals, feel refreshed and ready for what life has in store for us, but sometimes, despite feeling great inside, the clutter in your own space can take you off that cloud 9 you’re on. Some people look forward to cleaning out their closet every year and are great at it, but some of us don’t even know where to start. I’ll admit I have a little trouble with this myself, but I’ve had a little more ease with the system I’m about to show you. Take a weekend and go through the clutter in your space, not just your closet, and bring a whole new energy to your living space and self.
What to Trash
I stumbled upon this infographic from The Professional Organizer that is simple and to the point. It’s easy to remember and puts things in a new perspective for us hoarders, taking the emotional attachment out of the picture. Let’s quickly go over the questions to ask shall we?
1. Does it fit? If the answer is a no, this should definitely go! No one has got time for clothes that don’t fit! These items are taking up precious reality in your closet that could be filled with shiny, new, perfect fitting clothes!
2. Does it flatter your figure? This should always be a question you ask yourself even when you’re buying clothes. Different styles and silhouettes look good on different people and when you find the ones that fit, you’ll look like a whole different person. Which leads me to our next question…
3. Do you feel good in it? You should always, always ALWAYS feel AMAZING in everything you wear. You should always express your style and who you are with your clothes and if you don’t feel like you or feel great, you aren’t living! Your day is always brighter when you’re wearing an outfit you love.
The question that works the best for me is…
4. Have you worn it in the last 6 months? In my case the answer is usually no, which usually leads to it landing in the donation bag. My closet is out of control so I would love to work my way to a small closet of items I love and wear all the time and I’m sure a lot of you can relate.
5. Is it in fashion? Yes the 90s are back but that doesn’t mean you should hang on to your floral teacher dresses “just in case”. This is also where I struggle, I know everything makes its way back around so I like to hold on to things for when it does. I’m working on this one but it is definitely a great question to ask.
What To Keep
Now that we’ve gone over what to get rid of let’s talk about what you should keep. As you saw on the graphic from “What to Trash” if the answer is yes to any of those questions, you keep the items. I’ve elaborated a little on this one in my own graphic above. First, you should always keep the classic silhouettes that never go out of style, I’ve listed a few and you can find a few others in the last section of “What to Invest In”.
Skinny jeans have been around for a while now and I really don’t see them going anywhere. They’re flattering on everyone and are a great base to any outfit. Slim slacks and trousers are great for the work place or if you ever have to dress up for something. Jean jackets are a great layering piece. White/vintage tees are great basics to work with tailored jackets to clean up any look. All of these pieces look great on everyone and will be used endless times.
I’ve also listed a few on trend items to keep as well as mentioning keeping jewelry or rad vintage pieces that have been in your family for years. It’s ok to be emotionally attached to these things. Lastly, like the graphic above says, if you’ve worn it in the past six months, it’s a keeper. I tweaked this a little and added in “multiple times”. To me I think it’s a keeper if you’ve worn it more than once in the past 6 months.
What to Invest In
Now that your closet is all sorted through, it’s ready for some new pieces; investment pieces. If you’re a little fashionista and have this section down, go on with your bad self! If not, here are some pieces that are worth paying that pretty penny for and will earn a permanent spot in your closet.
Quality Coats: If you’re in an area with a cold climate you will understand this one, but I think it’s important for everyone to invest in a good quality coat that will keep you warm if you ever need it. It will last you for years and go with any outfit (if you shop smart).
Basics: This category you don’t need to spend a lot of money on, but I believe it’s something everyone needs in their closet for layering and lazy day purposes. You want those basics in your closet to wear under that rad new jacket you got or to put on when you run to the store, but you still want to look good. This could be anything from a plain white tee to a black body con dress. Whatever goes with your style, get it!
A Good Pair of Jeans: As all of you denim lovers know, a good pair of jeans is EVERYTHING. Find a company with a respectable reputation of good quality and styles and invest some money into a pair of your choice. You will always wear them, when you slip them on you’ll look good (with your basics too!) and they will last you a long, long time. I like to have a blue and black pair in my closet in case one doesn’t work with an outfit.
Comfortable and Well Made Heels: Nothing is worse than wearing your favorite heels, looking on point and dying of pain at the end of the night. When you feel good, look good AND are comfortable, that is PRICELESS! Starting a few years ago, I only buy shoes that I can wear all night long. There are the exceptions in which case they’re comfortable in the store but not when you’re out, but you can usually judge when that’s going to happen. I have a lot of ankle boots, platforms and mid height heels in my closet because they look great and I can wear them for hours. Comfort is worth your money.
A Nice Fitting Blazer: Wear it to a business meeting or drinks with your friends, wear it over a dress or with cut off jean shorts and a top. No matter what, a blazer ALWAYS makes an outfit look good which is why you should always have one in your closet. It’s a great “when in doubt” piece and also a great go-to piece.
Elegant Jewelry With Style: I feel like a lot of people say to invest in statement pieces, which you totally can, but I believe in investing in the elegant pieces of jewelry that almost take a back seat to the outfit, but are still beautiful. I’ve noticed that when I have to get all dressy for something, these pieces are the only ones that ever work with those type of outfits and you really can’t go wrong wearing them at any time or place. They’ll be your go-to’s when your big, statement pieces are too distracting and will totally work with your casual outfits too.