the closet resolution: 3 steps to keeping your wardrobe in check
The end of 2015 was a one of the busiest times of my life, both personally and professionally. I traveled to Bangkok to see my family, lived through a major renovation to our home, hired new stylists, and embarked on rebranding my growing company. Never mind that I am a wife and mom of three.
My story isn’t unusual. I am no different than any other busy, working woman struggling to catch up and stay afloat on a daily basis. I know this for a fact because it is the story I encounter each time I meet a new client.
Amidst the go, go, go of the last several months, my closet has suffered. I have made impulse purchases that weren’t about adding value to my wardrobe or enhancing my personal style, but about alleviating stress. I have found myself, on more occasions than I care to admit, rummaging and hunting for and losing things in the black hole of my closet.
I needed a change. My closet was becoming exactly what I work with my clients to remedy: an overwhelming, unpleasant mess. Not being able to find what I needed and not being able to put together outfits easily because I was constantly searching in vain was adding stress to an already jam-packed schedule.
What I was thankful for is that I had the tools — from years of working as a professional stylist in hundreds of closets — to get back to where I needed to be.
There are various methods to keeping your wardrobe in check. I find these three the most helpful in guiding myself and my clients. It is what got me back on track during this hectic season of life and when things go off the rails, as they inevitably do from time to time, it’s nice to know that I can get things back in order.
1) Buy what you need. I have a rule that I use myself and with my clients: before you purchase, think of at least five different ways you will be able to wear that garment. You want your cost-per-wear to be as low as possible. The key is to purchase pieces that won’t sit in your closet, but will actually work in harmony with what you already own.
2) Organize, organize, organize. The best way to combat the morning what-should-I-wear stress is to have your closet in order. I am a personal stylist so the goal of organization is to be able to find things quickly and create outfits with ease. DC Style Factory organizes by category and then color — light to dark. So all tops, light to dark; all skirts light to dark, all trousers, light to dark, and so on. That way, you grab a top and you can easily pair it with skirt or trousers that match and layer with a sweater or jacket to finish.
3) If it doesn’t fit, ditch. Don’t worry about those pesky 10 pounds that haven’t come off since baby #2. Dress for the body you have — not the body you had. You won’t believe how good it feels to find clothing that works for you now. The rule of thumb is that if it has been sitting there unworn for two season cycles (two springs, two falls, etc.), let it go.
There is no better time than the New Year to take one of these steps to press the reset button on your wardrobe and closet. It doesn’t have to be a sea change, but just resolving to act on one of these closet initiatives will make a difference in your daily life. New Year, new closet!
- About the company
DC Style Factory is a personal shopping and styling service for men and women looking to add polish and individuality to their wardrobes. We believe personal style is for anyone who wants it — regardless of age, size or budget.
