Category: Kathy Friend

It’s that time of year, isn’t it.  Time to clean out the closets – out with the old, in with the new…or something like that.

On B100 last week, I told you about some easy ways to start cleaning out and organizing your closet.  I also promised that I would list some quick 1-2-3 to wardrobe organization here…so here ya go!

When it comes to wardrobe organization, it is very simple to tackle this item on the ‘to-do’ list with 3 easy steps:

Step 1 – Separate tops from bottoms, and make some piles
Keep all of your skirts and pants together in your closet. Separate these pieces from your tops, sweaters and jackets. As you are going through your clothing, look at each piece and consider if that piece is something you’ve worn in the past year. If not, then set it aside. Look at it and determine if it needs to be cleaned, is it stained? Does it need repair? If so, set it aside. 
photo from: http://navaniknows.com

Step 2 – Separate colors
Next, go through each section created in step-1, and separate each item by color. For example, your closet should have all the white tops together, and then cream, pink, red, blue on to black.  For patterned or striped items, fit those in with the dominant color in the piece. A white striped blouse would go with the white section. A red tartan plaid shirt would go with the red section and so on.

Step 3 – Separate lengths
First, shirts. Put all the tank tops together, then short sleeves, ¾ sleeves, long sleeves and then blouses, sweaters and jackets.

With pants and skirts, start with skirts, again by length. Then move to cropped pants, casual pants and dress slacks.

TIP: Hang pants on pant hangers (not folded over a shirt hanger). Folding your pants will leave a crease, and the part of the pant that is folded over the hanger will collect dust.

OTHER TIPS

Shoes – There are several schools of thought to how you organize your shoes, and it all depends on how many shoes you have. Some organize shoes by brand in the original box. Some people can’t remember (or don’t care) what brand of shoes they have in their closets, or don’t keep the original boxes. In this case, purchase clear plastic shoe boxes.
It is important to keep your shoes covered or in boxes. Closets are dusty places, and those shoes you are not currently wearing (out of season) will get very dirty if left sitting on a shelf.

Belts / Accessories – belts should be hung on hooks or on a belt hanger.

Storage – Plastic or woven storage tubs are great for things like handbags, shawls/wraps/scarves, and seasonal items like holiday sweaters, bathing suits. 

Hangers – One fast way to make your closet look better instantly is to have nice hangers (all the same kind of hanger). The ones I like are Ultra Slim Flocked hangers from Bed Bath and Beyond – use one of those 20% off coupons you get in the mail!

Good luck in your wardrobe clean up!  I’d love to hear what you decided to keep, and what you decided to donate to your local Goodwill store!

Kathy Friend is a wardrobe coach and fashion stylist. For over 15 years, she has consulted with thousands of men and women all over the world to help improve their self esteem through image. She is the Fashion Editor of The Family Magazine and regularly provides information on the WSBT Morning Show as a Fashion Expert. Kathy provides fashion advice regularly through FASHION DAY events at Goodwill stores in Northern Indiana. For information on upcoming Goodwill events, please visit the Goodwill Website.