Cleaning out your closet...

A wardrobe detox is so much more than clearing out your wardrobe and creating space, it’s about creating more space in your mind too. Being in a style rut, or drowning in clutter, is bound to make you feel overwhelmed from time to time which is why settled on the name Wardrobe Doctor as I believe my services are more like therapy. Many of my clients also say that having someone there whose impartial really helped them to say goodbye to pieces they were too scared to get rid of by themselves.

Do you want to streamline your style and keep your wardrobe to a minimum? Check out a few of my top tips below.

BUY LESS, WEAR MORE.

This phrase gets flung around from pillar to post, but it’s so true – now I’m not saying you have to spend hundreds of pounds on designer clothing, but do think carefully about what you are buying and how useful it can be. For instance, a cashmere sweater or a cotton tee - these are pieces you can wear ALL the time AND all year around, so I would maybe spend a little more on capsule pieces. Also, STOP buying clothing you already own!

ONE IN, ONE OUT…

This is a good method. If you want to buy something new, get rid of something you don’t wear first! That way you’re not piling on the clothes and taking up space. You can do this by either donating items to a charity of your choice or selling them.

IF YOU HAVEN’T WORN IT IN A YEAR, YOU’RE NEVER GONNA WEAR IT….

I know everyone says this but it’s true. If an item has skipped all four seasons, than the chances are it won’t make the cut for next year’s wardrobe either.

IF IT DON’T MAKE YOU HAPPY GET RID!

Even if you haven’t had an item a year, or even a month and realised you bought it out of impulse and the thought of wearing it makes you want to cry – get rid. Now I know you probably haven’t achieved cost per wear yet, but anything that makes you feel anxious or uncomfortable is not worth having around.

ANOTHER WOMAN’S TRASH IS ANOTHER WOMAN’S TREASURE…

If you want to avoid the guilt that surrounds throwing out good money, why not try listing the products on Ebay, or if really expensive Vestiare Collective. Although they take a commission, you’ll still get something out of it and can put the money towards something you really want. Or, if you’re not one for auction sites why not organise a swap shop for you and your gal pals so you can swap clothing and both be happy! Alternatively, there are plenty of good causes out there to ensure you don’t feel bad about throwing something out.

IS IT REALLY YOU?

Having a bit of an identity crisis and not sure your existing wardrobe cuts it anymore, or suits your lifestyle? Or have you just had a baby and need clothing that works for motherhood? If your existing wardrobe isn’t working for you anymore, it’s time to sort! You can either do processes suggested above, or pack away to another time you may think they could work.

PROMOTION AND DEMOTION

Wardrobe clear outs may also instigate you finding pieces you completely forgot you had too. For instance you may have bought a pair of jeans in the sale last year but put them away, but now you’ve found them you can create all the outfits with them. Or, polo necks are now back in and you’ve just found a whole set of them at the back of your cupboard – PROMOTE these items to have key placing in your wardrobe.

DEMOTE your summer/winter clothing (depending on the season) to draws or under bed storage, so you can pull out once the season changes. Also, if you’re not sure about occasion wear or formal clothing –put this style in another place if possible so they are separated from your everyday wardrobe.

THINK BEFORE YOU BUY

Before you take your item to the checkout think of 3 different outfits you can create using that one item, if you can only think of 1 or 2, the chances are you’re not going to wear it much. I would always think about whether you have a similar item already, for instance I buy a new stripy top at least once a month and have sooo many already. I really need to start taking my own advice.

I hope you have found the above useful and if you need any help you know where I am! Email me here lauren@wardrobedoctor.com