Fool-Proof Ways to De-Clutter Your Style
Clearing Your Closet and Honing Your Personal Style
If you put it on and it makes you look and feel divine, keep it and wear it. Listen to your inner stylist and go for what looks and feels great.
— Jess Zaino, New York-based stylist and fashion blogger.
"I have nothing to wear!" You know you’ve said it at some point – probably while you were surrounded by mounds of clothes and shoes. Sometimes, no matter how many items of clothing and accessories you own, pulling together a complete outfit can seem daunting. Most women only dream of uncluttered, walk-in closets, organized by style and color, each item tastefully coordinating with the next, allowing her effortlessly to create to a chic, personal style. This is not an impossible dream. All it takes is a little effort and self-discipline.
Mental Space
When contemplating a clear-out of your closet, Phillip Bloch, style expert, author of “The Shopping Diet” and star of ABC's "Cause Celeb" explains that it's important to have the right attitude before you begin.
"Make a date with yourself to do it," he suggests. "Get the mental aspect in place. Pick a day when you know it's going to be rainy or chilly or you're not going to want to go out. Get some music on, get yourself geared up, make it a fun event for yourself."
A lot of women struggle when facing their closets, whether it's because of guilt from overspending, not wanting to throw out clothes that evoke memories or wishful thinking that one day they’ll once again slip into a size two.
"It's all about getting yourself mentally set to do it," Bloch says. "Think positively about how much better you're going to feel after it's done. Get yourself psyched like an athlete going into the big game."
You also need to clear the rest of the room -- and prepare for the task. Make space for your throwaway pile and your donate pile. Get masking tape ready and a marker so you can label bags.
Back to Basics
When you look at your closet with a view to honing your style and ditching unnecessary clutter, Jess Zaino, New York-based stylist and fashion blogger, says it's vital to own some key basics.
"I believe in 'The 10,' " she explains. "These are the 10 essential pieces that are the foundation of every good wardrobe."
Zaino's perfect 10 include a fitted T-shirt; a crisp, white button-down shirt; a cashmere V-neck sweater; dark, flattering denim pants; business-chic work pants; a little black dress; a sheath dress suitable for work or play; a pop-of-color cocktail dress; a special piece of outerwear, like a classic trench coat; and a pair of flats to wear with everything.
Bloch believes that if you're not a style savant and not a big movie star with a lot of money, you have to try for personal style by carefully selecting your wardrobe basics. "Like if you're getting a little black dress, you want to get one with an interesting sleeve or an interesting neckline that makes you a little bit more chic, or go for one that's transformational. For example, I love the little sheath dress because you can layer it. Or say you wear a black suit, find a little pinstripe vest to go with it, or a pinstripe skirt so you can mix and match them," he says.
Keep in mind that the classic black suit doesn't have to be black; it can be navy, charcoal gray or brown, adds Bloch. "And the little black dress doesn't have to be black; it also can be navy -- or perhaps, deep plum or forest green."
Zaino also recommends using the basics as building blocks to develop your personal style. If you know a particular shape works for you, but you don't know how to make it look super stylish, think about sticking to plain pieces, chosen for structure and shape.
"Work from the 10," Zaino says. "If a girl has a ton of skinny jeans for example, she can vary looks with a basic tee in gray, navy, white, black or a vintage print, and then a structured blazer."
If you're more likely to wear a skirt, Zaino again suggests choosing simple shapes for your tops to balance the look. For example, if you’re looking to accentuate your body and show a bit more skin, pair your skirt with a fitted tee or cashmere sweater.
While you probably have a lot more than 10 basic items in your closet, what’s key is ensuring that you have a set of basics that really works for your body. If your jeans are too tight and give you a muffin top, they simply have to go. They'll make you feel uncomfortable and none of your clothes will look good with them. Your jeans should fit perfectly and flatter your figure. The same goes for each basic item. If it doesn't fit and flatter, get rid of it.
Other items that should go to Goodwill or your local exchange store are things you haven't worn in a while.
"If you haven't worn it for six months," Zaino says, "if it still has a tag on it, or any yellowing and frays, ditch it!"
But there are exceptions. If there's a beautiful dress or other item that you simply haven't had an opportunity to wear, you should hold on to it.
"If you put it on and it makes you look and feel divine," Zaino says, "keep it and wear it. Listen to your inner stylist and go for what looks and feels great."
Mirror, Mirror
Your inner stylist is desperate for you to listen, says Bloch – who doesn't believe that people don't know what items work for them.
“I call it 'damsel in distress' syndrome,” he says. "Those people who say 'oh, I don't know what looks good on me.' But if I stand them in front of a mirror with three jackets, they're going to know which one looks good. Ask yourself, does it look good on my waist, my arms, my hips? Go down your body. You can also always ask the salesperson in the store which jacket looks better and why. Ask questions."
If you're intimidated by finding the perfect basics or simply can't afford to renew those key items, find a great jacket that will pull together many outfits with style.
"Find a jacket that's great for your body," Bloch suggests. "Some people need a longer jacket -- and some people need a two-button jacket."
The clothing for your lower half, while generally more expensive than that for your upper half, doesn’t need to be as varied. You need only own a few pants and skirts – and have fun spending your money on lots of cheaper tops.
"I always say, if you have a great pair of jeans, a great black pant and a couple of skirts, people won't notice you're wearing the same black skirt all the time, especially with those fundamental basics, says Bloch. “You can wear them over and over again. I wear the same pants all the time. In general, I wear the same five pairs of pants all year long, but I have hundreds of shirts."
Finally, Bloch suggests putting rejected clothes in a labeled bag directly into the trunk of your car.
"Do not put them back in the closet." he warns. "Don't allow yourself to procrastinate. Put a date on the label and drop them at Goodwill or sell them on that date."
You need to be firm with yourself – and get rid of anything that makes you feel less than fabulous.
- Photo Credit Getty Images
