It's liberating to do a personal closet clean out. But not only liberating, it can solve the "I have a wardrobe of clothes and nothing to wear' problem. I recommend you tackle the task at least twice a year at the end of each season. Why at the end of each season? Because you are still in the dressing mode of the season you are heading out of, so you can more definitively decide what :

* To Keep
* To Maybe Keep or
* To Recycle

However, a wardrobe clean-out can be done anytime. If you find yourself thinking, "I don't have anything to wear," regardless of the season, following this system will help you rediscover your existing clothes and identify what new items you need to enhance your wardrobe—and lift your spirits.

The 80/20 Rule of Your Wardrobe

You've likely heard of the 80/20 rule. It applies to your wardrobe too: most of us wear 20% of our clothes 80% of the time. An organized wardrobe is not a luxury—it saves time, money, and often, sanity. Clutter can create confusion and overwhelm, clouding your daily decisions about what to wear and making the process longer than necessary. An organized wardrobe gives you the confidence to step out feeling great in clothes that suit your style.

How to Clean Out Your Wardrobe

Step 1: Pull Out Seasonal Pieces

Start by pulling out all the pieces from the current season. Yes, all of them. You might even find a forgotten treasure!

Step 2: Be Ruthless and Honest

Clear out anything damaged, ill-fitting, or that doesn’t make you feel great. Even beloved items that no longer suit your lifestyle or body shape must go. If you haven’t worn it this season, why would you next?

Step 3: Create Three Piles - Keep, Maybe, Recycle

Keep Pile

• Items that make you feel fabulous, fit correctly, are in good condition, and have been worn recently.

Maybe Pile

• Items you need until you can replace them or those you can’t part with yet. Sentimental pieces or items you're striving to fit back into should be stored away.

Recycle Pile

• Anything damaged or in poor condition should go straight into a garbage bag. Items in good condition but no longer suited to your lifestyle or body shape, or that don’t match anything else in your wardrobe, should be donated to charity or sold. Be bold and decisive!

What to Do with Giveaways

There’s a woman out there who would love to wear the clothes you no longer need. I donate mine to the Riverland Women’s Shelter, and they are always appreciative. Donate yours to your favorite charity—there’s at least one in every town.

Once you’ve given them away, you’ll:

a. Experience the positive feeling of helping someone else. b. Forget all about those pieces.

An overflowing wardrobe full of unworn items is a waste on many levels:

• Waste of space
• Waste of clothing not being worn
• Waste of a new potential outfit undiscovered

Embrace the process of cleaning out your wardrobe and enjoy the benefits of a clutter-free, organized, and stylish closet. Happy decluttering!

Time to Play: Styling Your Keep Pile

Now that you have sorted your wardrobe, it’s time to focus on your Keep pile. Try on these pieces, but this time pair them with items you haven't thought to coordinate with before. Treat this as your personal "play time"! In the privacy of your room, with only the mirror as your audience, you can experiment freely and discover new combinations. You might be surprised at the fresh outfits you can create.

Capture Your New Looks

Here’s a handy tip: when you create a new outfit that you love, take a photo. This way, you have a visual record of your newly styled outfit and won’t have to rely on memory the next time you’re getting dressed.

Identifying Gaps in Your Wardrobe

During this process, you’ll likely identify some gaps in your wardrobe. Perhaps you need a dressy casual top that can be paired with pants, skirts, and jackets. Or maybe a basic layering piece in a coordinating color to wear under jumpers and jackets. Consider adding versatile items like a blazer, great jeans, a scarf, jewelry, casual pants, or a basic colored knit to extend your current range.

So, right now......

Have a serious look at your wardrobe and decide if it is saying ‘help me’ and if that answer is YES then allocate at least 2 hours to your wardrobe blitz. You'll be happy you did!

Happy Wardrobe Blitzing!

Bron