Closet Cleanout: Frame crop trench, similar here | Frame Le Pixie Flare jeans | Slingbacks, similar | Phone case
Your Closet Cleanout Checklist: 7 Easy Steps
I’ve helped many many women with their closets over the years, and there’s one mistake (almost) that everyone makes: having way too many things! Believe it or not, this actually makes getting dressed much more challenging. The number one thing I probably hear on a daily basis is “I have the hardest time making outfits.” Well, there are several reasons why, and I’ll be addressing them in the next couple of weeks. But, the first place to start is to assess what you already own. Several years ago, when I did my own closet remodel, as I moved every thing back in, each item had to “earn” its place!!
So, before you make any new purchases, I highly recommend cleaning out your closet. This is the perfect time of year to do it, and you will feel SO good when you’re done! Then you can actually see what needs to be replaced and what your needs are, and you can make room for fun, new purchases for the coming year.
Today’s post is about 7 closet organization tips I’ve learned throughout my career. They’re really useful, and I’m happy to share them with all of you. Trust me, having a pared down, highly edited wardrobe makes getting dressed much easier. Keep reading for a little closet inspo, and a few ideas on what to keep and what to toss. Happy organizing!
Closet Inspo
Light fixture | Marble tray | Hangers | Jewelry box | Steamer | Diptyque oval | Acrylic stand | Laundry Basket | Shelf organizer | Candle
**BEFORE YOU START**
There is one item everyone “needs” and that’s a rolling rack! It’s a total game changer, and it’s under $50
01. Empty everything out of your closet – And I mean everything. I usually do one section at a time.
02. Clean! I like to use this everyday cleaner in either Lavender or Peony. It’s made with plant-derived ingredients, essential oils and other thoughtfully formulated ingredients. Secret tip: Use wax paper to rub over your closet rods. It makes your hangers glide easily, and works on metal or wood rods.
03. Review every piece of clothing by category. Go through everything one by one, starting with denim. If you haven’t worn something in a while, ask yourself why. Keep going with all the categories. It’s tedious, but it sure feels good!
04. Make three piles: Donate, Alter/Repair and Return. Remove anything you won’t wear in the coming months. In case you have things with tags still on — there’s a reason and it’s highly likely they should be returned! Everyone has things that need repairing or altering – make a pile and get it done!
05. Start putting things back. This of course is personal preference, and I usually recommend doing it by category. However, in my own closet, I have each section by color with all the categories mixed up. Organize it however you like it.
06. Colorize! This was the first thing I learned on day one at Nordstrom. It makes everything look so much better. Go light to dark 🙂
07. Keep it seasonal. If you can find the room, separating your clothes by season is super helpful. It’s another way to thin things out that in turn will make it easier to get dressed.
Bonus: Matching hangers is the single best thing you can buy for your closet. It’s an instant change, and you’ll immediately feel more organized. I use these wood ones, and I also think velvet is really pretty. Just today, I spotted these acrylic ones you might prefer.
A Peek into Susie’s Closet
Several years ago, I completely overhauled my closet. Read about it here
#1 What I’m keeping/tossing: starting with denim
Tossing: Super skinny jeans with low rises, poorly fitting styles I don’t feel cute in and anything not worn in months
Adding/keeping: Skinny jeans that aren’t super skinny, petite jeans, straight leg styles, full length, dark denim and écru
TWP blazer | Frame Le Pixie Flare jeans | Gucci slingbacks
If you’re like me, then you’re most likely rotating through 3-4 pairs of jeans at any given time. That’s why it’s best to toss anything you haven’t worn in a while, or jeans you don’t feel good in. Same with anything that’s dated, like low-rise denim. While you’re at it, review your white denim and toss it if it looks dingy! Since denim is the backbone of our wardrobes, the pairs you do own should fit perfectly. P.S. We don’t need dozens of jeans – just a handful 🙂
Currently on my radar
#2 Jackets and Blazers
Tossing: Super oversized blazers, army jackets (storing for now), fitted coats
Adding/keeping: Faux fur, leopard coat or jacket, barn jackets, and peacoats, gently oversized blazers and cropped trench coats
Cinq a Sept Holly jacket | Michael Stars white tank | Peyton jeans (faves) | Sandals | Clare V. bag
Coats and jackets have a long life span — in other words, they stay in style for many years. But, every now and then, it’s good to review and remove anything that hasn’t been worn in a while. Yesterday, I realized the utility jackets I used to love are starting to feel a little dated, so for now, I’ll set them aside. This season I’m loving cropped jackets similar to this splurge one or the one I’m wearing above, which is an all time favorite.
Currently on my radar
#3 Shoes
Tossing: Shoes I haven’t worn in over a year, chunky styles, and anything that looks dated
Adding/keeping: Slingbacks, Pointy toe shoes, leopard anything, designer-inspired wedge shoes, neutral shoes, loafers and sneakers
Veronica Beard blazer | Chanel slingbacks, similar here | COH jeans | Naghedi tote
For the first time in a long time, I took all my shoes out of boxes, and now I can see the entire collection. But I didn’t want to keep the old ones I’ll most likely never wear again, so off they went into a donate pile. Shoes I wear on repeat: Gucci loafers, these sneakers, and these boots. Everyone should own a gold sandal like these. When it comes to neutral shoes, make sure to have several pairs since they go with everything. Ones I wear all the time include this pump and this sandal.
Currently on my radar
#4 Lingerie/Pajamas
Tossing: Stretched out bras and shapewear, dingy panties, old camis and mismatched pjs
Adding/keeping: Soft and comfy everyday bras, new shapewear, matching pjs, silk robes, and fave Bliss thongs
Silk robe | Necklaces: Zoe Chicco and Gigi Clozeau
For some reason, lingerie drawers tend to fill up quickly — not really sure why! Since it’s easier to have several well-fitting, comfortable bras to choose from, just toss your old ones. The Wacoal Softly Styled bra is still the one I reach for daily, and this bra that does lifting magic is an all time favorite! The only panties I recommend are Natori Bliss thongs, Chantelle Soft Stretch panties in any of the styles (a stylist favorite) and Spanx lace ones. Of course, let’s not forget shapewear — this and this are the ones I’m keeping in my drawer. Refreshing your sleepwear feels SO good, considering these below!
Currently on my radar
#5 T-shirts and knits
Tossing: Tees with holes or stains; graphic tees I’m no longer wearing
Adding/keeping: Fresh white tees, stripe tees, Anine Bing tees, and simple long sleeved tees
ATM tee | Spanx wide leg pants, petite sizes here |1/2 zip over shoulders | Sandals | Naghedi tote
I’m still puzzled as to why holes appear in strange places on our tees, but when they do, it’s time to toss! I still love ATM tees (I just refreshed my own), and I love this Veronica Beard puff sleeve style. If you like a v-neck, this one by Frame is a stylist favorite. I always love a good stripe, and having a simple long sleeve and turtleneck will give you lots of layering options. Remember, t-shirts aren’t outfit makers, so you only need a handful. I probably have less than 10, including graphic tees.
Currently on my radar
#6 Sweater Organization
Tossing: Pilled and stretched out sweaters, old sweaters not worn in years — we all have them!
Adding/keeping: Cashmere, simple tees, J.Crew cardigans, cashmere hoodies and gray sweaters
Veronica Beard stripe sweater | Spanx pants
I think we all agree: we ALL have too many sweaters! Toss any pilled and stretched out styles, and replace with classic ones like this $50 lightweight cashmere tee or this hoodie. I recently purchased this Vince basic one and have worn so many times. Stripe sweaters are always in style, and if you like jacket cardigans, J.Crew makes the best ones — I recommend the Juliette (which runs large so size down). Sweater organization is key!
Currently on my radar
#7 Accessories
Tossing: Dated, printed scarves, old jewelry that’s out of style, bags not worn in a while
Adding/keeping: a classic black and brown belt, elevated print and solid scarves, updated bags, and wear-every day jewelry
Kinross jacket | Dior scarf | Bag | Mother jeans | Gucci slingbacks
Good organization is key when it comes to accessories and bags. This is another category that likely needs a good edit! I have three scarves I wear regularly: this camel wrap, this black one, and this Gucci one. Also, a couple of belts is really all you need, and this Madewell studded one is amazing…I also love this one from Rag & Bone. When it comes to bags, totes are practical and stylish, and this YSL one is a favorite…similar more affordable version here. Go through all your pieces, and edit, edit, edit. It feels so good! 🙂
Currently on my radar
Hope you found this closet organization post helpful! Thank you for reading xx
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