How To Edit Your Wardrobe
After a month of bacchanalian celebrations, the new year is the perfect time to cleanse the palette, start fresh, go back to basics. As we’re forced to return to real life and remember how to dress in an outfit somewhere in-between a party dress and pyjamas, a wardrobe edit is the perfect exercise to warm up those sartorial muscles.
And whilst it can feel incredibly cathartic at the time, you’ll reap the rewards of an edited wardrobe for the rest of the year, the greatest of which is time. Your closet plays as central a role in your daily schedule as your calendar and commute - when it isn’t considered and organised, you lose precious time. And we’re pretty sure no one’s resolutions include spending longer frantically digging through clothes trying to put an outfit together.
If it seems like a daunting task, then we’re here for you with our guide to carefully editing your wardrobe, setting you up to build a well-functioning collection that truly reflects you and your lifestyle.
What Is Your Motivation
It’s important to know that we’re not talking about an all-out coup here, entirely replacing the old guard with new dresses, jackets and tops - that is helpful neither to you nor the planet - but taking an inventory of what’s there, what’s working and what isn’t.The first step to editing your wardrobe is understanding why you want to edit it. Do you want to clear some space in your closet? Do you want to save time finding the pieces you really want to wear rather than sifting through those that have been sitting in your collection for years? Or are you gripped by a sudden urge to get rid of all your old stuff and start fresh?
Knowing what your goals are will help curb any excessive purging in the heat of the moment - there is nothing worse than the regret of realising you’ve tossed something that you actually want and/or need. Maintain a level head and keep your eyes on the prize.
Sort Out What’s Staying and What’s Going
As laborious as it sounds, it’s important to try everything on - it’s the best and only way to learn why you do and do not wear certain pieces. As you do, take some time and be honest: in that moment, does it fit well and flatter? Does it make you feel confident? If the answer is no, it has no business being in your wardrobe. On the plus side, you might find yourself rediscovering an old gem that you had unjustifiably been ignoring.
Remember, style - like any other part of you - evolves, so think about who you are now and what your lifestyle is as you go through your collection. Are you holding onto something because you used to love it, even though it doesn’t really work for who you are now? If a beloved piece is no longer relevant, it’s ok to say thank you for the memories and pass it on.
Once you’ve tried everything on, divide it into two piles: staying and going (that can be your local charity shop, a reselling platform or even your kids).
Does It Need To Go - Or Does It Just Need Some Care
Do you want to get rid of something because it’s starting to look a little sad?Taking some time to repair or restore old pieces can transform them entirely. Whether that’s taking it to a tailor to mend a hole or using a Cashmere Comb to remove any piling, a little clothing care can bring something worn back to life so that it can start working hard in your collection once again.
Take Stock Of What Your Have
Once you’ve sorted out what’s staying, what’s going and what needs mending, it’s time to organise your wardrobe properly.Knits should be stored folded, out of season pieces packed away and items arranged together by category so that you can clearly see what you have.
If there are any clear gaps or staples missing, then you can start shopping (if you’ve been selling old pieces on, use what you earn to invest in the perfect piece once you find it). And if you’re not sure what’s missing, go through the essentials…
Foundation Pieces
Any solid structure is built on strong foundations. Sartorially speaking, those are pieces that transcend trending fashion, that can be mixed-and-matched endlessly with other pieces to build looks and are made from the best quality to last. These include:
1) A perfect tee in basic colours - black, white, navy and grey. They will go with everything, always.
2) A classic jean in good quality denim and a flattering cut.
3) A well-cut shirt, or a blouse if you prefer something more fluid
4) A knit
5) A tailored suit, with a trouser in a cut that works best for your figure and a matching blazer that you can style as a set and as separates.
6) A dress
7) A coat
If you’re missing any of these, it’s worth taking the time to find the right piece, one in the right cut, colour and fabric for you. That way you can guarantee that you’ll keep it for years to come.
When You’re Making A New Purchase
After you’ve all the hard work, the last thing you want is to undo it all by buying lots of new pieces. So before you make a purchase, ask yourself a series of very important questions:
When will I wear this?
A modern, clever investment will work for multiple occasions, will look good dressed up and down, and will still appeal this time next year. If you can only picture yourself wearing it one way or for one event, then it’s not going to give you the return on investment. Put it back.
What will I wear this with?
A solid investment will be a natural fit with pieces that you already own. If what you’re trying on requires a whole new wardrobe (i.e. not yours) to go with it, it’s probably not the wisest choice. Put it back.
Does it make me feel confident?
The number one rule about clothing is that it should make you feel good about yourself. Highlight your best assets, pick colours that lift your skin tone and make you feel happy. Fashion can be fun as well as functional. If you feel uninspired when you put it on - put. It. Back.