Detoxing your Wardrobe is always loaded with emotion. What to keep? What to go? Sometimes the sheer sight of your wardrobe can be overwhelming too.
The style team at CHIC in the City have battled tug-of-wars with our Wardrobe Detox clients over the years now and consoled weeping one's terrified of letting go of road-weary fashion ‘sentimentals’. We now have it down to a fine art and wanted to share some tips to help you get started. Of course, if it is all too much, we are only ever a phone call away...
Here's our quick guide to wardrobe editing the hardcore way:
BAG IT Have the following large bags ready for sorting garments into:
- Archive - its too soon to say goodbye to these fashion faux pas. Remove them from the wardrobe and file as sentimental.
- Reinvent and alterate - they still have life they just need updating.
- Sell - never forget the power of eBay if you have a designer item that could still be worth something. Reinvest the money from selling your garments into new ones. If you're not into eBay, don't forget second hand designer stores too!
- Donate - wearing these garments are embarrassing. Listen to your inner voice.
- Dump - even Vinnies and Salvation Army would refuse these. They are worn, stained, torn, have lost shape and colour.
KNOW YOUR BODY TYPE
Before you edit your wardrobe take a honest look at your silhouette or the the contour of your bodyshape. Get to know it and you will know how to flatter it. Check out our five part series How to Dress for your Shape (as featured in our blog) as a guide before you get started. Some of us may be a combination of a couple of body shapes such as a mix of a triangle body shape and hourglass. Get to know the right shape for your frame and draw attention to the best parts. A lady with personal style is confident in her body shape - she knows it and how to work it and is sexier as a result. RUTHLESSLY SELECT
Weeding out your wardrobe requires a draconian mentality! Be focused and merciless. Now ask yourself the following:
1. Has it seen daylight in the past 12 months? Golden rule: If you don't use it - Lose it!
2. Does it fits perfectly and is well cut?
3. Is the colour flattering? If it is you'll usually be complimented when wearing it.
If you answer NO to any of the above, then add it to the bag pile. Still deciding if its days are done or there is still life in the old garment? Perhaps its not in high rotation because it needs a few tweaks. Consider alterations. A good tailor can update a look with a few tucks or a new hem. Or why not invest in a professional dyeing service such as Culla Change. Make those blacks look as good as new.
STORAGE SOLUTIONS How can you find anything to wear if you dont know what's in your wardrobe? Ideally you want to be able to see what you have at a glance. If space is tight, store seasonally to make room. Homeware stores have a great selection of storage options which are worth investing in to help ensure your closet is less chaotic and organised. Check-out Ikea for excellent options.
Get organised
- Wooden Hangers - for jackets and coats - these help the shoulder line
- Pant hangers for skirts and pants
- Plastic hangers for shirts, pants and skirts
- Soft padded hangers for silk blouses and delicate dresses
- Store all shoes in their boxes or invest in a clear shoe boxes such as PinkLily
- Return all wire hangers to the dry cleaners. Never hang your clothes on wire hangers.
If you are still pruning and closet sweeping after 48 hours, it's time to call in the experts.
CHIC in the City team offers a Wardrobe Detox in 2 hours (yes super efficient) at $380.00 which includes a personalised style profile and a killer attitude.
