Before you think about shopping, updating, or adding anything new, take a step back and look at what you already own through a closet clean out.
A thoughtful closet clean out is about understanding what’s really working, what’s sitting unused, and also what’s holding you back from enjoying your wardrobe
This is the first actionable step to Editing Your Wardrobe.
Why a Closet Clean Out Is Not the Same as Updating Your Wardrobe
Now it’s important to differentiate the two, a closet clean out is the first step to updating your wardrobe, and differs significantly. The purpose is to remove what no longer serves you, and then thoughtfully add what is aligned with who you are.
When you update your wardrobe, you shop! But how do you know if you need to do a closet clean out first before adding anything?
When a Closet Clean Out Is the Right Starting Point
- You feel overwhelmed by options
- Your closet feels full but you still have nothing to wear
- You feel as if your life and identity has shifted
What an Effective Closet Clean Out Actually Focuses On
- Function before style
- Real life versus an aspirational one
- Decreasing stress and confusion
- Wearability versus potential (special occasion pieces)
- Clarity above anything else
Steps to Cleaning OuT Your Closet
It starts with mindset!
- Start with your current lifestyle in mind
Let your routines and environment dictate what you keep and what you let go of - Move slowly and tackle one category at a time
Notice what styles you truly like and what you want to like - Think about your body
The goal is to dress for the beautiful body you have not the one you aspire to have - Sit with the result before adding anything new
Don’t shop yet, sit with what you have left and move forward when you begin to find styles that truly make you feel something
Action Steps to Clean Out Your Closet
Now put your mindset into action:
- Block out a good amount of time to be present when clearing out your closet
If you try to rush things, you won’t properly clean our your closet - Remove one category at a time and sort into piles
Go through each piece and put in keep, let go, pause piles. Use the foundations in Step One as guidance. - Put the keep items back intentionally
You want your most worn items to be easily accessible for day to day life - Revisit pause pile after a few days
Try on pieces to reassess how you feel in them, then add any you’re unsure about to the let go pile - Add the let go pile to a bag for donation
Donate or gift pieces that don’t align with you to friends, coworkers or family
The Next Step is to Update Your Wardrobe
Now that your wardrobe is free of unused pieces, the next step is to Update Your Wardrobe. You likely have gaps to fill and pieces you’ve had your eye on for some time, this is the fun part that brings everything you’ve been working on together.
In the next article, you’ll learn how to Update Your Wardrobe in 5 Easy Steps so you can take the clarity from your closet clean out, and turn it into a wardrobe you actually love.
