Get Your Closet Ready For Fall

This is my dream closet. If only . . .

Seasons are changing, which means it is time to take inventory of our closets. I do this twice a year in-depth. Every September and every March I carve out a few hours and look at every single item of clothing I own. It really helps you get ready for the season due to the following:
- You find things you forgot about.
- Purging your closet of clothes that don't fit or are worn out will make it a cleaner, more spacious place to keep your clothes.
- You get a real picture of what you need.

Your closet shouldn't stress you out. If it does, then you need to go through it and get rid of the offending items and go purchase the ones you need.

Tips for cleaning out your closet after the jump.


1. Get into an objective headspace.
Do not be emotional about your clothes. I understand holding onto something that has a really important moment attached ( I will never get rid of the dress I was wearing the night I got engaged, I don't care if it is reduced to thread), but just because you once had a really fun night in a top doesn't make it magical. If you are too sentimental, then enlist the help of a friend or even boyfriend. Hell, if you live in Charlotte and need an unbiased eye, email me and I will come help.

2. If you haven't worn it in a year and it isn't a formal gown or a cocktail dress, get rid of it.
My mother was even more strict about this, if she couldn't remember the last time I wore something or it had been more than 6 months, the item went to Goodwill where it would get used. Be honest with yourself- if you didn't wear something last fall, are you really going to wear it this fall? Probably not. Stop hoarding and give the sweater to someone who needs it.

3. If you haven't worn it in the last two months, try it on.
You need to know how something fits so you can know whether it is worth the real estate in your closet.

4. If it doesn't fit or isn't comfortable, give it away.
Wearing clothes that are too tight isn't comfortable and you should always feel good in your clothes. And holding on to stuff that doesn't fit will just make you think about the fact that it doesn't fit when you see it in your closet. We don't need that reminder every morning- it is just frustrating. Let go of the ghost. Make room for clothes that you feel good in, regardless of the number on the label.

5. Take a look at the condition of your clothes.
How long have you had it? Does it have holes that can't be mended, stains that won't come out or a shape that isn't what it used to be? If so, it is time to throw it out. Wearing clothes past their prime makes it look like you haven't taken the time to notice what you put on your body. And if you have noticed the stains/holes/stretched out neck then other people have too.

6. Make a list of things that you need.
These can be replacements of things that you have given up or things you realized you don't have that you could really use. After you take the time to look at every item in your closet, shopping will be much much easier.

7. Go Shopping!