If you’ve ever flung open the doors of your wardrobe and thought “Grrrrrr…I have a wardrobe full of clothes and nothing to wear”, then this is for you. With all the wonderful new fashions in store you might be tempted to rush out and restock your wardrobe, but before you give the cards a workout consider this: an organised wardrobe is a manageable wardrobe. You will spend less time getting ready each day and you will know just what to wear for any situation, right down to shoes, bags and other accessories.
When you take a little time to review what you currently own and work out what else you might require to update your look it is time well spent. You may find you don’t even need anything new when you look at your existing items from a new perspective. If you need help with this enlist a few friends and – over some bubbles…or tea if that’s more your ‘cup of tea’ – get creative, try on things you never would have thought of putting together. Don’t be afraid to experiment…sometimes that’s when the best ideas appear!
The first 2 of the 4 R’s of wardrobe management: Retain | Repair/Revamp | Retire | Reinvest
One of the best things about taking a few hours to organise your wardrobe is that you will discover items that really are not working for you anymore whether its because your size has changed (and lets face it, we all go through body shape changes over time) or perhaps your needs are different now and the item just isn’t appropriate for your current lifestyle. Perhaps it’s just had its day… sometimes we just have to let go. If its outdated and/or just looking tired/stained/shabby then its time for it to retire.
1. RETAIN
You don’t have to work around it – it works for you. It stays in the wardrobe, but make it earn its keep! It must be able to coordinate with at least three other items in your wardrobe.
2. REPAIR/ REVAMP
Buttons missing, broken zipper, hems dropping. Too long or too short, a previous or hopeful size, dated in minor detail but in excellent condition overall. Take action! Send it to the repairers, apply your sewing kit, or find a great tailor/seamstress and have it altered or remodeled. Change the buttons, have it dyed, have the hem taken up/down, or lapels widened/narrowed. However, if you really can’t be bothered giving it the TLC it needs, then retire it.
Stay tuned for Part 2: how to retire (wardrobe items) gracefully and how to fill the gaps without spending a lot of time or money.
[…] 2 steps to spending less and wearing more of your wardrobe: 1) Review and 2) Repair/Revamp (click here to read Part 1). Now we take a look at the last 2 steps, removing those items that no longer work […]