These days whenever people hear the phrase “wardrobe detox” they immediately run to their closets and lock the doors. With the rise of the minimalist mentality, you know the less is more so get rid of all your clothes you materialistic P.O.S., I don’t blame them. When I refer to the term “wardrobe detox” it’s not about getting rid of clothes to simply have less. It’s more about curating your closet leaving you with clothes you love to wear. The secret to impeccable style is to have a wardrobe filled with clothes that work. I’m sure you’ve heard that before, but frankly that’s a little vague. So here is my interpretation of exactly what that means. Clothes that work:
- Flatter your body in a way that makes you feel and look amazing
- Align with the life you currently lead and aspire to
- Can be worn in various ways from season to season saving you money and time
Simply put they work. So if you’re ready to have a closet that works for you, keeping reading. For those of you who don’t like to read I have you covered, watch my wardrobe detox video at the end of the post!
How to do a meaningful Wardrobe Detox:
- Remove everything from your closet. If you’re on a time crunch then just work through your wardrobe in sections removing all of the items in whatever category you’re focusing on. Now why do we do this? Because it allows you to think of this as a fresh start for your style and the possibilities of what it can evolve into are endless.
- Discard anything that is damaged beyond repair. Does your favorite tee have pit stains that have been there for years? Yeah, that’s gotta go. Make a list of anything that you are in love with that is severely damaged with the store, brand, style and size so you can replace it if possible. There are a few reasons to do this step first. It makes the pile of clothes you need to try on smaller. You can finally get rid of clothes that are taking your style game down. And it helps you identify items you like, items you don’t, and the biggest causes of what’s ruining your clothes.
- Try on everything that’s left. And yes I mean everything from the bras to the shoes, all of it! As you’re trying on these things ask yourself these questions:
- Is it dirty or damaged in any way? If so will you take the time to fix it? Odds are if it’s made it this far with the issue you won’t fix it and the item should be donated. Be realistic with yourself, it’s okay to say I’m too lazy to get the zipper on those jeans fixed.
- Does it fit? This means that you can move in it how you want to without having to fuss with it. It isn’t pinching or so large you look like you can fit 3 other people in it or too short that you flash people when you bend over.
- Do I love the way it looks on me? Listen to your gut here. YOU have to like the way you look! If you aren’t feeling something let it go no matter how cute your friends claim it is.
- Does it work for my lifestyle and style image? Make sure that it works for your everyday activities, with the exception of special occasion pieces, and aligns with your style goals. If you’re going for sophisticated odds are that crochet cardigan can be donated.
If the answer to all those questions is yes for a garment, then it’s a keeper! Reward yourself by putting that baby back in your closet. This can be a tough process ladies. Especially because we like to hoard items that we believe have sentimental value even though they don’t work for us. Though it can be hard, realize that purging these clothes from your closet doesn’t remove the memory or goal it stood for. The end result of doing a wardrobe detox is to have a closet of clothes that you love and endless possibilities! Some last things to remember as you’re going through this process are:
- If you’re unsure if something is unflattering take a picture. Cameras don’t lie.
- Pay attention to any items that you feel are missing, whether you donated it because what you had didn’t fit or it was so dirty you had to get rid of it. Make a running list of “gaps” that you notice.
- Note the clothes you dislike as much as the ones you do like, it will come in handy later to reduce time and money spent shopping.
And that’s all she wrote, everything you need to know to detox your wardrobe. Need more personalized help? Schedule a complementary consultation today by e-mailing thelilmissjb@gmail.com. If you found this helpful be sure to share it with a friend! Make sure you check out Part 2 of the Refining Your Style Series.
This is the best and most in-depth advice on redefining your wardrobe. Thank you so much! One of the biggest problems you address is the repeat offender problem…buying the same type of clothing article that you don’t like any of the times that you buy it, but you keep buying it. And taking photos? Brilliant!
You’re so welcome Regina, I’m glad you found it helpful. Many people end up buying the “repeat offenders” because they don’t truly know their style and get caught up in “must have basics” or current trends that don’t really work for them.
Great tips for cleaning out your wardrobe so you have pieces you’ll wear over and over again that look great on you! I never thought about taking a picture of yourself, but it’s a fantastic idea so you can see exactly how it looks on you.
It’s funny that most people don’t think about taking a picture of something even though majority of us plan to post pictures of ourselves on some form of social media. I’m glad you stopped by Brooke!
This is a great article. I started with socks today :-), will continue.
Visiting via #passion4fashion. I would be pleased if you visit me at my blog.
Greetings from Elegant 40!
Martina I’m glad you shared and brought up a great point! A lot of people forget to look at their socks, underwear, etc when doing a wardrobe detox even though we wear these items EVERY DAY! They are just as important as any other part of our wardrobe.
I love the Cher pic! Hee hee! #bestmovieever … I’m in the middle of a closet clean out. And to be honest for me, it’s mostly about looking for excuses to shop more. LOL.
Thanks for linking up with Fun Fashion Friday!
OXOX
Dawn Lucy
http://fashionshouldbefun.blogspot.com
Since Clueless is one of my favorite movies I had to include a picture. You bring up something I run into very often Dawn so I’m glad you stopped by to share. In cleaning out our closets, many rush to re-fill it back up with clothes that they most likely just got rid of. I actually will be doing a post soon on how to analyze your closet for gaps to create a meaningful shopping list.
Great post! I am keeping it : > Thanks for linking, xo
-Patti
http://notdeadyetstyle.com
I so need to sort out my wardrobe!It’s so true about seeing an outfit in a photo shows us just how flattering it is! Great tips!
Great tips girly!! Thanks for linking up for Style It Friday. xo ~ Megan The Fashionista Momma
Oh my goodness, I definitely need to do this but I’m so scared!!!!
Eeek!
x. Sabrina | Simply Sabrina
Thanks for linking up to Top of the World Style. That closet looks very organized.
I am getting ready to begin sorting through my closet soon, so this post was very timely for me. Great tips on how to decide what makes the cut. Thanks for sharing with Fabulous Friday and have a wonderful weekend!
Great tips! This is something I definitely need to get going. I have such a hard time getting rid of clothing and everytime I do it, it’s not long before I should do it again.
Thanks so much for linking up with Friday Favorites! Hope you have an amazing week ahead of you!
Christie
The Closet by Christie
Great advice and easy to follow, I really need to clean out my closet soon. Stopping by from #TurnItUpTuesday