walk in closet with organized clothes and shoes

Unlock the secrets to a stylish, intentional, and functional closet

A well-curated closet means that it’s easy to not only be stylish but also intentional and functional. It allows you to put together well-thought-out outfits that stand the test of time and also reflect your style. Read on, as we explore some practical tips for not only organizing your closet but also streamlining it to ensure you have a seamless dressing experience every day.

Set Yourself Up For Greatness: Declutter! 

First things first, before you can enjoy a functional closet, it’s essential to declutter! We recommend setting aside an afternoon (or a full day depending on the size of your closet) to take everything out of your closet, then go through and assess each item. Ask yourself the following: 

-Does it fit well?
-Do you like/love it?
-Have you worn it in the past year? 
-Is it sentimental, but outdated?

For items that no longer serve you, you can sell them to make a little extra cash or donate them. Alternatively, if you have clothes that you love or are sentimental, but you simply don't wear them anymore, you can get them made into t-shirt quilts. This is a great way to still keep and make use of clothing you’re no longer wearing and free up some space in your closet. 

If decluttering your wardrobe feels like an overwhelming task, try using the KonMari Method. Follow Marie Kondo's famous decluttering method by asking yourself if each item sparks joy. If not, thank it for its service and let it go. Alternatively, try the Hanger Test: Turn all your hangers backward at the beginning of the year. As you wear items, hang them back up normally. By the end of the year, you'll easily be able to see which clothes you didn't wear, making it simpler to decide what to donate or discard.

Define Your Style

Now you have space in your wardrobe, it's time to define your style. Take some time to consider what colors, silhouettes, and fabrics you feel the most drawn to, and what you feel the most comfortable in. If this is new territory for you, look for inspiration in magazines or on social media. Consider creating a Pinterest board to collate your findings. Once you've identified some common themes or elements, you'll gain a clearer understanding of your style. This makes it easier to curate a wardrobe that reflects who you are, and who you want to be.

Invest in High-Quality Basics

Building a functional closet starts with a foundation, and high-quality basics serve as this foundation. Look for versatile pieces like tailored blazers, crisp white shirts, classic denim jeans, and little black dresses that can be dressed up or down for any occasion. These timeless staples will serve as building blocks that you can use to create an endless array of outfit combinations. 

Play with Statement Pieces 

While the basics form the foundation of your wardrobe, don't forget to now inject some personality, and get creative with statement pieces. These can include bold prints, vibrant colors, or unique accessories that add interest and individuality to your outfits. Fashion should be fun, so don't be afraid to try something new. 

Experiment by mixing and matching your basics with statement pieces to create a range of looks that you can reach for in a hurry. If you prefer a more minimalist look, opt for a statement necklace, a colorful scarf, or a pair of statement shoes. Adding one eye-catching piece can add some fun and personality to even the simplest of looks. 

Get Organized

If you're looking to save time in the morning, your wardrobe must be not only curated, but organized. Consider investing in storage solutions like bins, baskets, shelves, or hanging organizers that keep everything neat. Arranging by category and color can create a visually appealing wardrobe that makes it easy to get dressed each day. Keep your basics easily accessible and go from there. Save space by packing away occasion items that you don't wear often. 

Rotate Seasonal Items 

To keep your wardrobe fresh and functional year-round, it’s important to rotate seasonal items. If you’re picking an outfit for summer, yet having to wrestle past winter coats and boots, of course, it's going to take more time. Instead, store off-season clothing in bins or garment bags to free up space for season-appropriate items. This helps you to stay organized and means that you can easily see your options laid out before you! 

By decluttering, defining your style, investing in basics, organizing efficiently, and rotating seasonal items, you can create a stylish and functional closet that makes getting dressed each day a breeze. With a curated wardrobe that reflects who you are and meets your everyday needs, you'll feel confident and empowered to express yourself through your style choices.