Tips and Tricks for Organizing Your Closet and Reinvigorating Your Style.

It is commonly believed that one's personal presentation is a perfect reflection of their life. Meaning, if someones life is chaotic and disorganized then most likely their appearance will be too; and vice versa of course. The theory is not surprising when you consider the natural effects of such lifestyle: Organized people have more time to spend on their appearance and take less time in their preparation, while people with lives in chaos probably can't find a clean pair of socks. For those who strive to refine their style FineClothing.com recommends there is no better place to start than in the closet.

1. Start by Sorting:

The first step in organizing your closet calls for you to take everything out. That's right, you need to take it down to the bare bars. Take everything out, piece by piece, and sort each item into one of five piles: "Toss", "Fix", "Clean", "Sell / Consign", and "Keep".

Anything that is worn out, or damaged beyond repair should go in the "Toss" pile - clothes do not regenerate themselves, and they are not going to look any better six months from now.

Items with broken hems, small holes, missing buttons, or in need of alteration / resoling should go into your "Fix" pile and be addressed later; whether that means doing the repairs yourself, or dropping them off at the tailor / cobbler.

Any clothing that is dirty or soiled should go into your "Clean," or rather "To Be Cleaned" pile. These garments will need to either be washed or dry-cleaned depending on their care specifications.

Piece's that are out dated, or that you have never worn for one reason or another, but still have value should go into your "Sell / Consign" pile. Selling or consigning quality clothing that you no longer wear can be a great way of generating extra funding for your "closet renovation" or new wardrobe.

Hopefully, most of our clothing will end up in the "Keep" pile. All of your quality basics, signature items, and investment pieces should be present. These items, along with those in your "Clean" and "Fix" piles will be the only ones that make it back into the closet.

2. Create Storage Solutions:

Like any solid structure a well organized closet needs a good foundation. This means that there needs to be a designated place for everything. Take stock of the items you are keeping and consider your needs; Do you have a lot of long dresses? Then your will need a rack for long hanging garments. Do you have a lot of handbags or shoes? Then some solid shelving may be in order.

Adding built in shelving to a closet is a great way to maximize space, but if your budget is tight you can achieve the same effect with stackable Tupperware containers. Off-season items should be stored in sealed containers somewhere else outside of your closet (For example; under the bed, or in the basement /attic). This will help keep your closet clutter free and make room for the pieces you need now.

Avoid unwanted stretching and damage by storing your clothing on the appropriate hangers. Padded hangers are useful for knits that might stretch, wide hangers help support the shoulders of structured blazers and jackets, non-slip hangers are great for items with wide set or delicate shoulder straps, and trouser hangers can help you keep your pants looking well pressed.

3. Organizing Your Stuff:

Before it all goes back into the closet you should develop a system of organization for your items. We suggest you begin by sorting your collection by type: Long dresses, dresses, skirts, sweaters, blouses, tank tops, shorts, trousers, jeans, bags, shoes, belts, jewelry, etc. Grouping similar items together can make finding what you need much easier.

In addition, further subdividing your items and arranging them by color can be a great way of adding extra style points to your closet. Arranging your clothing by color may help you to realize that you wear too much black, or prefer a certain shade of green. This will give you better idea of what to look for, or avoid when shopping in the future.

Save room for hampers. You should have at least three hampers present in your closet; one for dirty clothing, one for items in need of dry cleaning, and one items that you plan to donate down the line.

4. Add the Finishing Touches:

The decoration of your closet should also be considered prior to putting things back in their place. Keep in mind that your closet has the potential to be equally as decorative as any other room in your house. You may want to add a splash of color on the back wall, a decorative chandelier to girly-it-up a bit, or some neat accents like a pretty cushy chair (given you have the space).

In an inspiring closet, even your storage solutions can be decorative. Consider covering your shoe boxes in some pretty fabric so that they all coordinate. Try a set of book ends to stabilize your handbag collection. Make a pretty peg board for displaying your belt collection.

Your closet should also include a full length mirror - but it doesn't have to be a plain one; consider something with a pretty frame, or an oversized statement mirror that leans against the wall. Not only will it it's reflective properties visually open up your space, but it will also make it easier for you to check out your outfits!

In addition, make sure that your space has flattering lighting. Diffused, lighting is usually best, well down lighting can accentuate flaws and add unwanted pounds.

By organizing your closet, you're really organizing yourself - so have fun with it and be creative! You deserve it!

Want to Sell or Consign Your Unwanted Designer Items?
Check out the Online Resale + Consignment Program @ FineClothing.com