Closet Refresh, Step One: If it doesn't fit, let it go!

Doing a closet refresh every season is so important - as much as I love clothing, I’d rather none of us be the next guests on Hoarders.

The start of a season (or just before it, ideally), is a great time to take stock of what you have before you start with adding anything. Before you add, take away and then figure out what you might actually need.

The best first step to a closet refresh is to try everything on, especially the things that have been collecting dust over the past few months at the back of the closet. Ladies, if it doesn’t fit any longer, it might be time to let it go (and by that I mean, LET IT GO, unless it’s something you can alter and make work for your shape and your life. NOW. Not in the future when you may or may not lose weight - does that sound familiar?)

Trust me, I’ve been there and I can certainly relate. Keeping those “skinny” jeans that you hope you’ll one day fit again. Those items that will serve nothing except to torture you - so get rid of them and buy jeans that fit your current size, not the size you might be in future. Let future you worry about that.

I also recommend doing this in steps and batches - try all of your jeans on. Then move on to other pants. Skirts. Tops. Blazers. Jackets. If you sift through by type you’ll be much less intimidated and overwhelmed and it will make parting with things a whole lot easier.

The only time I will tell a client to keep something is if it’s too big and can be altered to make it fit your body better (I also love things to be oversized, so some things might fall into this category).

This is also a good time to figure out what brings you joy - just because you have it and it fits doesn’t mean you should keep it around.

Things to consider and ask yourself as you go through this process:

• Does this item suit my body shape?

• Does this item suit my current personal style?

• Do I even like it?

• Can I alter it to make it better?

• Does it need to be cleaned?

• Is it in good shape or is it worn out?

• Will I wear this in the next couple of weeks? Months? If not, it might be time to part with it.

Clothing aside, this is also a great time to have a peek through your accessories and shoes and do a nice inventory of those as well - as you did above, decide what needs to go, what needs to be repaired, cleaned, etc.

Another helpful tip - if you’re not working with a stylist, ask a friend to help you with this process. And pick a friend who will be helpful and honest.

As I mentioned above, I also highly recommend breaking out this process into a few steps - unless you’re feeling really inspired and charged, this can be done in a few sessions over the course of a couple of weeks, instead of in one go that can easily overwhelm and annoy you. I personally do small batches just for that reason, or I’d be there forever and a day if I attempted a single major purge - that is much easier to do with a stylist, as having that persons for various levels of support really does help so much.

Ok then gals, who’s coming over to help me????

As for you, I’m here if you need the help. My Closet Refresh just might be the perfect service for you, and we can even attempt some of it over zoom. You can see all of the details of what I offer HERE.

I hope this was helpful, and I encourage you to get in touch with any questions. Step Two of the Closet Refresh is coming up soon, so I hope you check back and follow along on Instagram too - and please share with friends and coworkers who might find these tips helpful. https://www.instagram.com/aldonabcreative/

xo Aldona B