HOW TO DETOX YOUR WARDROBE.... (PART 1)

The New Year is here! That makes it the perfect opportunity to audit your wardrobe and get organised...

AVOID THIS!

A disorganized and cluttered wardrobe can turn the simple task of getting stylishly dressed every morning into a challenge. If your wardrobe is not in order you will likely spend more time searching for clothes than actually getting ready; a disorganized wardrobe can make you lose visibility of what you actually own, causing you to buy more of what you probably already have, and making it very difficult to style outfits when getting dressed....that will explain why some people have 10 pairs of black pants in their wardrobe!

Studies show that the majority of us only wear 20 % of our clothes 80 % of the time. The clothes that get the most usage are usually items that we’ve received the most compliments on, items that we look and feel great in, or our favourite items that’re on high rotation and at the front of our wardrobes (it saves us from delving into the dark, scary and unworn corners of our wardrobes). What a waste of money and wardrobe space, not to mention the reduced selection. No wonder so many women complain that they have nothing to wear, even when their wardrobe appears to be full.

So, when it comes to a New Year wardrobe detox, prepare to be brutal. If you haven't worn something in the last two years, chances are you’ll never wear it again, so throw it in the bin or donate to charity!

GO THROUGH YOUR ENTIRE WARDROBE AND CREATE 5 PILES:

Start by assessing all garments. Any items that have not been worn for two years or more should be donated unless it is maternity or occasional wear like wedding outfits etc.

Pile 1: KEEP

All the all items that are in good condition and that you currently wear (you should be able to think of at least 3 different ways or occasions that you could wear each item). This is not the place for ‘when I lose five kilos’ items, or maybe if I get invited for High Tea or a wedding I’ll wear these items - I’m personally guilty of buying items on sale and thinking that they will be great items in my wardrobe once I’ve lost my 5kg... This is also not the place for 10 of the same rarely-worn items. Be ruthless, it’s actually fun!!

It also helps to try sorting them out into distinct categories: UNDERWEAR, TOPS, JACKETS, KNITS, PANTS & SHORTS, DRESSES & SKIRTS, SHOES, ACCESSORIES and BAGS.

Once you’ve decided what you’re keeping, show your clothes some TLC by using only good-quality hangers. If you don’t enough of them bin the crappy wire ones and head to the shops for some new ones.

PILE 2: DRYCLEANING

Corporate work suits and men’s shirts should be professionally dry-cleaned every 3 months. All winter coats and jackets need to be piled in the dry cleaning box, as well as all winter knitwear to be washed and piled for a new and fresh look...

Pile 3: REPAIR

For all of the clothes that need to be repaired, taken in, taken up or taken out at some time, create a pile. Personally (I know myself) I am not a fixer (sorry Mom, it’s just not my thing!), so only if it’s my absolute favourite thing will I take it to a tailor or seamstress. But if you are skilled with a needle and thread, and the item of clothing meets all of the KEEP criteria but just has a small and fixable flaw, then place it on this pile...and pledge to actually mend it in the next 2 weeks!

PILE 4: DONATE

Rather than just throwing out clothes consider donating them to a local charity such as The Salvation Army, Vinnies or if you want to contact me I can collect any corporate clothes for Dress for Success. Your clothes could make a difference and it’s a great feeling knowing you’re doing something that will help others. This step can be really hard for some of us, but just remember that throwing things out will make you feel liberated – after all, a clear wardrobe equals a clear mind.

PILE 5: CHUCK

If it doesn’t belong on piles one through four, guess where it goes?

DON’T PANIC – HELP IS AT HAND!

Above all – don’t panic!! It can be intimidating to take on a wardrobe detox, particularly if you haven’t done it for a while. The good news is that a wardrobe assessment and cleansing service with Belle Allure can overcome this problem.

Delrené will come to your home, and teach you how to assess your wardrobe bit by bit. Delrené will help you to sort your clothing into the five piles. Then you will learn ways of mixing and matching your existing pieces, putting together outfits you never knew you had. We will help you to look at yourself differently, teaching and guiding you through the process. This service is a minimum of 3 hours and includes looking at, and trying on accessories, shoes and belts. We will also give you advice on clothing you should add that will combine well with your existing wardrobe helping you achieve the style you wish while dramatically increasing the amount of choices, but the emphasis will be on what you can do with what you have, therefore saving you money.

For more information check out our Bookings page