how to edit your closet — *Image by @carmushka*

In this challenging and unusual time, many of us finally have a moment to look beyond our daily work and errands to more closely observe the state of our homes. While most of us are stuck inside, this is a unique opportunity to reflect on our living spaces, and specifically learn how to edit our closets, assessing ways to improve it.

In Meg’s process – when it comes to wardrobe reflection – she always starts with a closet edit. In order to make the process feel more achievable, we want to share some of my best tips and tricks on how to go about editing your closet. We believe that a successful closet edit gives not only a feeling of accomplishment but also provides a sense of structure in uncertain times.

How to Organize Your Closet

Organize Drawers
Take out all contents of your drawers and organize by workout, lounge, PJs, socks/tights & underwear. Try adding dividers and organizing by color to avoid ripping apart your drawers when looking for a specific item!
Edit By Category
Start by removing all clothes within your closet and relocating them to a rack or your bed. Create piles of blouses, tops, sweaters, pants, denim, skirts, dresses, and jackets.

Photo by Sarah Brown on Unsplash
Eliminate Pieces
Once you have your clothes in their respective categories, it should be much easier to see what you have. Ask yourself the following questions with each piece:

Am I wearing it or not?
If you aren’t wearing a piece because it doesn’t fit your lifestyle, it may be time to part ways with it. If you aren’t wearing a piece because you simply don’t know how, now is the time to use your resources. Utilize our how-to-wear section on M2M to guide you! We also have a search bar feature for you to search for keywords about specific pieces. Some great how-to-wear examples:
Waist Belts
Slip Dress
Chain Necklaces
Oversized Blazer
Camouflage

Is it modern?
For some, mixing vintage pieces with new provides a fresh take on a unique style. Look for fresh ways to wear old pieces, or retire them for good. Find out how to modernize skinny jeans.

Does it need to be replaced?
Often when we find an item we love, we wear it past it’s prime. Make note of well-loved pieces that are fraying, torn, or stretched and either purchase a duplicate or find a similar piece you can replace it with.

Is it flattering?
Maybe the bustline on your dress is too low. Maybe you bought a blouse with a risky silhouette that just doesn’t fall right on your figure. See if it can be tailored, or eliminate it.

Do I have duplicates?
It’s easy to accumulate similar pieces over time. If your closet is not properly organized, you can’t see everything you own. Go ahead and rid yourself of that third red blouse you bought because you couldn’t find the other two.

Does it fit?
A good rule of thumb is if an item is one size too big, it can certainly be tailored. If an item is only one size too small, most likely it can be let out. Anything that is two or more sizes too big or too small should be let go immediately. What should remain in your closet are pieces that you love, that support your lifestyle and flatter your body shape! If you can’t part with a special piece that no longer fits or flatters, try storing it elsewhere to create more closet space.
Put It All Back
Be thoughtful about how your pieces go back in your closet. This step is done differently by many, but Meg likes to put clothing back by silhouette and color. Not sure how? First organize by silhouette: tops, bottoms, dresses, etc. Then organize colors from light to dark. Prints and multi-colors can be included with their base color.
Organize Shoes & Bags
Eliminate any shoes that don’t fit your lifestyle, go with any of your clothing, or are too uncomfortable to wear. If you have uncomfortable shoes that you absolutely love, try taking them to a cobbler. For more information, check out our post on shoe and bag repair. Once edited, shoes and bags should be organized by either color or silhouette. Shoes and bags can be stored on designated shelves, racks, shoe pockets, cubbies, or clear boxes.
Organize Drawers
Take out all contents of your drawers and organize by workout, lounge, PJs, socks/tights & underwear. Try adding dividers and organizing by color to avoid ripping apart your drawers when looking for a specific item!

Want ideas on how to repurpose your pieces? Consider attending a swap meet, resale, or donating your clothes.

*Meg advises that all tailoring should be collected and taken to the tailor all in one go. Go ahead and get it DONE! Unworn clothes are wasted money and wasted space!