Back to basics: How to makeover your wardrobe

WE cling to certain things for emotional reasons, but the more clothes we have, the more we have to move, organise or store. So it’s good to take stock of your wardrobe at least twice a year and makeover your wardrobe. But how do you decide on what to keep or what to throw out?

If you have the space to keep your past purchases, then do so. But you’ll soon discover that when a particular look comes around again it will be in a slightly different from its original incarnation, so be prepared to alter it slightly or to wear in a different way. And don’t forget that, as we age, our bodies generally change shape, so what suited us back then, may not suit us now.

Throwing out clothes is never easy although it can be a strangely liberating experience. Reducing your choices will provide you with a better edited and more functional wardrobe.

Before you start, you need to be clear about who you are and the clothes you need for the style you want. Work out what you need for the coming season — or the next five years — then find a better use for what you already have. This way you’ll end up with a fresher, more versatile and better-edited wardrobe.

Next create a list of the wardrobe essentials you need, and stick to it. The secret is to get organised. And think classic basics. Here’s how.

1: Rationalise

Start by organising your wardrobe into seasons. Clean and press your summer clothes and, if anything needs mending, do it now. Then store away.

Next, take stock of what’s left – your winter clothes.  Create a “YES”, “NO” and “MAYBE” pile and start sorting. If you have the slightest doubt about something, try it on. Experiment with new combinations to see if you can get any extra wear out of them.

Ask does it fit? Does it flatter? Is it functional? Is it fabulous? If you’re not really sure, enlist the help of someone who really knows you and you trust their opinion — a best girlfriend, sister, daughter or your partner!

If a garment fails all four “F” questions, it goes into the “NO” pile. Some things will make the “MAYBE” pile. Once you’ve finished sorting, look for trends among your past purchases. Are there lots of “YES” items from the same store? What dominates in the “NO” pile? Are they items you bought on sale or on impulse? The evidence in front of you should help you make smarter choices in the future.

2: Recycle

Get rid of the clothes that make the “NO” pile. Take them to your local charity shop, sell them on eBay or a similar resale website, organise a stall at you local market or a swap event with friends, have a garage sale. But if the garments are still relatively new and in good condition take them to a recycle or consignment shop.

3: Revamp

Those pieces in the “MAYBE” pile might just need freshening up with a little clever revamping. It’s amazing how a simple thing such as changing buttons, altering the length or shape of a favourite skirt, dress or pants, or embellishing the collar or yoke of a favourite jacket or top might make. If you aren’t handy with a needle and thread, or you don’t have a sewing machine, find a good alterations person and make them your new best friend.

4: Rethink

The elegant top or skirt you save for special occasions could look just as good during the day or dressed down with jeans. Equally, the pants or skirt of your favourite suit may create an elegant evening look when worn with a sequinned top, smart evening clutch and sexy heels. Be creative, you’ll be amazed at how you can wear things in different ways.

5: Reposition

Now with your newly sorted wardrobe, all you have to do is hang your clothes according to type. For example, hang all your shirts together, dresses together, evening wear together, and jacket and suits together. Not only will that make for easier viewing, but you’ll know exactly where everything is.

Do you need help to rationalise your wardrobe? Not sure what to keep or throw out? Would love to hear from you.  Ever stylishly yours …