From My Email In-Box: Making Your Wardrobe Work for You - Part 2 of 3

From My Email In-Box: Making Your Wardrobe Work for You - Part 2 of 3


Yesterday, I tackled how to cope with an overstuffed closet, where despite the large inventory, you feel you have nothing to wear. Today, we'll continue by going through the clothing in your dresser. It's a similar process here, with a bit of organization by type of clothing.

A reminder about preparation:

Preparation and Tools

 - Make sure you have room to create some piles - a neatly made bed is an ideal space
 - Bring in a couple of new, large garbage bags
 - Place a pencil and pad somewhere handy
 - Put on some music that is pleasant for you. Go for soothing rather than dance music.
 - Make sure you have a full length mirror and good lighting
 - Put on well-fitting underwear.
     - If you're a man, make sure it's suited to what you'd generally wear under a suit
     - If you're a woman, make sure it fits well and is a color close to your skin color


Sorting Process - Knit Shirts/Sweaters

 - Try on each article. Check:
     - Does it fit?
     - Is it in good repair? E.g., no stains, tears, missing buttons, not saggy/baggy, etc.
     - Do you like the way it looks on you?
     - Do you like the way you feel with it on?
     - Is it still in style?


   Very Important: If you answer No to any of the questions above, put it into a bag to either give away to charity or to throw away if it's not in good repair.

    Don't Get Hung Up: Do this rather quickly and don't look for excuses to keep anything you answer "No" to, as it's unlikely you'll wear it, and it just takes up unnecessary space. Note that it doesn't matter if a) you spent a lot of money on the item, or b) it's hardly worn at all, or c) it used to be your favorite. If it doesn't work for you now, it's not likely it ever will. Send it to a better place - to someone who will like it and wear it - or put it in the trash if it's not in good shape.

    Arrange the Keepers: Determine the best arrangement within the dresser for your knit items. Arrange things so you have all sweaters in one part of the dresser, knit shirts and t-shirts grouped together, and so on. If you have some clothing designated strictly for sports or working out, groups these together.


Sorting Process - Shorts, Gym Shorts, Workout Gear

 - Basically, you want to go through these according to the checklist. If there are elastic waists, make sure that elastic is in good shape. If not, put them into the trash.


Sorting Process - Pajamas, Nightwear

 - Comfort, fit and good repair are key with these items. If it's the least bit uncomfortable, you'll never wear it, because how will you get a good night's sleep? Give those away or throw them away. It's up to you how to arrange nightwear. Since these are generally not something you put on fresh every night, they might go into a bottom drawer. Again, group them together.
 

Sorting Process - Underwear, Socks, Pantyhose, Foundation Garments

 - Remember that your underwear, even for men, shapes how your clothing looks on you. And it certainly influences your comfort level. Make sure everything fits well, that the elastic is in good shape, and that you consider different underwear for different types of clothing. Use the checklist and get rid of anything that you say No to from that list.

For women, bras are a key foundation garment. Over time, as your body changes, so will your need for a different type and size of bra. Plan to get a bra fitting every 5 years or so. You'll be happy you did!

Since underwear and socks are small, you may find it a good idea to buy some drawer organizers to keep these things tidy and easily to hand. The Container Store has some good ones, but others are available at a variety of different stores.

Container Store Eco Stripe Drawer Organizer

Container Store Dream Drawer Organizers

Again, Stop for the Day

You've now got only the "keepers" in your dresser. Take the giveaway bags to the trash, or to the charity drop off now. It's important to have your space cleaned up, and to get those unwanted items out of the house right away.


You're well on your way to having an organized wardrobe. Tomorrow, look for some tips on making your wardrobe work for you.


From My Email In-Box: Making Your Wardrobe Work for You - Part 2 of 3