Organize Your Closet to Build a Stylish Wardrobe

The 80/20 Rule of Fashion

If you often find yourself reaching for the same few items in your closet, you're not alone. According to the Pareto Principle, or the 80/20 rule, we typically wear 20% of our clothes 80% of the time. This means a significant portion of our wardrobe goes unused, leading to clutter and inefficiency.

The Art of Ruthless Editing

To build a wardrobe that truly represents you, it's essential to become a ruthless editor. This means eliminating items that no longer fit, flatter, or resonate with your personal style. As fashion icon Diana Vreeland once said, "Elegance is refusal." Knowing what works for you and discarding the rest is the key to a stylish wardrobe.

Steps to Purge Your Closet

Step 1: Categorize Your Items

Start by creating four boxes and label them as follows:

• Donate: For items you no longer wear or want.
• Gift: For items you wish to give to specific people.
• Alterations: For items that need minor tweaks.
• Save: For items you can't part with, even if you haven't worn them in years.

Step 2: Ask the Right Questions

As you go through your closet, try on each item and ask yourself:

1. Do I absolutely love this?
2. Does this communicate my personal brand message?
3. Would I want to be seen wearing this for a date, interview, or important meeting?

If you can't answer "yes" to at least two of these questions, place the item in one of your four boxes.

Step 3: Organize by Category and Color

Once you've purged your closet, arrange the remaining items by category (e.g., pants, short-sleeve shirts, long-sleeve shirts, skirts, dresses). Then, within each category, organize items by color. This will make it easier to see what you have and create cohesive outfits.

Step 4: The Save Box Strategy

Tape up the Save box and set it aside for 60 days. If you don't need any of the items during this time or even forget what's inside, it's time to donate, consign, or sell them.

Assessing Your Wardrobe Needs

After purging and organizing, you can realistically assess what new items you need to complete your ideal look. Whether it's a slim black pencil skirt, a cropped leather jacket, colorful silk scarves, or statement jewelry, adding the right pieces can elevate your style.

Interesting Stats About Closet Organization

• Average Number of Items: The average American woman owns 103 items of clothing but considers 21% of them unwearable, 33% too tight, and 24% too loose (source).
• Clothing Waste: The average American throws away approximately 81 pounds of clothing each year (source).
• Cost of Unworn Clothes: On average, people have $550 worth of unworn clothing in their closets (source).

Conclusion

Stylish individuals are confident, intriguing, and intelligent. They take the time to organize, assess, and adjust their wardrobe to reflect their personal style. By following these steps, you can create a closet that not only looks good but also makes you feel good.

© Liz Dennery Sanders 2009

This article has been fact-checked and expanded to provide a more detailed guide on organizing your closet and building a stylish wardrobe. For more tips on personal style, visit Vogue and Harper's Bazaar.