Labor Day is over which means the Fall is upon us! For many of us, that means cleaning and storing our summer items and getting our Fall wardrobe ready for the chillier weather ahead.
The first step toward having a great wardrobe is being able to work with what you already own. You may think you need to start from scratch, but what about those great clothes you already own? If you have a great skirt and no matching blazer, why buy a new set? Just buy a blazer instead! What about those wonderful wool pants you haven’t worn because of a broken zipper? Replace the zipper, not the pants!
Here are 12 tips for maintaining your closet and keeping your garments in good condition:
- Go through your closet and donate anything you haven’t worn in two years to a local charity. If it doesn’t fit, why are you keeping it? Unless you’re really planning to lose a few pounds, give those too-tight garments to someone who can use them now. There are few things as satisfying as cleaning your closet and helping someone else at the same time!
- If you haven’t done so already, store away all your spring and summer clothes. Make sure they are clean, and hang or fold them carefully. It’s essential that your garments can “breathe.” Do not store them in plastic bags. In addition, make sure the storage area for your clothes is cool, dry, and free of direct light.
- Sort through your fall and winter dresses, suits, skirts, pants, blouses, and jackets. Determine which ones need repair, cleaning, or pressing. It may be helpful to make a note listing item, color, style, state of wear, and any repairs or cleaning needed. You can take this with you when you go shopping to help make rounding out your wardrobe easier. If you really want to get into it, you can clip a small piece of fabric from an inside, unexposed seam of each garment and glue it on your chart next to the description for that item.
- If you have an old garments that you love but are seriously out-of-date, considering shortening or changing the garment to give it a new, fresh look. Or upgrade your button down shirts with a million dollar collar.
- Inspect your shirts, blouses, and skirts. Are shirt collars frayed beyond repair? Are buttons missing? Are hems sagging? Make 2 piles, throw out anything beyond repair and then a pile to take to your local seamstress.
- Check your pants to make sure they fit properly. Remember, if the fit is tight, you will be uncomfortable. If possible, consider moving a button or finding a seamstress to let the pants out to make the garment more comfortable.
- When inspecting your jackets, remember that a great jacket can make an entire outfit. Try them on and check for fit.
- Suits are an important work investment for many people. Always buy quality suits and take care of your purchases by regularly cleaning them and storing them properly.
- Take all your skirts out and look at how many different colors and styles they represent. Are all your skirts straight and black? Or do you own only full, floral patterns? Either way, even though the style may be your favorite and your most flattering, everyone can use some variation.
- Create new outfits. Maybe the jacket you received as a birthday present is the perfect match for those new suede pants. Coordinate several new outfits and arrange your closet in a way that’s convenient for you.
- Don’t forget to inspect your shoes and boots. Have heels and soles replaced as necessary. Remember that ill-fitting shoes can cause misery for your feet and entire body.
- Your closet’s “health” is essential to keep your clothes in good condition. sachets for your drawers and cedar blocks for your closet will help keep your clothes fresh smelling, moth-free, and a pleasure to wear!
Happy Fall!