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For some, letting go of items you wish you could fit into or have the occasion to wear, is quite a challenge.
I think the challenge is worth taking if it means you end up with a clutter free wardrobe, filled with clothing that makes you feel fabulous about yourself instead of feelings of regret.
Here are my top tips to getting there:
1. Get real with yourself:
This is an important step. So many women have closets full of clothing they WISH they could wear.
This can often lead to you opening your wardrobe and thinking things like, 'I'm too fat to wear that' or 'I wish I was young enough to wear that’ or ' I wish I had the lifestyle to wear that glamorous dress'.
If this is the case, then it's time to let go of these things. Get real with what you are actually wearing; what fits you and what suits the lifestyle you have now.
2. Let go of what doesn’t work:
Get out some big black bags and chuck the items that don't fit, don't work for the shape you have now and don't suit your lifestyle.
If you have lost a lot of weight, by all means, don’t hold onto your 'fat' clothes for just in case. You don’t make it easy for you to regain what you’ve worked so hard to loose.
If you are on a weight loss programme and believe that will be able to wear your much loved items when you get to your goal weight, then leave 1 or 2 favourites in your closet to inspire you and pack the rest away.
A little inspiration is a good thing, self-disparagement isn't.
3. Donate items you aren’t wearing to charity.
This helps me a lot when I'm clearing out. If I'm not wearing it, someone else may get great joy from it. There are also charities that sell good quality second hand clothing to raise funds for their organisations.
Letting go of the things you no longer wear can give you that 'feel good' feeling and make it easier to de-clutter.
4. What do you really love to wear:
Of the items that fit and suit your lifestyle, which ones do you love to wear? What makes you look and feel fabulous? Now create your new spring look around those pieces.
If you don't have a single item you love, them spend some time deciding what look you would like to create. You can use magazines and fashion websites to inspire you.
Remember, it's not about creating the 'picture perfect look' its just about drawing on inspiration.
5. Simplify your wardrobe so you can see what you have.
Find a system that works for you. You can arrange by colour or hang all your trousers, skirts and blouses together or hang outfits together that you enjoy wearing.
Make sure you can see your shoes. If you lack space, it might be a good idea to invest in clear show boxes to make this easier. What you can’t see, you are unlikely to wear.
6. Make a list of the items you need to complete your look.
Going shopping without a list may result in you creating wardrobe clutter all over again.
Being clear on what you want makes it easier to find. Trust me on this one... I teach woman to shop for a living.
Don't settle on 'just okay'. Remember, you want a wardrobe of clothing you actually wear and love.
Follow Tracy Gold on Twitter.
Follow Women24 on Twitter and like us on Facebook.
I think the challenge is worth taking if it means you end up with a clutter free wardrobe, filled with clothing that makes you feel fabulous about yourself instead of feelings of regret.
Here are my top tips to getting there:
1. Get real with yourself:
This is an important step. So many women have closets full of clothing they WISH they could wear.
This can often lead to you opening your wardrobe and thinking things like, 'I'm too fat to wear that' or 'I wish I was young enough to wear that’ or ' I wish I had the lifestyle to wear that glamorous dress'.
If this is the case, then it's time to let go of these things. Get real with what you are actually wearing; what fits you and what suits the lifestyle you have now.
2. Let go of what doesn’t work:
Get out some big black bags and chuck the items that don't fit, don't work for the shape you have now and don't suit your lifestyle.
If you have lost a lot of weight, by all means, don’t hold onto your 'fat' clothes for just in case. You don’t make it easy for you to regain what you’ve worked so hard to loose.
If you are on a weight loss programme and believe that will be able to wear your much loved items when you get to your goal weight, then leave 1 or 2 favourites in your closet to inspire you and pack the rest away.
A little inspiration is a good thing, self-disparagement isn't.
3. Donate items you aren’t wearing to charity.
This helps me a lot when I'm clearing out. If I'm not wearing it, someone else may get great joy from it. There are also charities that sell good quality second hand clothing to raise funds for their organisations.
Letting go of the things you no longer wear can give you that 'feel good' feeling and make it easier to de-clutter.
4. What do you really love to wear:
Of the items that fit and suit your lifestyle, which ones do you love to wear? What makes you look and feel fabulous? Now create your new spring look around those pieces.
If you don't have a single item you love, them spend some time deciding what look you would like to create. You can use magazines and fashion websites to inspire you.
Remember, it's not about creating the 'picture perfect look' its just about drawing on inspiration.
5. Simplify your wardrobe so you can see what you have.
Find a system that works for you. You can arrange by colour or hang all your trousers, skirts and blouses together or hang outfits together that you enjoy wearing.
Make sure you can see your shoes. If you lack space, it might be a good idea to invest in clear show boxes to make this easier. What you can’t see, you are unlikely to wear.
6. Make a list of the items you need to complete your look.
Going shopping without a list may result in you creating wardrobe clutter all over again.
Being clear on what you want makes it easier to find. Trust me on this one... I teach woman to shop for a living.
Don't settle on 'just okay'. Remember, you want a wardrobe of clothing you actually wear and love.
Follow Tracy Gold on Twitter.
Follow Women24 on Twitter and like us on Facebook.
