A New Year is a perfect time for a good wardrobe clear out and a refresh of your look. The process of going through and sorting out your clothes can be extremely cathartic and you will always find new outfits lurking in there that you forgot all about.

Also in this current economic climate it’s helpful to remind yourself of what you already have so if you are trying to be careful with money you can ensure you only buy what you really need. New outfit combinations could be created by finding clothes you have not worn for ages. Perhaps just investing in, for example, a new belt or shoes will create a whole new look with items you already have. It’s easy to forget about clothes we haven’t worn for a while and to feel like we need something new to feel good in, but often just trying on clothes you havent worn for ages, that you used to love, can feel just as good as wearing something new and will of course save you some money. Fashions come round again so something you might have shoved to the back to the wardrobe might be able to be revived again and there is less chance of seeing someone else out and about in it!


When I carry out a wardrobe weed with my clients I usually find it takes at least 4 hours, often more. It can be tiring though so I recommend setting a side a day if you can and have a lunch break in the middle!

Depending on how much stuff you have pull it all out, put it on your bed then work systematically through each item assessing the following:

1) How often do you wear it, anything not worn for 2 years give it a way or throw out! (have a rubbish pile and a charity/friends donation pile)
2) If you have a sentimental items such as a wedding dress and have the space put it in a different wardrobe or in case.
3) Is the item in good condition, if it is out of shape or there are stains, pulls, or sweat marks no matter how much you love it throw it out! You can always replace it with a similar item if you wore it to death, so add that to your shopping list.
4) Have a pile for anything that needs dry cleaning or alterations, often people don’t wear things for months just because they have not gotten round to getting this done!

Really look at the clothes and judge if each item really does suit you, often we impulse buy things because we like the colour or style but it actually isn’t actually right for is, then it just sits in the back of the wardrobe collecting dust. If you find you love a top but the colour just does not work, take a note of the style and look for a new version in a more flattering colour.

To book a wardrobe weed with Louise please contact us or call using the number at the top right of this page. As a New Year treat from us we would like to offer you 10% off the total amount for bookings made in January 2009.

When putting the clothes back in your wardrobe organise it in a way that will work for you. I find putting all the skirts together, then dresses, trousers etc and then grouping the colours together in those sections works well. You can also see this way if you keep buying the same item of clothing, for example a common one is black tops, you then know to stop and maybe try something new!

Whilst you go through your clothes, play around with trying on new combinations and make a note of them. Also make a note of the new items you need to update your wardrobe with.

The following is a suggestion of an ideal capsule working wardrobe. If you work in the creative industry and don’t have to wear a suit you might not need as many smart items, it is still good to have one suit though and a smart jacket to wear for important meetings where you want to gain attention and be taken seriously.

1-2 Suits, in neutral colours
2 Jackets, it’s good to have at least one in a neutral colour to go with everything
2-3 Trousers
2-3 Skirts
1 Day dress
4-5 Blouses/shirts, in complimentary colours that will go with the separates and suits
5-6 Tops/T-Shirts, in complimentary colours that will go with the separates and suits

1 handbag in good condition
2 pairs of smart shoes
1-2 belts in good condition
Hosiery

An over coat
Perhaps a rain coat
A pair of gloves

This capsule wardrobe will give you a different outfit to wear each day for at least a couple of weeks. Alternating your clothes and shoes will ensure they last longer and keep in a good condition.

Aside from a working wardrobe following are other suggested key items you might like to have in your wardrobe

2-3 Pairs of jeans, including 1 smart pair to save for evenings.
2 Evening dresses
1 Casual day dress
2 Smart evening tops
1 Smart pair of evening trousers or a skirt
2 Vest tops
1 Casual jacket
2 Pairs of evening shoes
1 Pair of comfortable day shoes
1 Pair of trainers
1 Pair of winter boots
1 Evening bag

Finally, a fun idea is to hold a clothing swap party at the end of your wardrobe clear out. This way you can donate your unwanted items to a grateful new owner and perhaps acquire some new items of clothing for yourself. If you prefer to you can set it up so people donate an agreed amount per item to a charity to ensure everybody benefits.

To book a wardrobe weed with Louise please contact us or call using the number at the top right of this page. As a New Year treat from us we would like to offer you 10% off the total amount for bookings made in January 2009.