How I Run a Wardrobe Edit
While fashion styling is all right brain, outside-the-box thinking, running a styling business all comes down to my left side logistics. At the core of my business? A strong process. In order to make sure every client is accessing my full creative process, developing a methodology is critical to making me feel focused and assured that my clients are getting my all.
While the base process is the same, it will end up differing from client to client. Some need more focus on certain steps, while others can skip them entirely. This formula is base for me to work my magic---the rest comes down to intuition for personalized needs. Wondering how I do it? Follow my proven steps to getting a successful wardrobe edit in the bank.
1. MAKE SPACE
One of the most overlooked, yet most critical needs for a wardrobe edit. Clear out a space in your bedroom for the process--the bigger the space the less chaotic this process will feel!
2. LABEL
You’ll need 5-10 plastic bins/large boxes. Label each with one of the following:
TOSS
This bin is for items in poor condition that are not suitable to wear or share.
DONATE
This bin is for items in good condition to donate to either a friend or a local charity. We are all about sustainability here at SMS, and we encourage donation over tossing for any pieces that are in suitable condition. Even the smallest effort can make a big impact on our environment!
CONSIGN
This bin is for items in good condition and of designer brand/quality. Chances are, you can resell these pieces to a consignment resource like The RealReal. Be sure to check their list of designers to verify that they carry the brand you’re looking to resell. Reinvest your consignment cash in fresh new pieces to fill your now-edited wardrobe!
STORE
This bin is for out of season items that you won’t pull out again for 6+ months--get that out of the way and replace it with seasonally appropriate pieces. In addition, this is where you’ll put sentimental items you want to hang on to, but remove from your active closet. Just make sure to keep this bin to a handful of items that have true meaning. Don’t let your inner hoarder get the best of you!
FIX
This bag is for clothing items that are in need of tailoring or alteration, or shoes in need of repair. Trips to the tailor and shoemaker somehow seem to end up on the bottom of the to-do list, but separating them all out into a visible bin will ensure that you finally get it done!
3. ORGANIZE
Now you’re ready to dive in. Start going through your wardrobe item by item. In-season items you want to keep without question go back into the closet. Ask yourself these questions to determine which bin the item in question will be categorized into:
Is it in wearable condition:
If no -- Ask: Can it be repaired to be in good condition: If yes -- Fix // If no -- Toss
If yes -- ask...
Will I wear it again in another season:
If yes -- Store
If no -- ask…
Is it of sentimental value:
If yes -- Store
If no -- ask...
Is it designer:
If no -- Donate
If yes -- Consign
4. RE-ORGANIZE
Ready for the most satisfying part of the whole process? Getting your NEW closet back in order! Sort everything that survived the purge by category (tops, pants, dresses) and by color (light to dark) for the most zen, organized, high functioning closet of your dreams.*dreamy sigh*
5. REFILL
You may have purged anything from 5 to 500 items from your closet. Either way, you’re bound to have wardrobe gaps afterward. Don’t let that freak you out--it’s all part of the process! In fact, a wardrobe edit is the most effective way to make those gaps more evident. Make a list of what’s missing so you know what you need next time you’re in shopping mode.
Yes, this process seems a bit intimidating--and honestly, taking it on yourself can be. That’s why I’m here! Don’t go it alone. It’s my job to guide you through the process, help you ask those tough questions, and get your wardrobe feeling fresh without buying a single new thing (at least for now ; ). Ready to get started? Book your wardrobe edit now!
