Back to Basics: Beginning Your Closet Organization
Creating the perfect look on any given day isn’t just about curating an amazing set of options in your wardrobe. After all, what good is a closet full of gorgeous clothes if you end up wearing the same few pieces again day in and day out? A well-organized closet is key to finding, or even just remembering, the best your closet has to offer. Of course, it’s difficult to organize your wardrobe (or, really, anything) without categories and systems.
If every pair of jeans you own is out on display, but that loud, printed skirt or bright-colored blazer is hidden, how can you customize your look?
To create categories within your closet, start by looking for 1) those pieces that go with anything and 2) those items that really make an outfit stand out. Everyone has those pieces that steal the show and other items they use to create a clean canvas. I find just about any closet can be broken up into Basic and Statement pieces.
First Step: Define Each Category
Statement
Though your closet probably has more basic pieces than statement, I like to start by defining the statement pieces. Mostly because it’s easy to pick statement pieces out of the pack. Anything bold and exciting, or pieces that stand out from the rest are definitely your statement pieces. Any article of clothing you save for special occasions or that you reserve for days you really want to pop should go in this category.
Often, new trend items will fall into the statement piece category, but not always. It’s worth remembering that not every statement piece will be of the latest trends, or even brightly colored. Your statement section houses the extremes of your style, including not only a wide range of colors but also a diverse blend of fabrics and shapes.
Photo by Dejan Krstevski from Pexels
Photo by Dejan Krstevski from Pexels
Basic
Once you have identified your statement pieces, you can pretty much assume everything else falls into the basic category. This is not to say that these items are an afterthought or any less loved – more that you could put together an outfit of entirely basic items and not look like a circus clown. Basics do the heavy-lifting in your look. They’re the everyday heroes like your favorite jeans, your coziest cardigans, or comfy shoes.
Remember that just because they’re not outlandish, highly-stylized pieces doesn’t mean your basics should look like everyone else’s. Every piece in your closet should be building toward your individual style. The denim wash or cut of tee-shirt you choose says something about your look, so don’t assume that basics are any less important or less specific to you; they’re just a little more subtle.
Next Step: Organize Your Closet Around Them
No matter the size or style of your closet, there are a few simple tips regarding basic and statement pieces to help you put together looks you love more easily:
Make sure your statement pieces are front and center
Given that most of us choose our outfit shortly after waking up and on a tight schedule, we’re often not our most creative (or even awake) selves when we open our closet. By making your statement pieces more visible, you can jump-start your fashion sense even before the coffee has kicked in.
Put your clothes away properly, every time
Just about everyone has a spot where clothes that have been worn but aren’t yet ready to be washed end up (mine is the grey armchair at the foot of my bed). Since we usually wear more basic pieces a day than statement items, it’s easy to end up cycling through the same small mound of basics simply because they’re already out. Instead, put away clothes when you’re not wearing them – whether they’re ready to be worn again or landing in the hamper – so you’re not tempted to wear the same sweater again.
Let your basic items take the back seat
If you’re making an effort to store statement pieces in sight, it means there’s less room to display your basics – and that’s ok. You’ll find the basic pieces you need to fill the gaps in your outfit because you have to.
Consider organizing within your basic category
Anyone who has a lot of basic pieces may find it helpful to create subgroups or categories in your basics and organize by those groups. Consider separating them by color or dress code – or any grouping that makes it easier to grab exactly the item you’re looking for on the first try.
Store out-of-season statement items
Some of your statement pieces (think: ugly holiday sweaters) are more seasonal than others. Try storing those pieces you know you won’t be wearing for a while in less convenient spaces, like the highest shelf in your closet or boxed up under your bed. Bonus points for setting reminders (including the location you tucked them away) to grab those items out of hiding when their season to shine approaches.
Photo by Dejan Krstevski from Pexels
See? In just a few steps, you’re already on your way to better looks in a snap. This is just the beginning of your closet-organizing fun. If you’re loving your newly organized closet, share these tips with those envious of your newly-effortless style. If you’re not quite done optimizing your outfit routine, subscribe below to be the first to see the newest tips (and of course, get your personalized Stylescope).
For wardrobe tips and your weekly, personalized style-horoscope, join the Stylescope email list!