Keep, store or sell? Make room for the new with our essential guide to clearing out your closet
Your alarm rings, perhaps you hit snooze, then it’s onto shower, breakfast and finally the all too often challenge of what to wear – a wardrobe full of clothes but nothing that seems just right.
Despite a seemingly full array of clothes in front of you, we all have those dreaded days when it feels as though we have nothing to actually put on – and usually when we’re running late.
The remedy? A major closet clear out!
Here, we uncover the easiest ways to part with the old and show you exactly what to invest in to ensure no more closet overload ever again.
Keep
In our eyes, if you love it, hold onto it tight. Whatever your personal style, if you re-wear an item at least once a month, be sure to keep it at easy access within the front of your wardrobe.
Your favourite denim, smart blazers, well-fitted smart/casual dresses plus an array of blouses and tops make for a well-curated collection to begin with – you can always update with different accessories.
Keep clothes colour-coordinated and divided into sections that best suit your lifestyle. For example office wear, party dresses, weekend comfies, etc…this will make daily outfit planning a whole lot more simple.
Store
Just because the sun is shining, and you can’t bear the thought of leather and velvet, doesn’t mean you won’t want to wear it once the weather cools.
Bulk buy a selection of clear plastic boxes to store above your closet or under your bed. Neatly fold anything you haven’t worn in at least six months – be it biker boots, knits or sparkly festive frocks - you can pull it out again as the seasons switch.
Chances are you’ll reach for these items during Autumn/Winter, but for now, they’re better left in storage to free up rail space in your wardrobe.
Sell
If you haven’t worn it in over a year it’s time to chuck it in. Whether it’s a way-too-tight leopard print mini skirt or a slightly-too-cowgirl fringed jacket, there’s usually a reason why you haven’t worn it out the house.
Purge your closet on unwanted items and pass onto friends, or better yet donate to a charity of your choice.
The Love-forever Pieces
These classic sartorial staples will have a year-round place in your closet.
Shirt available at Mango, visit City Centre Mirdif, City Centre Muscat
We could wax lyrical about our love for the classic white shirt - a piece so versatile it can be worn for quite literally any occasion, from the boardroom to the bar. This new season style by Mango Dubai is given a summery twist with embroidered blooms along the shoulders.
Black heels available at Aldo, visit City Centre Sharjah, City Centre Ajman, City Centre Fujairah, City Centre Deira, City Centre Mirdif, City Centre Me'aisem, City Centre Bahrain, City Centre Muscat, City Centre Alexandria and City Centre Maadi
In addition to being extremely comfortable, these chic black chunky heels will be the finishing touch to any outfit.
Dress available at Zara. Visit City Centre Deira, City Centre Mirdif, City Centre Bahrain, City Centre Muscat, City Centre Alexandria, and City Centre Maadi
Zara Dubai has delivered the ultimate wear-anywhere shift dress, complete with super flattering batwing sleeves and a knotted waist detailing in a bottle green shade perfect for all-year round.
The Insider Tips to Buying Better
First up, lend a few hours to thoroughly clearing out your closet and getting rid of anything you don’t wear or love anymore – and be brutal. Trust us, it will be a morning or afternoon well spent, and even save you outfit-planning time - as well as freeing up precious space for new purchases.
Are you heading to the mall? Before of the trip, go through your wardrobe and make a mental note of what items you wear the most. Be it a black A-line skirt or a floral maxi dress, look for pieces that you know you’ll get maximum wear out of.
Make a list and stick to it. Whether you need a classic camisole top to team with everything from off-duty denim to office blazers, or a floral summer frock to wear to the beach and beyond, go with the item in mind and you might just find what you’re looking for.
You don’t necessarily need to buy there and then on a whim. Many shops will hold the item in your name for up to several days. That way you go back, revisit the piece and purchase with clear conscious knowing it’s meant to be.
