Start the New Year with Confidence and a well ordered Wardrobe
Let me see… The blog is late this week. It was a kicker of a weekend, and I am still feeling it. But in the whole be gentle with yourself mindset, I am going to apologize for being late and move forward.
Let’s talk about moving into the New Year with confidence. Yes, it’s been done almost to death, but there is a reason for that. Bringing yourself full circle from last year to a NEW year not only gives closure but also gives you a clean slate, which is a powerful mindset. That’s why we are going to take a look at some steps to help with closure and that metaphoric clean wardrobe state.
Step One: Your Needs and Intention for the New Year
Picture By: Pexels
Before we dive into the closet, let’s take some time to think and reflect on what your goals for 2025 and this next part of your life may be. Ask yourself some questions to get clear. Do you need to simplify or bring more excitement into your life? Your wardrobe can be the perfect place to do either of these things. Do you want to declutter or get more of an assortment of accessories to spice up your new look? Again, your wardrobe is the perfect place to express both of these needs. Follow what you are feeling and thinking about when it pertains to your wardrobe.
Now set a clear intention for yourself to experiment with your clothing and style goals.
Step Two: Checking Out the Closet
The tried and true way of starting your closet cleanout is pulling everything out of your closet so you can see the space you are working with. Yes, I said clean that bad boy out and get to those walls. This may be the single most important step so you can really understand the space you are working with. Over time, you may even begin to understand if you can buy dividers or storage devices to make your space more efficient. I did this for years before I bought my IKEA Pax wardrobe. Even now, with the Pax wardrobe, I am thinking about getting little storage devices to DIY my closet space.
When checking out your space, ask yourself: What would the ideal closet look like? Then: What would it feel like getting dressed from this location? These questions are the most important when it comes to setting your space up.
As far as the clothing goes, ask yourself:
Does this fit me well?
Have I worn this in the past year?
Does this piece align with my personal style and goals?
Does it bring me joy or confidence?
Create three piles: Keep, Donate/Sell, and Repair/Alter.
Step Three: Quality and Quantity
So, what does quality over quantity mean when it comes to your clothing? A closet detox is not about having fewer clothes; it’s about having the right clothes. Many people have multiple wardrobes, one for each season. This is perfectly fine! What’s important is that you have clothing that works with how your needs show up. If you want style but don’t have a lot of time, then go ahead and tailor your looks to only a handful of styles that you can wear in a number of ways and that you know really well. When you feel adventurous, try adding in a new style to the looks you already know how to rock.
The big thing here is sometimes less is more, simply because you will be less overwhelmed with fewer clothing options and accessories. Get pieces that play off each other and can be styled in unique ways.
To keep yourself from having to try on every item in your wardrobe, just ask yourself: Do I really like this clothing item? or Have I worn this within the last year? If your answer is no, then pit it to the piles, if its yes, go ahead and try it on before you pitch it into one of your three piles.
Pkicture By: Pexels
Step Four: Organize with Purpose
Once you have decided what to keep, let the organization begin! The best organization is the one that makes sense to you and fills your needs. A couple of common ways people organize clothing are by color or by category. I have a tendency to prefer organizing by category because I feel that by color means I am always looking to see what I have and do not always find what I need. However, I’ve found this to be true for some people the other way around.
Step Five: Refresh Your Style
After you have cleared out and cleaned your space and clothing, you are going to find that you have holes in your wardrobe. I have never once done a closet detox for myself or someone else where this hasn’t been true.
When you go through your clothing, you will have a clear understanding of what you have. The next step is finding styles that you like that can utilize the clothing you already own. This way, you only have to fill in the gaps with strategic items that will have to be bought. In the long run, this will save you money and space.
Step Six: Adopting Sustainable Practices
This is one of those areas that people normally do not think about in relation to their clothing. Many of our used clothing, even those donated in good faith, ends up being shipped overseas to locations that do not have the infrastructure to deal with the breakdown of the clothing, polluting waterways and coastlines.
What can be done about this?
A great deal, actually. Consider donating only good-quality clothing to charities or selling it. With the rest of your clothing, consider recycling it through textile programs that will reuse the materials. Moving forward, you could even shop at locations that favor sustainable practices.
Step Seven: You Did It!
A wardrobe is a living expression of how we see ourselves and a declaration of how we value ourselves. I know that this may be a lot to unload at this point in the blog. However, trust me when I say you teach others how to treat you, and your wardrobe contributes to this. We can get into this more in-depth in a different article.
With an organized closet filled with clothing styles you understand and love, you have made it simple for yourself to take care of yourself. It’s a win-win! Plus, starting your day is easier, and who doesn’t want that?
Final Notes
Starting your year off strong with a wardrobe detox is a wonderful way to boost your confidence and align your outer appearance with your inner goals. By setting the stage for your New Year to be one of self-assured style and simplicity, you’re sure to achieve your other goals, now that your wardrobe isn’t the thing causing brain bubbles. Happy styling!
