13 ways to know your wardrobe’s in great shape
There are two overarching complaints I hear from women wanting to work with me. The first is: “I have no style.” The second has to do with some variety of clutter and/or disorganization. (Of course, many, many women worry about BOTH these issues, and they do definitely feed on one another.)
Let’s look at the second issue.
If you’re not sure about the state of your wardrobe, see if you agree with these statements.
- Only clothing you can wear in the current season is in your closet. Clothes for the opposite season are stored away.
- Nearly everything is visible when you open your closet doors. Nothing’s hidden out of sight.
- Shoes are on shoe racks and every pair is in good shape.
- Your dry-cleaning, alterations, and repairs aren’t buried in your closet somewhere. You’ve already dropped them off and they’ll soon be ready to be picked up.
- You have outfits you’re 100% sure about.
- Your accessories sit within easy reach, whether in your closet or on a dressing table.
- Handbags are organized, with stuffing inside so they keep their shape. You’ve recently reconditioned them with leather lotion.
- All the hangers are the same color and design. You’ve sent your wire hangers back to the dry cleaner.
- Clothes are organized so they make sense to you—either by color, type of item, or category.
- You have a grab-and-go outfit for every occasion: dressy or casual parties, sporting events, girl’s night out, romantic dinners, interviews, festivals or funerals.
- Everything in your closet is in a color that flatters you and complements your coloring.
- Everything fits right now (or does within a five-pound fluctuation). Anything smaller or larger is stored or given away.
- Everything in your closet makes you happy. You’re not hanging on to clothes that don’t suit you or conjure up bad memories or make you feel bad about yourself.
Of course, if aren’t answering these questions with a huge, resounding yes, there’s some room for improvement. I’d love to help you close the gap between the current state of your wardrobe and what’s described in this quiz. Let’s get your wardrobe working as hard as you do, so your wardrobe is a source of joy and confidence.
(Ketura Persellin is a wardrobe and style consultant; writer; and public speaker in Washington, DC, and surrounding suburbs. Want to get your wardrobe in shape? Contact her for a complimentary get-acquainted session.)