Spring Clean: Your Wardrobe!

Do you still have clothes with tags on you haven't worn? Do you take longer than usual to put an outfit together? 

If you answered yes to any of these questions, a Spring clean may just be what's needed.

Before you hit the shops in search of the latest trends or wardrobe additions why not spring clean your wardrobe first? 

Spring cleaning your wardrobe as tedious or overwhelming as it sounds is a good way to
de - clutter and remove any out of date items, really giving you the opportunity to see what you love and are still excited about wearing for the season and what the holes are in your wardrobe.

Examine every piece of clothing you own - from cocktail dresses to sweat pants leave none untouched. 

If like us, you know your attachment to your clothing will cloud your decision in the fate of your items why not call on a friend for support with your 'couture cleansing', some one who will give you the reality check when it comes to the outgrown and out dated items you may be reluctantly trying not to let go off. 

Even though you may plead the case of that item you triumphantly "bought on sale, originally £150 to £50" the right friend will tell you the truth and may reply with "it doesn't fit right, it removes from your shape and makes you look frumpy". Certainly after that statement the haze will clear somewhat from your eyes and you will see what she means! At this point if we heard this we usually drop the item straight into the charity bag.

Here are our tips when Spring Cleaning your wardrobe.

1. Prepare three bags and label them 'charity', 'sales', 'repair'. 

2. Start with one category of clothing at a time ie. trousers, shirts, dresses, shoes and so on.

In evaluating each item individually, try it on if necessary and truthfully answer:

• Is it still in good shape? ie. no stains, rips and so on.
• Is the item a classic piece or still in fashion?
• Do you still feel good when you wear it?
• Does it fit?

3. Answered no to any of the first three questions? Put them in one of the three bags and take it to its destination within a week. Don't get stuck into keeping the item because "it's cute" or "just because". If you won't wear them they don't need to be in your wardrobe.

4. If the item doesn't fit, but you still like it, note how can it be altered and within a week take it to a seamstress. If you haven't done so after that week, get rid of it, chances are you probably won't actually get round to altering it, the fit will continue to be an issue and the space for a brand new item is being occupied. 

5. Take this opportunity to really organize your wardrobe and hang the keepers back into your wardrobe on  appropriate hangers. Face the clothes in the same direction and organize them in their respective categories, and in colour - from light to dark.

Check your accessories too, clearing anything outdated or damaged.

If you're unsure whether or not to give an item away. Keep it in a storage box in another room, if after a few months you haven't gone to look for it to wear it, it's time to let it go.

Trust us, this will definitely help when you next ask yourself "what will I wear?" to that party or wedding you've been invited to, making getting dressed so much easier!

x x x