Between passing trends, classic pieces and the perfect “power outfit” for each season, it’s easy for a busy woman’s closet to get a little out of control.

Even if it looks like a hurricane hit, just a few simple tricks can get your closet back on track.  And now is the perfect time to tackle the closet challenge, before summer slathers its heat!

Refer back to the The Fashion Plate’s in-depth Closet Cleansing article from May 2011for a step-by-step guide.  But here are some basic tips to get you started.

First figure out if you can reasonably fit everything into your closet space or if you should rotate seasonally.  Think about storing only out of season items (if you rotate) and ultra formal wear.

You can sort by type (shirts, dresses, etc.), color or occasion.  And when it comes to hanging versus folding, (no matter what your decision) stay consistent within a category.

Most people wear just 25 percent of their wardrobe.  Determining what pieces to hold on to and which ones to toss is vital.

Experts suggest asking three questions:  Do you love it?  Do you wear it?  Does it project the image you want?  If not, let it go!

Some fashion experts say an objective trick is to face all your hangers the same way, and turn the hanger around the other direction when you wear something.  By the end of the season you’ll know exactly what you wore.

After deciding what didn’t make the cut, it’s time to toss, donate and store.  Donate what’s out of style or more than one size away from your current size.

Toss items that have holes or stains.  If you paid a lot for it or can’t bear to say goodbye, see if disguising the area with a brooch or flower appliqué will help.

Take the cleanse up a notch by getting fashionably organized at work.

Comment and tell us how you keep your closet clutter-free.

“I’m like every other woman: a closet full of clothes, but nothing to wear.” 

Cameron Diaz

Related Stories
‹
The Fashion Plate: The One and Done
When a Spring-like temperature tease hits in February, it can throw your clothing choices for a loop. A week of unseasonably warm weather tends to take my mind and wardrobe to tropical places. Spring break, anyone? The piece that immediately surfaces is the one-and-done — and no, I’m not talking about Duke basketball sensation Zion […]
MAXImum Style
Have you taken the town and your closet to new lengths with floor-gliding maxi dresses? If so, you’re not alone. Maxis have actually been back on the fashion scene the past few years. It seems their popularity increased last spring and summer seasons, but they continue to crop up everywhere. Because a maxi dress is […]
What to Wear When Working from Home?
So you think all those telecommuters are working from home in coffee-stained PJs and bunny slippers? Think again.
Check Out Radius Pizzeria & Pub
Ever have a food tradition growing up? In my household Saturdays meant pancakes for breakfast and homemade pizza for dinner. Some traditions tend to stick.
Fit To Flatter
Discovering the perfect dress style for your body can be a challenge. Determining your body type is the first step.
Experience Junkies in Business
It’s true what KIit  FitzSimons said in his article Climb It Control. I have taken a Fifth Ape class.  Yes – right there in the  Forest Theatre, I ran and skipped and jumped up and down and across.  And after at least twenty tries, succeeded in jumping off a wall and landing on a 2 […]
One Girl's Fashion Dream
Meet rising fashion designer Leigh LaVange. I’ve wanted to introduce Chapelboro readers to Leigh and showcase her designs ever since I started writing this column.  I have this talent scout intuition that tells me big things are in Leigh’s future. So here’s the story of how she got started. Leigh is one of our own…born […]
Fall Fashion Dilemma
Fall is officially in the air; just step outside at night for a taste!  A fan favorite for sure, fall means pumpkin patches, football frenzies, fairs & festivals and to-die-for temperatures. Those of us lucky enough to live in the south bask in the glow of “Indian Summer.”  For fashionistas these warm days and cool nights […]
Uncommon Threads - A Common Connection
Several years ago my Mom, Pat Lopp, gave me the coolest black and crème skirt with a patch-work of panels in different fabrics sewn together….one corduroy, one polka dot, one toile, one swirls.  When I looked at the tag it said Uncommon Threads.  I thought, “What a creative designer!”  Fast forward a few years and Uncommon […]
Stay-cation II
Blow the horns! It’s 5:00 p.m. on Friday! The last great escape of the summer has officially started. I’ve got friends headed to the NC coast and mountains as I type. Even know folks flying in from all over for a larger-than-life Las Vegas blow-out extravaganza. So many places, so little time left on the summer solstice clock.  After forfeiting […]
›