Come up with three adjectives that describe the style you want from your closet before tackling a redo.
Give yourself a day to do the work.
Empty the closets and try on every item. If it doesn't fit and isn't likely to ever fit, put it in a bag for donation or gifting to friends (or arrange a clothing swap with like-sized friends).
If it needs alteration but can be salvaged, decide if it's worth the money and hassle to fix.
Take an inventory of what you own. Do you really need 10 pairs of black pants? Would the two good ones do just as well?
Try to hone your basics to three colors that can work interchangeably in your outfits.
Put together 10 new looks with your pared-down wardrobe and hang them at the front of the closet for wearing soon.
Put out a week's worth of clothes for the coming workweek.
Get accessories out from drawers and put them where you can see them. Organize your jewelry, belts and shoes so you can see them when planning your outfits. Use drawers for underwear, not accessories.
Put things together that you haven't before. Look at fashion magazines for inspiration. If you don't trust your own fashion style, ask a friend whose style you admire to help you put together new outfits.
SUSIE EATON HOPPER
