Your closet is a personal space that reflects who you are. The clothes hanging there tell a story – your story. It whispers details about your style, showcasing your choice of patterns, love of solids, or your fascination with rhinestones and sequins. These items give a glimpse into your past, reflected by the college sweatshirts and concert T-shirts you can’t bear to part with.
Clothes can also give us a glimpse of your future – clothes you purchased in hopes of fitting into one day or outfits you plan to wear in the future for a special occasion or vacation. Most importantly, they tell a story of who you are today and how you like to express yourself.
The Stress of Getting Dressed
One thing is certain: every day, without fail, you must get dressed. It may be one of the first decisions you make each morning. As this process unfolds, it can be one of ease and flow or one of stress and frustration. Regardless, this process reflects the relationship you have with the items in your closet.
Here is just one example of what may happen as you get dressed each morning:
You think about the weather, who you’re meeting, and what is on your agenda for the day. As you start selecting items from your closet, that little voice starts whispering in your ear. A running commentary begins to send messages that scroll through your brain while you view the choices presented.
As you view the hanging clothes one by one, the noise might sound something like this:
“The blue in this blouse looks great with my eyes, but it’s too tight across my back.”
“Oh, I love the feel of this material, but it just doesn’t hang right.”
“This makes me look too fat, it’s too boxy.”
“I love this top; I wish I had something that went with it.”
“Sleeves are too short.”
“Sleeves are too long.”
“Oh, I forgot this was pilled…I need to remember to get a pill shaver.”
“I don’t think this even fits anymore.”
“I love this skirt, but I never wear it.”
“Can I even get away with wearing this at my age?”
And an old favorite:
“What was I thinking?!”
The irony of all this is that you purchased each of these items and placed them in your closet. Not only did you put them there, but you are keeping them, even though they may not fit, are damaged, or go with none of your other clothes. You are standing in that space, surrounded by clothes, frustrated because you have absolutely nothing to wear!
Rest assured, you are not alone in this journey. I, too, have fallen into this trap, and it takes a plan with a purpose to clear out those items that no longer serve us.
Fit, Feel, and Function
You may be asking, “How do I develop a plan with a purpose?”
Consider doing a closet audit using the three Fs.
- Fit: Try every garment on. Pay attention to fit. Where do the seams hit your shoulders? Are the pants the correct length? Are there any areas that are hugging you in unflattering ways?
- Feel: How does the fabric feel? What is the itch factor? Pay attention to the texture and feel of the garment against your skin. Is the fabric buttery or stiff as you move?
- Function: Where and how often will you wear this piece? Think about how often you reach for this item. Is it in alignment with who you are today? Your size and lifestyle?
Tips and Tricks
Once you have audited your closet, try these tips and tricks.
- Buy matching hangers that have hooks that turn 360 degrees.
- Organize according to style, then color.
- Put a reed diffuser in your closet to make it smell amazing. You can repurpose perfumes that may not smell nice on you but would be a welcome aroma among your clothes. Place reeds in the opening and treat them as you would a diffuser, rotating reeds as they dry out.
- Paint or wallpaper the inside of your closet to make it visually appealing.
- Use your wall space to hang a towel rack and S-hooks to hang jeans or accessories.
Start your new year with an organized closet – one that invites you in and presents clothes that all fit and make you feel fantastic. Invite a friend to help, or if you would like more information about my service as a closet auditor, contact me.
Mary Carangelo, MS, is a fashion therapist, author, speaker, closet auditor, and personal stylist with a transformative mission: to help women rediscover the connection between what they wear and the success they attract. With a Bachelor of Science in Education, a Master’s in Family Therapy, and years of experience styling women, Mary offers a therapeutic approach to fashion. She believes personal style begins in the heart, not the closet, helping women unravel their emotions, memories, and beliefs tied to their wardrobe and paving the way for self-expression and self-empowerment.
West Hartford, CT. Call 860.310.9896, email: [email protected], or visit:
mcstyling.me.