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Expert wardrobe decluttering tips

— by Alyson Walsh

Photo: Dvora @fashionistable

As part of the research for Know Your Style, I embarked on a decluttering exercise with a wardrobe expert. Although I’m quite ruthless about old/unworn clothes, it was high time I sorted my shit out and an impartial judge really can make a difference (read more about my decluttering exercise HERE and HERE). Most of wardrobe expert Anna Berkeley’s advice was duly noted – but there has been a whiff of a rebellion around the areas of coat-buying and Khaki Malarkey (I have enough coats and khaki items already) but the one-in-one-out rule does remain intact. Meet the Withnail & I coat. Purchased last year, this belted, duster style is by Harris Wharf and apparently Michelle Obama owns one in black. What can I say…Harris Wharf coats are available from StyleBop, Selfridges, Yoox, and Harvey Nicols but being unlined wool, they’re not warm enough for freezing temperatures. Just so you know. Anyhow. There will be another decluttering frenzy when we have our new wardrobe fitted and I’ll invite Anna back round for the private view. I’m sure she’ll be impressed. As for my New Year’s gift to you, here are the expert decluttering tips from Know Your Style.

It’s easier to do it in small chunks, get all your tops together, rather than throwing all your clothes on the bed and running out of steam halfway through. Use a rail if you have one, it helps.

Try as much on as you can manage and be really honest – does it make you feel good? Does it suit you? Do you love it? You need to answer ‘yes’ to all of these -otherwise it’s goodbye!

Discard anything that looks tired, fits badly or is damaged.

Don’t save clothes for ‘best’ or keep ‘just in case’ items. Use the things you really love – otherwise, quite frankly, what’s the point?

Try and group your clothes into lifestyle sections – work, leisure, weekend and special occasion. This makes it easier to see what you have and to get dressed in a hurry.

Pack up the items you aren’t wearing, so summer clothes can be packed away and replaced by winter items. Use vacuum packs to release space, Pack Mate are the best. And throw in a moth repellent sachets while you’re at it.

 

And should you fancy a little Withnail & I action:

 

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As part of the research for Know Your Style, I embarked on a decluttering exercise with a wardrobe expert. Although I’m quite ruthless about old/unworn clothes, it was high time I sorted my shit…