How to Live Well- The Wardrobe

While one’s wardrobe is not technically a room (unless you have a large walk in closet- and if you do- lucky you!) it deserves its own post because too many of us neglect this oh so important counterpart to our lives. Here are my tips for how to live well with your wardrobe:

All wardrobes need constant editing- at the very least twice a year when the major seasons change (Spring and Fall). Assess every article of clothing in your wardrobe. Do you love it? When was the last time you wore it? Does it still fit you? Does it need mending? Be ruthless. If you have an aversion to getting rid of things, put everything that is questionable into a space bag and hide it away for six months. If you haven’t thought twice about it during that time, you probably will never wear it.

Hang your clothes in an organized system that makes sense to you. For some people that is hanging all dresses together, silk blouses together, etc.; for some people that would be hanging your garments by color. I go slightly between the two. I hang my clothes by category (sleeveless shirts, short sleeve blouses, long sleeve, blazers- you get the idea) and I hang the clothes in gradients of color in each separate category (lighter colors to darker colors).

No wire hangers s’il vous plait. (A good way to recycle wire hangers is by giving them back to the dry cleaners). Use only high quality hangers in either wood, felt or cloth- your clothes will thank you. I purchased all black felt hangers from Bed Bath and Beyond for a great price- I love how they make my closet look like a high end boutique.

Take care of your shoes. I store most of my shoes in cloth shoe bags. Some people keep them in clear boxes or boxes with a Polaroid of the shoe on the front. Know when your shoes have ‘expired’. Are the soles really worn? Are they starting to look shabby? What about the interior of the shoe? Is it in good condition? I had to retire my very favorite pair of grey patent leather quilted ballet flats by London Sole recently and it was painful- but I had just worn them to death. It was the fashionable thing to do. And now I get to shop for a new pair!

Also, be ruthless with regards to your drawers. Undergarments, lingerie, loungewear, sleepwear and workout clothes should also be assessed at least twice a year. Get rid of anything that looks tired and ‘worn’. I like to ask myself ‘ if someone else were rifling through my drawers would I be embarrassed by what they find?’

And finally, just remember the French philosophy when it comes to the wardrobe. A chic French woman would rather have 10 high quality garments than a wardrobe stuffed with ‘options’.

My closet is pictured above. In this particular section I keep dresses, blazers and coats...