Wardrobe Spring Cleaning

To keep or not to keep

And here is one of those recurrent dilemmas. Every time a new season is fast approaching, I think about my closets’ shape in terms of organization and tidiness. Ideally, I would have one of those vast, marvelous walk-in closets we see in the houses of the rich and famous or in many movies: impeccable, sparkly, color coding, perfect lighting, flawless closets (and those shoe shelves!). Also, in an ideal world, I would have the organizational skills of Marie Kondo and her minimalism-inspired approach to tackling your stuff category-by-category (in this case, clothing, accessories, and shoes).

In my real world, I have two pretty regular size closets to house all my stuff; also, I can’t get my head around asking every single clothing item or pair of shoes whether they spark enough joy or not; it would be impossible to make a decision. After all, I love my clothes, and wearing them brings me a tremendous amount of joy.

Like me, I believe that most of you would be satisfied with a happy medium when it comes to closet cleaning. Spring season is here, and I am already thinking about pastel colors, light, pretty, spring-summer fashion, colorful sandals and handbags, swimwear, and warm, sunny days. So here is my plan and my advice to you; I am making a list of items to retire (or what not to keep) and a list of things we would want to keep. 

To make this process simpler, I came up with a list of must-have wardrobe items for 50+ women (younger and older can also agree with these lists; nothing is written in stone) or Wardrobe Essentials, followed by a list of items that need to be tossed. Ultimately you are your own judge but what follows are my suggestions. This blog post is intended to help you “clean up your closet,” so you don’t catch yourself again saying, “I have nothing to wear.”

You might have thought at some point about your clothes and what essentials you need to have a versatile wardrobe that covers all your clothing needs. This time could be as good as any to take a long look at your closet and see if you have all the basics you need to truly mix and match. I have researched what style experts have to say about wardrobe basics you absolutely need to have in your closet, and I came to my own conclusions. I particularly like Nina Garcia’s creative approach to fashion basics: “the bones of your wardrobe are those essential staples that go with almost everything, never go out of style, and are enduringly chic. They are meant to be a blank canvas that you can layer onto.”

If you have staple clothing pieces as the base of your wardrobe, you will always be able to create an outfit you love. I believe the way you dress and present to the world should reflect your personality and should be a way of expression.

These essential clothing items will be different for each woman as we all have a different body type, style, personality, lifestyle, and preferences. Forget about rules and myths. At this stage in life, we should already have figured out our personal style. Stick with what you feel comfortable and sexy, what makes you feel good and confident.

Below is a master list of go-to pieces for women who want to avoid the frump and look smart, confident, youthful, and energetic.

WARDROBE ESSENTIALS

1. The little black dress. This item is the ultimate canvas. A classic little black dress will see you through most events. You can dress it up or down using accessories.
2. Dark denim jeans. Finding the perfect pair of jeans isn’t easy. However, there are literally dozens of styles in the market now, and you should be able to find the right one for you. Not only do they work in an enormous range of scenarios, but they are also very flattering. I would invest in a more expensive pair; they’re likely to last longer.
3. Black pants. A classic pair of black pants will never go out of style. Tip: they should be great fitting; the pants’ cut is crucial, and the length must be exact.
4. A white shirt. Most stylists recommend this item as an essential piece. I must admit that I am not a fan of button-down, collared white shirts, so this one is up to you. They definitely look great on certain women.
5. Cashmere cardigan. When you put one of these on, it makes you feel instantly luxurious.
6. A classic skirt. Most women will suit the classic styles. Choose either a pencil or an A-line to flatter your figure.
7. A well-fitted bra. This one is a no-brainer.

Outwear

• A trench coat. This is the perfect piece to look instantly elegant and modern at the same time.
• A well-fitted, classic blazer. This is one of those versatile pieces. Choose a timeless color or pattern that you can wear for years.
• Cropped black leather jacket. Wear it with everything you own.

Shoes and accessories

1. A great pair of boots. Booties or knee-high, depending on preference. Genuine leather will always work best.
2. A classic pair of flats. Loafers or ballerina style.
3. Classic pumps. Kitten heel or higher, depending on what is comfortable for you.
4. A high-quality handbag. It doesn’t have to be Louis Vuitton; there are plenty of cheaper choices to choose from.

WHAT TO TOSS LIST

1. All the clothing items that do not fit-too big, too small-. You are never going to wear them again.
2. Anything frumpy. Decades-old clothing items, or anything that looks way out-of-date.
3. Shapeless, baggy anything. It is never a good idea.
4. Giant flower prints.
5. Pleated, outdated pants.
6. Comfort shoes-think orthopedic look-.
7. Wide crop pants.
8. Bedazzled print tees.
9. Plain boxy tops.
10. Dollar store reading glasses.
11. Turtlenecks. Unless you absolutely need them, this type of sweater is not flattering for older women.
12. Nude stockings. They will make you old instantly.
13. Badly fitted bras. These need to go!
14. Antique handbags.

To conclude, detox your closet at your own pace and on your own terms. If you really need to keep some of the “toss it” stuff for sentimental value, do so. If you do not wear dresses (ever), you don’t need that item as part of your essential pieces. In short, a more organized, cleaner closet will give you a sense of freedom, and it will make the everyday dressing process a lot simpler. No matter what the right wardrobe basics are for you, you can then use these clothing essentials as the foundation for a capsule wardrobe to make getting dressed stylishly a breeze. Let’s get to work and get inspired, and you will not regret it!