How to streamline your closet, according to wardrobe stylists
WORDS BY MOLLY SMITH
Simplify the process of getting dressed.
My mother would agree that my love for dressing up started early. She often talks about how I’d insist on changing outfits multiple times a day, sometimes parading around the house in as little as a nappy and those plastic clip-clop heels in between outfit changes.
But over the past year, I’ve found myself in a real slump when it comes to dressing. I’m trying to reignite the excitement I once felt about putting together outfits. As I stare at my small but considered wardrobe, I debate what to wear, wondering which pieces I’m missing and how I can simplify the process of getting dressed.
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Recently I came across Kath and Prue, the women behind The Wardrobe Edit, a Melbourne-based styling service that helps streamline your closet. These two ensure the pieces you own will work harder, giving you a wardrobe that isn’t necessarily overfull, but one with plenty of options that make you feel good.
With a promise to myself to make my wardrobe more thoughtful, I’m having my own session with Kath and Prue soon (before I buy anything else). Here, they share some expert tips on how you can streamline your closet.
Tell us about your background. How did The Wardrobe Edit begin?
We met many years ago while working at… Sportsgirl, where we both worked in fashion and PR marketing… With a shared love of all things style and fashion, we were instantly drawn to each other. When our career paths went in different directions, we vowed to work together again.
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Having both worked with some of the most prominent Australian and international fashion brands, we understand that an outfit’s power can profoundly impact how you feel about yourself and ultimately dictate your day. We are inspired by a simple desire to help people look and feel great and make getting dressed easy and enjoyable.
We genuinely love bringing order to the disorder, assisting clients… with their existing pieces while identifying simple ways to update their wardrobe and make it work harder instantly.
What’s your favourite part about the job?
We love seeing the immediate impact we make on a client’s everyday life. When we arrive they can be a little tentative, but about halfway through we see the penny drop… then by the time we leave, they are pumped! They feel lighter and more in control.
What are your top tips for falling in love with getting dressed again?
The key is to ensure you only have pieces you love in your wardrobe.
- Be prepared. Do a try-on beforehand so you feel good when leaving the house for an event.
- Create order. Be organised so you can see and access pieces easily.
- Alter pieces to ensure they fit you properly.
- Turn pieces of clothing into an actual outfit by accessorising. Add the finishing touches like the right shoes, belt, sunnies, bag, etc.
Capsule wardrobe – yes or no?
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Yes, but to a point. A capsule wardrobe is helpful to ensure you have all good basics covered… but we also really love ‘anti-capsule’ pieces for their wow factor. These are the ones that really create an impact and represent your personal style. Fashion is also about having fun.
Can you share five practical wardrobe organisation tips?
- Clear the clutter. If it doesn’t fit, can’t be altered and doesn’t make you feel good, it’s got to go. Remove anything that isn’t serving you.
- Hang as much as you can, because being able to see pieces at a glance makes getting dressed so much easier.
- Get matching coat hangers. They streamline your wardrobe and create order.
- Take photos of your favourite outfits and pin them inside your cupboard as a reference board.
- Group clothing by type rather than colour code. For example, tops together, pants and skirts together, etc.
How can we build a hardworking wardrobe on a budget?
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Slowly. It’s about taking a very considered approach and identifying the pieces that will serve you for years to come. Also, shopping preloved is a great way to invest in quality pieces at a fraction of their original price.
Finally, don’t write off what you might already have… sometimes you just need to look at [your wardrobe] with fresh eyes or enlist the help of a service like Wardrobe Edit to help you identify the gems!
For more on downsizing your wardrobe, head here.
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