The Key to Organising and Styling your Wardrobe: Clothing, Bags and Jewellery Edition

There is no single right way to organise your wardrobe and that’s where the fun lies- would you rather your items be streamlined, folded and tucked away in storage or on display out in the open? A wardrobe audit will set you up with a fantastic foundation for looking and feeling your best. The way you present yourself is critical in conveying a polished appearance, a must for your personal and professional lifestyle. Style is a deeply personal embodiment of who you are.

Every time you dress, you begin to assert a part of yourself. In this way, it’s an experience too. As a minimalist,  I stand by simple, uncomplicated pieces. I believe in elegance and investing in timeless clothing staples that can be mixed and matched accordingly. In this way, my closet is an extension of what I stand for. No fuss or frills but you’re guaranteed a whole lot of pretty- that’s what makes my heart sing after all.

You’ll want to begin with a satisfying cull and deep clean. Don’t be afraid to show ruthlessness! When in doubt, consider this unspoken rule- if it’s not a hell yes, it’s a hell no. To borrow these wise words, “Don’t settle for nice, for pleasant, for familiar. Keep looking until you find what really moves you and resonates with your core. This relates to people, interests, hobbies, your possessions, clothing, music, books, art. Everything. Curate every aspect of your life as much as you can. It’s in the things that deeply inspire us that we find ourselves. Surround yourself with truth and you’ll have built a haven.”

Throughout the rewarding process of finding pieces that cater to you and determining where there is lack, don’t skimp. Instead, be all in. Go the whole nine yards and compile that Pinterest board, observe those run way looks, browse that store to your heart’s content. Peruse that look book, tap into that fashion icon’s best kept secrets, read that interview.

There are so many things that come into play and should be kept in consideration. If you’ve not yet determined your body type or studied coloury theory in relation to skin tone, head that way. What cuts flatter your shape? What side of the spectrum do you veer towards in terms of height? Are you a taller gal? Shorter?

 

 

Perhaps you fit neatly in the middle like me and are of average stature. I stand about five foot five tall with petite women considered five foot four and under. So close! I have a warm skin tone and an hourglass shape. My best colours are red, peach, muted pinks, coral, orange, amber, gold, yellow, olive, moss, cream, nude, cappuccino and grey.

With an hourglass shape you ideally want to accentuate the waist and neckline. Form fitting tops, wraps, peplum styles and anything with a vee, round or boat neck. The hourglass silhouette is flattered by more structured and tailored garments as curves are naturally balanced. Think trench coats, fitted blazers, bomber jackets and dresses that cinch in at the waist with a belt.

Overall, the pieces you pull out must be congruent with your personal style in order to measure up. Release yourself from the obligation surrounding keeping impulse purchases or items with significant monetary or sentimental value. Be intentional about evaluating the purpose they now serve. If their time has come and gone, pass them on.

You’ll want to get rid of what is ill fitting, dated, age inappropriate, stained, faded and so forth. Show friends and family that they are never far from your thoughts, inviting them to shop your gently loved closet. What could be more fun? If you’re strapped for cash, consider online marketplaces the like of Depop. Build a loyal community there and you’ll have no trouble passing on what you’ve outgrown.

 

 

However, don’t discount the difference a little tender loving care can make. As they say, prevention is the medicine medicine! Let this be your focus. If you follow guidelines correctly, your belongings will hold their value for an increased period. When it comes to handbags, you’ll want to store them upright on a shelf within their dust bags.

Depending on whether they are structured or slouchy, you may wish to find a soft stuffing. This will allow them to retain their shape without damaging the inner lining. When it comes to coats, jackets and knitwear, find a reliable fabric shaver or comb to combat that dreaded pilling. Keep your outwear hung up and you’ll avoid creases. Make sure to schedule in a regular dry clean for these delicates.

I’m a highly ordered sort and appreciate on a functional and visually pleasing level the difference systematic organisation plays. I can’t say I’d pass up on the chance to have a walk in robe but there’s plenty you can do to invite warmth and flair into a smaller space. My currents wardrobe spans a whole wall but I use half. Before my move earlier this year, I was working with a typical apartment closet. There was an overheard shelf, two cubbies, three drawers and very limited hanging area.

It was unideal to say the least. The key to making the most of top level, hard to reach shelves is to buy baskets in a variety of sizes. I have three large, three small and two medium braided baskets within my current layout. They’re from Bed Bath and Table, a local homewares store and have this gorgeous blue pinstripe lining and bow detail at the front. In these I keep small bags, purses, extra bed linens and magazines. My bags are from Belle and Bloom, Status Anxiety, Guess, Seed Heritage and Fossil. I prefer minimal embellishments and genuine or vegan leather.

 

 

My closet is divided into sections. I have my winter coat, denim and aviator jacket, cardigans and jumpers to the far left. These are kept on thicker wooden coat hangers so as not to mark the sleeves. Next I have a variety of maxi, midi and mini dresses to transition with me throughout the seasons. I prefer to have everything at hand no matter the weather.

This encourages me to think outside of the box and repurpose clothing to fit the day and occasion’s unique requirements. These are kept on matte and rose gold coat hangers from Target. I bought a couple of sets a while ago and haven’t looked back. Arguably an unnecessary expense but the sheer satisfaction I gain looking at them says otherwise! Velvet are another viable option. Either way, plastic are out.

I prefer to keep a consistent colour gradient throughout my wardrobe so each piece tends to graduate in shade and complement the next nicely. I’ll start off with a neutral palette and gradually work up to a deep navy. Never black though. Next in line are blouses, graphic tee shirts and the occasional vest or ribbed tank top. I keep my skirts, pants, shorts, intimates and swimwear folded in my chest of drawers. The boutiques I’ve frequented of late are Branche, Sezane, Witchery, Seed Heritage, Country Road and Kookai for woollen pieces and elevated basics. Auguste The Label, Hazel and Folk, Indian Summer Co, Merri the Label, Golden Eve Wear and Review are my true loves for undeniably feminine and one of a kind dresses that are a nod to the dreamer and gypsy inside all of us. Sometime soon I’m looking forward to trying out Girl and The Sun, Petal and Pup and more!

I gravitate consistently towards an earthy palette of cream, olive green, rust, dusky pink, brown, honeycomb, nude, cornflower blue and navy. I’d describe my style crush as being bohemian and nomadic in nature. Texture is introduced through broderie, ruching, tassels, lace and embroidery. Bold splashy florals, polka dots, paisley and gingham exude class. Now for a couple of trends I’ve hopped onto, starting with the good old graphic tee. This core piece was left out of my wardrobe until I found a way to incorporate it without emblazoning a band name across my chest. I always make an effort to thrift or shop sustainably and am proud to say I do so ninety five percent of the time!

To top it off, you won’t find any micro sleeves typical in women’s shirts. From Seed Heritage I have one in peach and white leopard print and from Branche a navy and white striped + sequinned monogram number. From their sale section I picked up a boho lady tee in slate for twenty five dollars. It’s this outline of a woman with a fedora and red lipstick- so chic. My biggest steal however was a tee that reads sun chaser moon dancer under the two intersecting. It retailed for fifteen dollars but came down to five. I’ve also been enjoying wearing square buckled belts to define my shape and accentuate curves more with looser dresses.