Having a good sort out of your wardrobe is the best way to find out what clothes you have and what you need to buy. Unless you get everything out of your wardrobe you will never know what gem is hiding in there. 

1. Set aside a couple of hours and put on your favourite CD.
2. Arm yourself with some bin liners. One for charity, one for the bin and either a suitcase or failing that another bin liner to store clothes.
3. Get all your clothes out and put them on the bed.  It is best either to do your summer or winter wardrobe and not all at once.
4. Try on each item and take a long hard look at yourself in the mirror. Ask yourself:
   ● do I actually like it? If not, charity bag.
   ● does it fit properly? If not, charity bag.
   ● how many times was it worn last season?
   ● is it worn, stained or torn?
   ● does it make me feel good? If not, it has to go.
   ● is the colour right for me? If not, it has to go.
5. Do not keep clothes that you may or may not slim into. If you do lose weight then reward yourself with some new clothes
6. Anything you are hesitant about should go into storage for six months. Then it should be brought out and reassessed.  What’s left in your wardrobe are the clothes you actually like and enjoy wearing.
7. As you put the clothes back into the wardrobe make a list of what you have and what goes with what. Make a list with 3 columns like the one I have done below:
8. Already have         Goes with            Need to buy
   black trousers           red jumper            coral top
                                         cream blouse
                                         green jumper
   
   blue jeans                  red jumper             tank top
                                         cream blouse         red cardi 
                                         pink top
                                         green jumper
   
9. Do this with your entire wardrobe, tops, cardigans, dresses, trousers, tee shirts, jackets etc.
10. By doing this you will:
    ● discover clothes you forgot you had
    ● be able to get rid of clothes you never wear
    ● find out what you need to replace
    ● only have clothes that fit you and you like to  wear
    ● create more space for new clothes

Remember only clothes that you love and feel good wearing should be allowed in your wardrobe.   Never settle for 'It will have to do'.  If you don't feel really good in it when you try it on in the shop then walk away. 

Don’t ever feel guilty about getting rid of clothes you don’t wear. By giving them to a charity shop, not only will it benefit the charity but your cast-off will probably make someone else’s day.

If your unwanted items are still in really good condition think about selling them on ebay or through a dress agency.

Last Updated: November 13, 2009