How to begin a Wardrobe Reset / Detox

1. Remove everything from your wardrobe (yes, every single thing!)

2. You’re are going to create 3 distinct piles: Keep / Store / Loose. You'll need to have storage boxes & bin liner bags to hand

3. The obvious pieces to lose are those that are worn, damaged, faded, or not fit for purpose in any way

4. The less obvious break ups will be with the pieces that you are keeping for some future body you are waiting to have (dress & love the body you have now), keeping you in a style rut, are uncomfortable or do nothing to flatter you

The key questions to ask yourself when deciding what needs to go & what to keep

Apart from anything that does not fit, or is no longer fit for purpose, how do you decide what to get rid of?

Ask yourself:
➢ Does it do anything for me?
➢ Does it fit with my lifestyle?
➢ Does it make me feel good?
➢ When have I last worn it?
➢ Is it likely that I will wear it again?
➢ Is it out of date?
➢ Do you like it in theory but hate it when you put it on?
➢ Does the colour work for me or with the other items in my wardrobe?

The first steps in creating a Capsule Wardrobe

Choose your Colour Story (that is your Colour Palette):

• Stick to a few dominant colours, usually neutrals, that form the basis of your wardrobe
• You can then add other colours as accents that work with your basic colours, in the form of other pieces of clothes, and accessories
• Chose lighter neutrals in the summer: whites/beiges/lighter greys/taupes/lighter browns/tans
• Chose darker neutrals in the winter: black, dark browns, charcoal greys, burgundys, deep greens, navy
• You also need to think about the level of contrast that is right for you
• Having a Colour Analysis done will guide you in choosing both neutrals & accent colours, and direct you in the contrast level that works best for you

Build your Wardrobe on a foundation of Solid Basics:

• Your basics will be made up of mostly neutral colours
• After getting your neutrals right, the next most important consideration is the fit
• This is where the importance of knowing your body shape & proportions comes into the equation
• Knowing this allows you to choose the correct fit of essential items like jeans, that form the basis of your wardrobe
• Your shape & proportions will effect everything from your choices in hemlines and the shapes of skirts, trousers & dresses, to waistbands, tip styles, necklines & sleeve lengths
• Up to 80% of your wardrobe can be made up of basics (depending on your Style Personality)

Consider Versatility & Quality:

• In how many different ways can this item be used?
• For example, the Capsule Wardrobe classic – the plain white shirt – can be used in multiple ways
• Add the item in it’s simplest & most basic form first, and then you can think about adding variations once you have the basic piece right, e.g., oversized collars, different fabrics, design details, different silhouettes, etc.
• Because basics get such frequent use, quality is very important

‍