Simple Things You Can Do To Keep Your Wardrobe Decluttered

[@KimberlyPerrotis]

For me the key to quickly and easily putting good outfits together is to have everything in my closet 100% ready-to-wear. I inspect every single item when I take it off. If there are spots or grime, I treat them and put them in the laundry (or take them ASAP to the dry-cleaners for spots on silk or wools, cashmere, etc). The cleaners can remove almost any spot if an item is taken in within a day or two at the most, after that, the stain sets and it’s hopeless. Only if an item looks immaculate and smells fresh will I put it back in my closet (except for underwear, hosiery, and exercise clothes, which I launder after every wearing, of course). If anything gets creased, I iron or steam it, as appropriate and let it air-dry before replacing it in my closet. Don’t wash clothes any more than is really needed and never, ever, put them in the dryer. The only exceptions are to deliberately shrink a new cotton item, or remove excess dye that might transfer, or to remove the factory sizing if it irritates you, but two or three wash/dry cycles is enough to shrink and soften jeans, etc. (one cycle to remove sizing). I only buy 100% natural fibers, they look and wear so much better (except for outerwear like rain jackets, when I choose nylon over polyester).

[@katherineday8409]

I’ve been shifting my wardrobe to natural fabrics like silk, cotton, cashmere, linen and lined wool. Items that don’t fit this criteria are being donated.

[@silvanapatrick_stylist]

@@katherineday8409 that’s great, Katherine! :)

[@celiathirlwall3329]

Another great video, Silvana! I'm going to watch it again. I declutter my wardrobe in March and September. I've already started a pile of items that don't fit or look best on me! Thank you and have a great week!! xx

[@silvanapatrick_stylist]

@@celiathirlwall3329 hi Celia, that’s great to hear that you declutter twice a year! Have a great day too x

[@KimberlyPerrotis]

I find I buy things I don’t want so much when I’m trying to match, or find something that “goes with” another item I already have. I remember having these two skirts I otherwise loved, but they were in colors that aren’t in my wardrobe palette, rust and teal blue/green. It turned out that these colors weren’t current, either, so I couldn’t find much that worked with them other than boring ivory tops. I kept buying different tops and scarves to try to make outfits with them, but I never loved them. Eventually, those skirts were too too big for me anyway and couldn’t be sized down anymore, I had already done several rounds of that. I had wasted so much time, effort and money trying to make them work, I won’t make that mistake again. If it doesn’t work with the rest of my wardrobe, I won’t buy it. By getting rid of those skirts and the items I bought for them, it opened up space in my wardrobe for items I actually do love.

[@szfrj]

❤

[@yvetteschaerer]

Great video! I’m going to declutter and get rid of 80% of the items I don’t wear.

[@silvanapatrick_stylist]

@@yvetteschaerer That’s great to hear, Yvette!

[@tplayspiano]

Question, what do you do when you have high-quality pieces that charity shops won’t take because they need to be hand washed or dry cleaned? What if you’ve already tried to sell the items on Poshmark? I can’t bring myself to throw perfectly good clothing items in the trash, they are more than 5 years old so even ThredUp won’t take them. Ideas welcome. Thank you.

[@silvanapatrick_stylist]

@@tplayspiano you can try Depop or swap with friends, do a garage sale or even try a local second hand upscale boutique. Normally they take any item as long as it’s in good condition. I don’t know where you are but they’re very popular in the US and here in Australia.

[@natalia132]

Sell them on vinted or similar.There are many people buying such items.

[@tplayspiano]

@ thank you- I am not familiar with Vinted; will check that out.

[@bellaheblan8479]

Great topic and video! Thank you! Your hair looks great! ❤

[@silvanapatrick_stylist]

@@bellaheblan8479 as thank you, Bella! It’s an important topic glad you enjoyed it xx

[@JayJay-wg5ex]

thankyou

[@silvanapatrick_stylist]

@@JayJay-wg5ex you’re welcome:)

[@josmith2002]

Yes last year I tried on everything and kept only what flattered me most. Then I gained weight so had to buy more. Then I wanted to start sewing as a hobby so thought a little amateur- very amateur alterations would be enjoyable. I expect I will lose the weight I gained soon enough. So round and round it goes- oh well, as long as it makes me happy😊. But I must say good quality, well made clothes are harder to find- I think I’d better work on my sewing skills 😅.

[@silvanapatrick_stylist]

@@josmith2002 well I envy people who can sew. I can only draw haha

[@joanannewallace]

I've got rid of bags and bags of stuff. Shoes and clothes I've never worn that are too tight and shoes uncomfortable. I've given them to a friend or opshop. I now wear midi length dresses and skirts and still have stuff ive notbworn so now i'm not going to buy anything until I've worn the clothes i have.

[@silvanapatrick_stylist]

@@joanannewallace that’s great to hear, Joanna! Excess around us only creates stress.