Cleaning out the closet can seem like the most daunting of tasks and we often tend to put off doing it. Getting rid of clothing and shoes we haven’t worn in years isn’t easy. Will it come back in fashion and will I fit into it again can play on our minds and this only leads to closet clutter and them piling up.
Personal stylist and fashion author Marisa Ferraro takes us through her love of fashion and how we can reclaim the coveted wardrobe space!
Marisa’s passion for personal styling began at a young age from watching television shows. She would notice the fashion from different eras and the way in which people had been styled for each character.
Marisa says, “I have always had a passion for creative fashion, style, and runways. As a young girl, I would find it fun and informative. It was always an interest of mine. I started burying my head in Vogue and Harpers as a teen.
I began my new career path by styling some friends because people were constantly commenting and complimenting on how I looked; what I wore and how I put it all together, from the outfit to the shoes and accessories. Friends would always ask me for advice and then a friend asked me to dress her for a function, she looked incredible, so other friends then also asked me to style and one thing lead to the next. I finally decided to follow my passion and use my styling expertise to pursue a career in the fashion industry that I have loved since I was a teen.”
Marisa answers the questions we all want to know, how and where do we begin this challenging task of de-cluttering and organizing our wardrobes?
During Covid 19 many of us are at home looking for things to do. Cleaning up the wardrobe will be at the top of many people’s lists. Marisa says, “A wardrobe clean out, whilst sounds daunting, can be heaps of fun and a huge relief once it’s done! It’s about structure and organizing, not getting overwhelmed, and feeling good about the task. It is amazing how great it feels once you see a clean, de-cluttered and organised closet.”
Step one – is to completely remove everything and pop it onto the floor or bed.
Step two – grab some large rubbish bin bags, some of the items will be for the bin and others will be for donating to charities or give to friends and to sell via platforms such as eBay.
Step three – Separate your work clothes, your casual wear and your evening wear. Finally, separate all of your accessories and shoes. This is not a time to be sentimental. Find that strength and don’t hold onto things that are just taking up space. If you haven’t worn it for 3 years or more, it’s time to go! Say goodbye to wonderful memories.
Should we continuously edit our wardrobe? Marisa says, “It can differ for everyone. Depending on your lifestyle, I think a few times a year is preferable to keep on top of it.”
Should we organise by seasons or colours? Marisa says, “I would coordinate by season and then into occasions. Our winter coats, for example, can go into one part of the closet because you require them for a season. Jumpers and jerseys can go into one drawer and T shirts and singlets in another. Seasonal structure is easier on the eye and will be much easier to find.”
How do we create more space and what are the best ways to store items, not in season? Marisa says, “The best way to store items that you aren’t currently using and making more space is to fold them smaller (if possible, depending on the item) and put them into a storage box. I would also double things up on one hanger rather than having multiple hangers that will take up lots of space. For example, you could put two or three shirts on one hanger or two maybe three pairs of pants on another. Keep the clothes that you wear often hanging and those that you wear for one particular season in a storage box or at the bottom or back of your closet.”
Can we sell unwanted items? Marisa says, “Most definitely! One woman’s trash can be another woman’s treasure, especially if it is relatively new and hardly worn. You can make some great money from that or a generous gesture would be donating clothes or unwanted items knowing that your unwanted clothes will be benefiting someone else.”
How do we look after expensive items? Marisa says, “Expensive items should be kept in a separate drawer that no one would go to but you. Each piece should be kept in its original box/packaging, suit bag, so that you know where it came from and what it is. Some people keep their very expensive items in a safe or at the top of their closet away from other accessories.”
The final step – is to start putting it away, using the steps mentioned above is a great place to start. Take your time with each of the steps and remember creating space is key.
What pieces should we be investing in now given the current isolation rules to stay at home? Marisa says, “I would be investing in what I call home wears, these include comfortable separates, activewear, trackies, and luxury loungewear. Remember comfortable can still be stylish and you want durable fabrics that last all year round.
Matching pants and tops are great for those working from home but are still seen on the likes of chat sites like Zoom. Cashmere is great given its autumn paired with some Chinos.
Get yourself dressed each morning and still dress well even if it’s more relaxed as this is guaranteed to lift our mood. Things that make you feel good at home, allow you to be comfortable and stylish in your own space, and lighting a beautiful scented candle can also be magical!”
Written by Melinda Sullivan
Images Achilles Prinos and Pinterest
Wardrobe Stylist @thestilettowoman
