How do I organize my closet?
Every closet has a structure and organization deep inside. A closet is not merely four walls or a box in a room. A closet provides a foundation, structure, display, and organization to the contents it cradles. In order for your wardrobe to be fully utilized and easy for you to use, it has to be presented in a way that is visually appealing, functional, while also preserving your items. Consider how you arrange sections in your closet. Is it organized by color, category, or season? Are all of the garments you wear on a regular basis easy to see and reach? Is there enough space in the closet for all of your items? Do you need to have off-season items stored elsewhere? Can your closet accommodate clothing as well as accessories? Is there clear, blue-toned lighting in your closet so that colors are truly and accurately perceived? A mirror should also be nearby.
Fashion is about dressing according to what’s fashionable. Style is more about being yourself. – Oscar de la Renta
There are a variety of hangers available. Hangers are different for a reason! Each type of hanger has a specific purpose. Be sure your hangers are of the right shape and texture for your various garments. Make sure you have all of the right hangers for your clothing types and your own needs.
Every closet needs shelving – in various heights, depths, and lengths. The number, the length and the amount of shelving a closet needs also depends on the type and number of garments and accessories in the wardrobe. Certain garments need to be stored flat and folded. Shoes can benefit from shelves, whether in their boxes or not. Handbags also typically need shelving. Many modern ways to display jewelry and other accessories are based upon a specific shelving/drawer system.
Smaller items often need compartments – either open or closed. This is not just for storage and preservation, but so they can be quickly seen when creating an outfit. Ideally, the compartments are transparent and in a variety of sizes to accommodate all types of items. The most common uses of compartments is for jewelry.
I have always believed that fashion was not only to make women more beautiful, but also to reassure them, give them more confidence. – Yves Saint Laurent
What are Wardrobe Basics?
Wardrobe Basics are those pieces of clothing, which are the building blocks of your outfits. Claudia often refers to such pieces as “Basics” as this is their true function and they are the foundation of every outfit. These pieces create harmony in your wardrobe and closet by allowing you to mix and match various items to create a multitude of looks – across all seasons. Typically, when creating an outfit, the visual image and clothes assembled for review are these Wardrobe Basics. Over time, Wardrobe Basics remain the key components to a wardrobe and make shopping and Closet Curation efficient. Even the most unusual or rarely worn item in a closet can benefit from looking for a Wardrobe Basic to make it a true outfit.
You can have anything you want in life if you dress for it. – Edith Head
Once you possess Wardrobe Basics in flattering cuts, fabrics, and colors, you and Claudia are better able to understand your personal style, passions, lifestyle, and preferences. Then the original, personal, as well as timeless items and looks can be included/added in your wardrobe. Personalizing your wardrobe is done by adding special items and those which are uniquely yours – and they all are grounded and supported by Wardrobe Basics. Working hand in hand, Wardrobe Basics and items expressing your unique style open the door toward fully expressing yourself in every outfit and at all occasions.
Fashions fade, style is eternal. – Yves Saint Laurent
Each of the following Wardrobe Basics should have a presence in your wardrobe. It is important to have them in a flattering neutral, color, and print. Attention to your best colors as well as the proportion and scale of any print is just as important. Many Wardrobe Basics may need to change slightly, especially in fabric, weight, and color, as the seasons progress. At a minimum, some Wardrobe Basics need to be present for both warm- and cool-weather climates and activities.
The joy of dressing is an art. – John Galliano
Bottoms
- Pants
- Skirt
- Jeans
- Shorts
I wish I had invented blue jeans: the most spectacular, the most practical, the most relaxed and nonchalant. They have expression, modesty, sex appeal, simplicity – all I hope for in my clothes. – Yves Saint Laurent
Dresses
- Little Neutral Dress
- Little Color Dress
- Day/Luncheon Dress
- Casual Dress
- Cocktail Dress
- Evening Gown
One is never over-dressed or under-dressed in a Little Black Dress. – Karl Lagerfeld
Tops
- Blouse
- Cami/shell
- T-Shirt
- Tank
- Sleeveless
- Short sleeved
- Sleeved
- Sweater
- Knit
The hardest thing in fashion is not to be known for a logo but to be known for a silhouette. – Giambattista Valli
Jackets & Blazers
There are many things to consider when selecting a jacket or a blazer. In all instances, the item must fit your shape and height well. Of course you should also consider the color of the garment and the weight of the fabric.
Jackets with collars are often the most traditional shape. They can be either single-breasted or double-breasted. This often varies with the trend what looks best on the individual and the person’s body shape. These are often parts of suiting or a completer piece which is often accessorized with a brooch or scarf.
Especially in winter months, you may find collarless jackets. Sometimes they will look like a sweater or have the same “knit” type of fabric. Year-round, a bolero, Chanel-style, or a simply scoop or v-neck “open” collar are often available. These shapes will lend themselves more to long necklaces and layering of other pieces.
Regardless of fabric, collar, length, or neckline, there are the several basic styles of jackets.
- Blazer
- Bolero
- Chanel
- Box
- Swing
- Single, Double Breasted
- Nehru
- Bomber
- Safari
- Smoking
- Western
The most courageous act is still to think for yourself. Aloud.
– Coco Chanel
Outerwear
- Coat
- Raincoat
- Vest
- Cape
- Shawl/wrap
- Poncho
- Fur
Elegance is the only beauty that never fades. – Audrey Hepburn
Accessories
- Belts
- Handbags
- Shoes
- Jewelry
- Hair accessories
- Scarves
I adore wearing gems, but not because they are mine. You can’t possess radiance, you can only admire it. – Elizabeth Taylor
Shapewear, Lingerie, & Hosiery
- Body shaper
- Slips
- Camisole
- Bras
- Underwear
- Nightgown
- Pajamas
- Robe
- Socks
- Hose
- Tights
Your dresses should be tight enough to show you’re a woman and loose enough to show you’re a lady. – Edith Head
Swimwear
As with all garments, there are many different shapes and styles of swimsuits. Factors to consider when building your wardrobe of swimwear are much like any other garment. The shape is important in terms of finding a flattering fit for the individual. For the most part, swimwear runs similar to athletic shoes – small, much smaller than one’s typical dress size. The construction and the fabric are essential to consider. The stretch and elastic in the fabric can make a garment tight enough to stay on, yet not so much that the smooth line of the body is disrupted. The swimwear then needs to be comfortable, move with you, allow for fun and sports, yet not be “loose.” Scale of print and color/color placement are all important in terms of drawing one’s attention to or away from various body parts. The shape, style, and color of any hardware should be considered and not overwhelm or cause discomfort. Finally, the wearer’s level of discretion, modesty, and personal style should be taken into account.
- One-piece
- Tank/Maillot
- Bandeau
- Halter
- Racerback
- Cut outs
- Two-piece
- Traditional bikini
- Brazillian
- Tankini
- String
- Bandeau
- Cover Ups
- Sarong
- Oversized button-down
- Baby doll
- Maxi dress/skirt
- Shorts
- Palazzo Pants
- Romper
- Sheer garment
- Tunic
In difficult times, fashion is always outrageous. – Elsa Schiaparelli
Activewear
The same fit, comfort, fabric, and style factors that one considers in a swimwear wardrobe also apply to choices in activewear.
- Shorts
- Leggings, full length
- Leggings, cropped
- Skorts
- Shorts
- Tanks
- Sports bras
- Built-in bras
- Tanks, short sleeved, long sleeved tops
- Socks
- Jackets
- Athletic shoes
- Yoga mats
- Sun protection gear
- Wetness absorbing towels etc.
- Performance, high-dry fabrics
Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication. – Leonardo da Vinci
Work/Professional Attire
- Pantsuit
- Skirt suit
- Dress suit
- Professional separates
When you don’t dress like everybody else, you don’t have to think like everybody else. – Iris Apfel
Top 10 Wardrobe Basics Which Defy Decades
- The Little Black Dress
- Shawl or Wrap
- Diamond Studs
- Trench Coat
- Pumps
- Pearls
- Jeans
- Tote Bag
- Turtlenecks
- Tailored Trouser Pants
I love things that age well – things that don’t date, that stand the test of time and that become living examples of the absolute best. – Giorgio Armani
