What does your closet say about you? Is it organized, decluttered, with pieces you genuinely love and enjoy wearing? Or is it messy and full of clothes you never wear but can’t quite bring yourself to throw away? By reorganizing your closet, you can make yourself better instantly, and continue to feel good every time you walk in. “A clear, clutter-free closet always equals a clear, clutter-free mind,” says stylist Bridgette Raes. “And as one very wise client of mine once said, ‘What goes on in one part of your life goes on in all parts of your life.’” Here’s how your closet can make you happier.
RELATED: 10 Genius Hacks to Organize Your Closet Like a Pro.
Declutter Your Closet
ShutterstockThere are few things worse than diving into an untidy closet, trying to find that one piece of clothing that will complete your outfit. Decluttering your closet will instantly make you feel better and more in control. “By removing unnecessary items and creating a sense of order, you can create a more peaceful living space,” licensed clinical social worker Robert S. Petercsak tells Hackensack Meridian Health.
Choose Clothes That Empower
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Clothes that flatter and empower can help you look and feel more confident. “Not only do the right clothes make someone look better, but they can also make them feel better,” says stylist Sofiya Levina. “When you wear an outfit that fits well and suits your style and body type, you feel confident and ready to take on the day. And when you exude that confidence, it affects how others perceive you as well. Research has shown that people who dress well and feel confident in their clothing are often seen as more competent, trustworthy, and attractive by others. So it's not just about looking good for yourself, but also about how you're perceived by the world around you.”
Avoid Fast Fashion
ShutterstockFast fashion is bad for the environment and can make you feel worse after shopping. “Today, buying a dress is like buying a Big Mac; cheap, fast and, judging by the poorer quality seen in fast fashion clothes, not very healthy,” Christina Dean, Redress founder and Chief Executive Officer tells The West Australian.
Love Your Clothes
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Only keep clothes you love. “I often tell the women I work with that slowing down and holding-out for pieces that only bring you joy, excitement, and feel-good vibes when you look at yourself in the mirror are worth it,” says international image consultant, trainer, and coach Christie Ressel. “While it may mean you buy less often (which hey, is a great thing for your wallet), the decrease in morning-prep stress that you'll feel alone is worth it's weight in gold.”
Less Is More
ShutterstockBeing strict about what stays in your closet can make life easier. “Think about going to a restaurant where you are handed a nice, concise menu of options,” Raes says. “Even though the choices are limited, isn’t it easier to select your meal that way than being handed a menu filled with pages and pages of options? The same is true with your wardrobe! I love a pared-down wardrobe containing only purpose-driven buys, because it is so much easier to work with and navigate.”
Sizing Issues
ShutterstockAre you holding on to clothing sizes that don’t fit? “If you find yourself dealing with sizing issues, be gentle with yourself,” Raes says. “This can be a very sensitive matter. While I think it is important to keep only the sizes in your closet that you do actually wear in this moment, you can keep one or two basic pairs of pants in one size larger or one size smaller away in storage. Just make sure they are VERY basic and timeless. Give yourself a one year limit on these pants to determine if you maintain your current weight.”
