Hey, trendsetter! Are you ready to strut your stuff into the new year with style? Well, you’re in luck because now is the time to design a wardrobe that you’re excited about this year.
This guide shares tips to take the metaphorical catwalk by storm, like how to decide what to keep, toss, or donate, ways to reorganize closet clutter, and why you should embrace eco-friendly choices. Let’s take a look at how these strategies will make you the star of your own fashion show!
Decide What You Need (and What You Don’t!)
Let’s start by decluttering your closet. If you’ve been holding onto a sweater from two winters ago thinking it’ll make a miraculous comeback, here’s a spoiler alert: it won’t. Even if you don’t bring your sweater into the new year, there are a few other essentials you’ll need whether you are a fashionista or like to channel a classic look: timeless basics, versatile layers, and statement pieces.
You can build the foundation of almost any of your outfits with basics like a white tee and a pair of well-fitted jeans. You also want to have a few cardigans, scarves, and jackets in a variety of materials, like denim, wool, vegan leather, flannel, or velvet. Then, for a finishing touch, make sure you have a few things that scream “you”, like a bag, sunglasses, or a belt. Eye-catching accessories like these have the power to make your vibe go from “girl next door” to “dang, girl!”.
Now comes the tough love part: deciding what to keep, toss, or donate. If you haven’t worn something in over a year, it’s probably time to let go (except for things you don’t need to wear often, like outerwear, season-specific shoes, special occasion wear, or special mementos). Check for wear and tear like fraying, holes, rips, or thinning fabric. If you have clothing that is still worthy of a new home, bring it to your local donation dropoff center, like Goodwill or the Salvation Army, or take it to your local consignment store.
By the way, as you load up your car to carry all of your bags of goodies to donate them, keep in mind that it’s important to be safe when you hit the road, and you want to have reliable and reputable insurance coverage for all of your trips to Goodwill. If you’re looking for new coverage, Freeway Insurance reviews rate them highly year over year, with an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars. To speak with an agent and learn more, visit their website or a location near you.
Closet Cleanout
Alright, your collection of clothing is sorted, so it’s time to tackle the chaos that is your closet. A clean, organized space is very en-vogue (and picture-perfect for those inspo shots for TikTok and IG), so the first thing you’ll need to do is categorize.
First, group all your garments by type. For example, separate and hang your tops, bottoms, and accessories into separate sections. Second, organize each category by color coding them. Color coding is when you arrange your clothes by color for a visually appealing and organized look. One way to go about this process is by sorting everything with the ROYGBIV “rule”: start at the left-hand side of your closet with stuff that is red, then orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, violet, and so on.
If your clothes are more neutral (think black, brown, navy, gray, and white) arrange them in a dark-to-light ombre. Start with the darkest colors on one side of your closet, and work your way to the other side, with white at the end. No matter which system you go with, you’re bound to feel pleased with the eye-catching results.
Eco-Friendly Wardrobe Necessities
Let’s shift the focus to making sustainable and eco-friendly fashion choices. Yes, you want to look good, but you also want to be responsible with how you preserve your clothing.
One way you can take care of your clothes and the planet is by investing in wool dryer balls. Toss at least three of these spheres into your dryer to serve as alternatives to chemical-laden dryer sheets. Second, use non-toxic cleaners, like fragrance-free laundry detergent. If things are getting a little stinky, throw half a cup of baking soda into your washer. And finally, air-dry your delicates. Use a drying rack to preserve fabrics like lace, silk, linen, wool, chiffon, and items with embellishments like beading, embroidery, or patchwork.
Caring for your clothes in an eco-conscious way not only extends their lifespan but also reduces your carbon footprint. You truly can’t go wrong when your clothes and the planet are happy and cared for with chemical-free cleaning solutions.
Fashion Forward and Planet-Friendly
If you want to successfully navigate beginning-of-the-year trends, all you need are a few tips: make sure your wardrobe is refreshed, your closet is a visual and functional masterpiece, and you embrace eco-friendly practices. Remember, it’s not just about the clothes you wear – it’s about how you wear them and the positive impact you have on the world. Additionally, learning how to socialize at a party can enhance your confidence and help you connect with others. Now go forth and strut into the new year with confidence and style!
