Transform Your Wardrobe: Expert Tips for Decluttering and Organizing Like a Celebrity Stylist

A new year often brings a desire for fresh starts and renewed intentions. If getting more organized is at the top of your resolution list, particularly when it comes to your wardrobe, then you’re in for a treat. We had the exclusive opportunity to speak with celebrity stylist and co-founder of Millie & Main, Wendy Pilch, who graciously shared her invaluable tips for decluttering and organizing your closet, ensuring a smoother, more stylish year ahead.

There’s a unique sense of accomplishment and calm that comes with a well-organized space, and nowhere is this more impactful than in your personal wardrobe. Imagine opening your closet doors to a curated collection where every item has its place, is easily visible, and genuinely reflects your style. This isn’t just a dream reserved for the rich and famous. While you might recall seeing glimpses of Kim Kardashian’s impeccably organized, almost museum-like closet – a space more akin to a lavish boutique than a typical wardrobe, complete with perfectly lined shelves of luxury bags and designer shoes, all color-coordinated – the principles of achieving such order are universally applicable. Wendy Pilch’s expert advice aims to help anyone transform their cluttered closet into a functional, aesthetically pleasing, and stress-free zone.

The journey to a perfectly tidy wardrobe can seem daunting, but Wendy emphasizes that the key lies in a strategic, manageable approach. “We find that the best way to attack closet cleanout is by working on your closet in small blocks of time or by addressing one season at a time. We have used our proven method with hundreds of clients to make it as painless as possible,” Wendy shared, highlighting the effectiveness of Millie & Main’s philosophy. This approach breaks down a monumental task into digestible steps, preventing overwhelm and encouraging consistent progress.

The First Step: Deciding What Stays and What Goes with STAC’D

The initial and perhaps most critical step in organizing your wardrobe is making conscious decisions about each item. To simplify this, Wendy created the memorable “STAC’D” system. “STAC’D is an easy way for you to remember the steps to work in your closet. Focus only on items that can be worn in the current season,” she explains. This seasonal focus ensures you’re dealing with relevant items, making the decision-making process more efficient and preventing you from being sidetracked by off-season clothing.

As you go through your garments, Wendy advises asking yourself a series of insightful questions designed to prompt honest evaluation:

Does this make me feel good when I wear it? This question delves into the emotional connection you have with your clothes. Items that boost your confidence and bring you joy are keepers, forming the core of a wardrobe that truly serves your well-being.
Does this fit me? If it was hemmed or taken in, could it fit me? Acknowledging that our bodies change is crucial. Clothes that don’t fit well can negatively impact your comfort and self-perception. Consider the cost and feasibility of alterations versus simply letting an ill-fitting item go.
Is this out of style? Have I worn it in the past year? Trends come and go, but personal style endures. If an item feels dated or hasn’t seen the light of day in a year, it’s likely not serving a purpose in your current wardrobe. This also helps identify items that might be too trendy or simply no longer align with your aesthetic.
Is this stained or too faded to continue wearing? Practicality is key. Damaged or excessively worn items detract from your overall presentation. Unless they hold significant sentimental value that warrants repair, these items are prime candidates for the ‘toss’ pile.
Is this an item that I could wear during another season but not now? This question helps differentiate between truly unused items and those simply out of season. It’s vital for the ‘store’ category within the STAC’D system, ensuring seasonal rotation without permanent discarding.

A helpful tip from Wendy: “Look closely at the items in the far end of your closet. These are typically pieces that haven’t been worn in a while.” These forgotten garments are often the easiest to make decisions about, as their placement indicates a lack of use and perhaps even a lack of affection.

Beyond simply asking questions, the STAC’D process provides clear actions for each category of clothing you encounter:

The Five Steps of the STAC’D System:

1. STORE: This category is for all off-season pieces that are in good condition but cannot be worn in the current season. Proper storage is vital here to protect garments from dust, pests, and damage, ensuring they remain fresh for their intended season. Think vacuum-seal bags for bulky items, garment bags for delicate pieces, and clearly labeled containers. This also frees up valuable prime real estate in your current closet.
2. TOSS: This includes pieces that are genuinely worn out, pilled, have irreparable holes, or are stained beyond recovery. These items have reached the end of their useful life and belong in the trash or, if possible, can be repurposed as cleaning rags. This is about being ruthless with items that no longer serve a functional or aesthetic purpose.
3. ALTER: For items that you love and would wear if they fit better, consider alteration. Price the cost of hemming, tucking, or modifying pieces. Often, a small investment in tailoring can revive a beloved garment, making it fit perfectly and extending its lifespan, ultimately saving you money compared to buying new.
4. CONSIGN: Identify potential items that could be consigned. These are usually high-quality, designer, or gently used pieces that still have significant market value. Consignment is an excellent way to recover some of your initial investment and contribute to the circular fashion economy. Research local consignment shops or online platforms to understand their criteria.
5. DONATE: This category is for anything that doesn’t fit, feels outdated but is still in good wearable condition, or can’t be consigned. Donating gives your clothes a second life, helps those in need, and is an environmentally responsible choice. Ensure items are clean and in respectable condition before donating.

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The 1-8 System: Organizing What You Keep for Ultimate Efficiency

Once you’ve diligently gone through the STAC’D process and made decisive choices about what to keep, toss, alter, consign, or donate, the next crucial step is organizing the remaining pieces. This phase is about creating a functional system that allows you to get dressed faster, easier, and with less decision fatigue. Wendy Pilch’s “1-8 System” offers a clear, sequential method to achieve this:

Follow these steps to organize your closet and maintain a streamlined wardrobe:

1. TOPS: Begin by organizing your tops. Group them from casual to dressy, starting with your everyday tees and ending with more formal blouses or shirts. Within these categories, further organize them by color. This visual gradient makes it incredibly easy to find the perfect top for any occasion and ensures color coordination.
2. BOTTOMS: Next, tackle your bottoms. Separate them into pants and skirts. Within each of these categories, organize again from casual to dressy. This structure helps you quickly pull together outfits.

*Tip: Hang your dressiest jeans. Hanging helps maintain their shape and prevents creasing, keeping them in prime condition for when you need them. It also makes them more visible than if they were folded in a drawer.*
3. DRESSES: Similar to tops, organize your dresses from casual to dressy, and then by color. This method applies to everything from sundresses to evening gowns, making it simple to select an appropriate dress for any event.
4. OVERLAYERS: This category includes cardigans, blazers, and light jackets. These versatile pieces can transform an outfit, so their accessibility is key. Organize them from casual to dressy and then by color. Hanging them properly prevents wrinkles and keeps them ready to wear.
5. SHOES: Effective shoe organization can save space and protect your footwear. Utilize door racks, clear shoe boxes, or dedicated shelving. Clear boxes are particularly useful as they allow you to see your collection at a glance while keeping shoes dust-free and organized by style or color.
6. JEWELRY: Tangled necklaces and lost earrings are a common frustration. Wendy recommends organizing jewelry by type in a hanging jewelry organizer with clear pockets. This not only keeps items separated and protected but also provides visual access to your entire collection, encouraging you to incorporate accessories more often.
7. COATS: Due to their bulk, coats often benefit from being stored in a separate closet or a less prime section of your main wardrobe. Organize them by type – rain, light-weight, and heavy-weight – and then by color. This ensures you can easily grab the right coat for the weather without rummaging.
8. HANDBAGS: Handbags, like shoes, can take up considerable space. Organize them by type of bag and then by color. If you have a shelf, you can line them up in a logical sequence such as shoulder bags, then crossbody bags, and finally clutches. To maintain their shape, consider stuffing larger bags with tissue paper or small pillows.

By following Wendy Pilch’s expert guidance, you can transform your wardrobe from a source of stress into an organized, inspiring space that truly supports your personal style and daily routine. This comprehensive approach, combining thoughtful decluttering with systematic organization, not only simplifies getting dressed but also fosters a greater appreciation for the clothes you own. Investing time in organizing your closet is an investment in a more efficient, confident, and stylish you.

Maintaining Your Organized Haven

The initial decluttering and organization are significant achievements, but maintaining that order is key to long-term success. Wendy Pilch’s methods lay the groundwork, but continuous effort ensures your wardrobe remains an efficient and pleasant space. Here are a few additional tips for maintenance:

One In, One Out Rule: Whenever you purchase a new item, commit to donating or consigning an old one. This prevents clutter from accumulating again.
Daily Tidy-Up: Take a few minutes each day to put clothes back in their designated spots. Don’t let items pile up on chairs or the floor.
Regular Reviews: Conduct a mini-declutter session at the change of each season. This is the perfect time to rotate seasonal clothing and reassess items that might have become worn out or no longer fit.
Utilize Tools: Continue to use the organizational tools you invested in – hangers, dividers, shoe racks, and jewelry organizers. They are there to help you maintain order.
Listen to Your Closet: If you find certain areas constantly becoming disorganized, it might indicate a flaw in your system for that particular category. Re-evaluate and adjust as needed.

An organized wardrobe is more than just a tidy space; it’s a foundation for a less stressful morning routine, a clearer sense of personal style, and a more sustainable approach to fashion. By embracing Wendy Pilch’s STAC’D and 1-8 systems, you’re not just organizing clothes; you’re cultivating a space that empowers you to express yourself confidently and efficiently, making every day a little more glamorous and a lot more manageable.