Clean Out Your Closet with Samantha Dowson
Your post-COVID closet, part one.
Sometimes to build something, you’ve got to start by tearing it down. That’s why we reached out to stylist Samantha Dowson in exasperation. After putting our wardrobes in a sort of COVID-times deep freeze, it was time to make some hard decisions, lest we spend yet another year with our neglected clothes just hanging there. Scrapping what were once promising sartorial prospects right now, when our forecast looks so hazy, may feel a bit bold—but boy are we glad we did. With three bags of clothes out the door, we now have a better handle on what works for us, no matter what, and what had to go—even with a return to normalcy. Sam gave us so much good advice, we’ve decided to make this feature a twofer. First, a closet diagnostic.
Did I wear this often last year? If not, why?
Sure, we know the answer could be COVID, but be realistic about how much you wore it before COVID, and try to cast your eyes toward what role it can be expected to play from here. While we worried we might not have enough forward-looking information to decide—it was actually pretty clear.
Bag it.
Does something need to be altered or is the fit off? Is it just not my style, or is it something I don’t need at all? Here, Sam has a great tip. Put two empty shopping bags in your closet: one for alterations and one for consignment/donations. When you take something out and decide for the umpteenth time not to wear it (you know the pieces we are talking about), place them in the appropriate bag. Take out the consignment/donation bag at the end of a month. If you didn’t miss it, be done with it. For those things that need alterations, revisit Sam’s advice on tailoring.
Upgrade yourself.
Ask: If I did wear it and love it, is it still in good shape? Or should I replace it with a new version this year since I got so much use out of it? You’re a grown-up. You deserve that.
Mind the gaps.
Are there any obvious gaps in your wardrobe (the perfect white tee, a basic black blazer, etc.)? Are there outfit-completers missing? Are there items in here that you do love but don’t have the right pieces to pair it with?.
Make it timeless.
For each item, ask if it’s something you look at and feel it hasn’t evolved along with your personal style. Was it a trend that’s now over (not a core foundational wardrobe piece that never will go out of style)? And if so, why did you purchase it? Would you buy it again if you saw it in a store now?.
List it.
Keep a list of things you intend to replace and any gaps in your wardrobe. The list will help you direct your online shopping session the right way, and avoid impulse buys of trendier pieces or “meh” things on sale.
Then, consider these questions before you “add to cart.”
Is this a “need?” (Does it fill a void in your wardrobe? If so, add it to your shopping list.)
Is it classic, flattering and in your size? (Buying too small or too big: always a fashion don’t.)
Is it practical for your lifestyle, wearable and comfortable? Now that we’re used to dressing for comfort, why go backwards? Consider finding that “sweatpants” comfort in other pieces.
Check the quality. Is it a good material and does it look well-made? Please also consider the how of its provenance (both on an environmental and an ethical level).
Does it feel like “you” and align with your personal style? Don’t just buy into a trend because it’s trendy—you’re too grown up for that.
Does it have staying power? Do you see yourself wearing this in a year?
Does it go with at least 3 other pieces in your closet? Envision how you will wear it.
Does it remind you of anything you bought before but didn’t wear? (Learn from past style mistakes.)
If it’s on sale, would you purchase this item if it were full price?
Can you get it, or something like it, second-hand? This is a newer practice, but with sites like The Real Real, Vestiare Collective as well as stand bys like Etsy and eBay, we have had good luck getting the exact item (or at least a close approximation) while saving the planet—and our wallet—in the process.
