The start of a new year may officially be in January, but September holds a certain back-to-school feeling that resonates with many of us, regardless of how long it’s been since we last sat in a classroom. This sentiment makes September the perfect time to do a thorough assessment of your wardrobe, addressing pieces that need some TLC and those ready for a new home. Vogue sought advice from experts to provide you with top tips for conducting a wardrobe MOT this autumn.
Take Stock of What You Have
As we transition into a new season, embrace the opportunity to take stock of your wardrobe’s contents. Begin by putting away summer clothes, followed by a comprehensive audit of the remaining pieces. “This refreshes our memory of what we already have and how we can style these pieces,” advises Andrea Cheong, author of “Why Don’t I Have Anything To Wear?” This exercise helps prevent us from buying multiples of items we didn’t intend to purchase.
It’s also a valuable time to identify any potential gaps in your wardrobe, and determine whether those gaps are genuine. “Take a photo of your outfit every time you leave the house,” suggests Cheong. “Once you have about seven to 10 looks, you’ll notice that you repeat a lot of silhouettes and styles. Are you happy with this? Do you still want to invest in a different color trainer or feel like a brown bag would complement your outfits more? We need to be realistic about what will actually add value to our personal style, instead of following trends or buying more ‘basics’ for the sake of it.”
Decide What to Keep
While sorting through your clothes, consider which pieces you want to keep, which need repair, and which ones you should part ways with. Dani Coha, professional wardrobe organizer and founder of Wardrobe Fairy, recommends, “Think about how often you’ve worn the item over the past year. If you haven’t reached for it in that time, it may not be a staple. If [a piece] shows significant signs of ageing or damage that you’re not willing to repair, consider parting with it.”
Part Ways Responsibly
For pieces you’re not wearing, it’s crucial to be proactive in finding them a new home, especially if you intend to sell them. “The longer you hold on to them, the more value they lose,” warns Antonia Johnstone, CEO of Sign of the Times. “Make sure everything is clean and in good pre-owned condition.”
If your items are beyond repair, consider alternative ways to make use of them, particularly if they’re not easily recycled. “[They can be] downcycled into rags for cleaning, repurposed for stuffing in cushions etc,” suggests Cheong.
Get Your Clothes in Good Shape
In preparation for the new season, ensure all your autumn staples are in good condition. “Getting your boots resoled at the start of the season is a smart move,” says Layla Sargent, founder and CEO of repairs platform The Seam. If you have a significant number of repairs to address, prioritize them based on importance. “Start with holes in knitwear, as these can quickly worsen if left untreated,” advises the expert.
In fact, your knitwear may require general maintenance. “We always recommend a cool hand-wash over dry cleaning,” says Buffy Reid, creative director and co-founder of &Daughter. “Use a de-bobbling machine to remove any surface bobbles if necessary.”
Organization is Key
Once you have all your items in tip-top condition, storing your clothes properly will not only maintain their quality but also streamline your morning routine. “Organize your clothes by category, color and season,” recommends Coha. “If you don’t have the luxury of hanging everything in one big walk-in wardrobe, there is nothing wrong with storing out-of-season items under your bed or in the spare room. I use Muji zip-up bags!”
