Spring is all about fresh starts. This makes it the perfect
time for one very important task: cleaning out your closet. No matter the size
of your space, a closet clean-out can seem like an intimidating task. So where
do you begin?
This guide shares our top tips on what to keep, donate,
recycle or throw away, as well as the spring essentials we're stocking up on.
How to refresh and revamp your spring wardrobe:
Go through everything one by one
It may seem time-consuming, but sorting through each and
every piece in your wardrobe is the best way to start your spring closet
cleaning. To make things easier, work by category. For example, begin with the basics
(like jeans) and go from there. Think about the pieces you actually wear,
versus what sits in your closet to be worn "one day."
If you haven't worn an item in a while (like those shorts
from last year), it's recommended that you try it on before slipping it back
into your dresser drawer or closet. If you find some of your favorite items no
longer fit, consider having them altered or tailored.
Working your way through categories—from tees and blouses to dresses and accessories—will help you break down the task into bite-size pieces and give you a sense of accomplishment along the way.
Put clothing into 3 piles
As you get a general feeling of what you want to keep versus
what you want to pass along, start making piles. Put pieces you love and want
to keep in one pile. These can go right back into your closet.
Create
a second pile for items you want to keep that need to be repaired or tailored.
A good tailor can salvage old favorites by altering waistbands, adjusting hems,
relining dresses and even replacing zippers and buttons. Don't have a tailor?
Nordstrom employs the largest team of professional tailors in the nation and
offers full alterations and tailoring services for your clothing—whether it came from Nordstrom or not.
Make a third pile for what you no longer want or may be on
the fence about (which—let's be honest—usually
means you should get rid of it). There are many options to consider here, and we've broken them down for
you.
Donate gently used clothing
Nordstrom
makes it easy to give used clothing and accessories a second life with a clothing donation program.
The charitable organization Dress for Success also
accepts gently used, nearly new professional attire, and Goodwill is a
convenient option for all types of clothing. When considering donating, you'll
want to make sure items are in good condition and freshly laundered. Socks, undergarments
and visibly worn pieces all need to go in the toss pile.
Resell clothing or swap with friends
Maybe
you made an extravagant purchase and it doesn't fit anymore. Or
perhaps you splurged on a bag that's
no longer your style. Luckily,
there are a ton of resale options for used fashion. You can also set up a
clothing swap with friends, or go to a local vintage shop and trade for some
preloved treasures.
Recycle worn-out or damaged items
For pieces that are damaged or other clothing you
can't get rid of by way of swapping, donating or selling, consider recycling.
Many neighborhoods have recycling bins for clothing, but you can also check out
Recycle Now's Recycling Locator tool
to find a textile recycling center. This is a great option for items with wear
and tear (like heavily pilled sweaters, stained blouses or jeans with one too
many holes) if repair isn't possible or worthwhile.
Throw the rest away
Items like underwear, bras and socks will likely end up in
the toss pile, as will items that are beyond repair or recycling. Consider all
of the options above before ultimately deciding to throw anything in the trash.
Don't forget about shoes and accessories
When cleaning out your closet, sort through your shoes,
accessories, outerwear and bags too. These items often need a lot of
maintenance if they're well-worn, so be careful not to overlook any much-needed
repairs.
Refresh your wardrobe with new pieces
This is the fun part. Once you've identified the keepers,
you should consider buying similar styles in different colors or patterns.
A spring refresh is also the perfect time to make sure you
have seasonal essentials. White tees and denim are a must, as are sandals,
skirts and dresses. Staples like tanks and shorts in solid colors are versatile
spring and summer wardrobe items that can pair with almost anything.
Fashion is always evolving, so consider refreshing your
wardrobe with new, on-trend pieces. Some of the trends we're loving for spring
and summer include retro-inspired denim,
bold blouses and joyful prints.
Organize your closet thoughtfully
When putting the winners back in your closet, keep your best
layering pieces in easy-to-find places for spring's unpredictable weather.
Cardigans, lightweight scarves and long-sleeve tees are definitely worth
keeping close for transitional weather.