How to Make Your Closet Feel New Again

With spring in the air and the changing of seasons, there’s nothing quite like the feeling of a brand-new wardrobe. That said, sometimes buying all the items you want is simply not within the budget, and buying an entirely new wardrobe for every season isn’t sustainable. But that doesn’t mean you can’t make your existing closet feel as new and exciting as if it were fresh off the rack. Here are a few tips to help you make your closet feel brand new without breaking the bank!

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Create a Closet Storage System that Excites You

When the pandemic hit in 2020, I reevaluated how much time I had previously invested in digging through my unorganized closet to find an outfit. I realized that my space made me cringe because not only was it boring, but it was always a mess. I wanted a closet that made me feel energized. First I spend a good amount of time on Pinterest visualizing how I wanted my space to look, then I Marie Kondo'd my closet, and I went to Menards to find the perfect storage for my wardrobe. I elevated my space with 3 storage cubes and less than 100 dollars! If money is a concern, see how you can organize your space without spending.

Shop Your Closet

The first step to making your closet feel fresh is to take an inventory of what you already have. Pull out all your clothes, shoes, and accessories and lay them on a bed or the floor. Play around with different combinations of what you already own--you might be surprised by how many different looks you can create with just one shirt or skirt! If there are pieces that no longer fit or do not bring you joy, consider donating them or selling them in a consignment shop. It is always good to purge old items from time to time!

Download an App That Helps You Visualize Outfits

I know it seems silly because you can see the clothes in your closet, but when I did this it changed how I saw my clothes. Suddenly, it was an adventure trying to see how many different outfits I could wear with my LBD (little black dress). This tactic will be an investment of your time. You need to take pictures of your clothes and edit them – but in my opinion, it is well worth it! Here are some of the apps I have used (not sponsored just sharing what I love):

1. Stylebook (my personal favorite)

2. Pureple Outfit Planner

Invest in Accessories

Sometimes all it takes is a few key accessories to make an outfit look unique. Investing in some statement jewelry, hats, scarves, belts, etc., can give any outfit an instant upgrade that will make it appear brand-new even if it's not! Plus, accessorizing makes any outfit more interesting; it's like adding another layer of detail and personality to your look. Have fun experimenting with different pieces--you never know which ones will become staples in your closet! And don't forget about bags--finding the perfect bag to carry around everywhere can make all the difference in how put-together you look.

Take Care of Your Clothes

Taking care of your clothes is essential for making sure they last through multiple seasons without looking worn down or outdated. Get into the habit of washing each piece after each wear (unless it's dry cleaning only). If delicate fabrics require handwashing or air drying, take the extra time to do those things; they will pay off! Lastly, store items properly by folding sweaters and hanging up coats on hangers instead of throwing them into closets or drawers where they can get wrinkled easily. These small steps will help keep everything looking crisp and polished for much longer than if left untreated.

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With these suggestions in mind, you'll be well on your way to giving your closet a facelift so that it feels as though it were full of brand-new pieces even if it isn't! Take some time this weekend to go through what's already there and see how many different combinations you can come up with using just what you have before investing in anything else - chances are high that they'll be plenty of possibilities! And once everything starts feeling boring again? Repeat this process until everything feels as vibrant and exciting as when you first got each item - voila! You've got yourself a brand-new wardrobe all while spending little to no money.

Enjoy!

~Tay