Maybe twice a year, but at least once a year, take a look at your wardrobe. You then want to record the condition of your clothing stock. And it turns out time and time again: almost everyone has a number of items hanging from which not even the price tag has been removed! How can you prevent this? You are wasting a lot of money unnecessarily with this habit. This clothing is already out of fashion before it is even worn!

Inspect your closet and give away

Take the time to inspect your wardrobe. If you are like the average Dutch person, you never wear almost seventy percent of your wardrobe. If you have not worn something for more than a year (except for occasion wear and maternity wear): give it away. Occasional clothing means: formal clothing, clothing for funerals, festive clothing, swimwear, etc. A number of options to make you feel less guilty are: the thrift store, the church or other religious bodies or organizations that dress unemployed job applicants. You will see: you can breathe again. You feel liberated and can think without noise again. You can determine your strategy. Now you can finally plan a stylish wardrobe. Now you say it yourself: if the closet is not overcrowded with items that you don’t actually wear, you will feel much better!

Strategic cleanup

Make some piles. A difficult (and probably small pile) is clothing with an emotional charge. For example, a wedding dress, or your baptismal dress. Pack it in a transparent sleeve and look at it regularly. A frequently heard tip is to take a photo of it. Then you may want to slowly let go of this garment. First select clothing that you will and will not wear. Clothing that you no longer wear or is too small goes to charity. Be realistic, this will save you a lot of cupboard space. Also keep aside clothing that you want to wear, but that has some damage. Suppose you are not wearing something because a button or hem is loose. You can solve this yourself.

Radiate your own style!

Think in terms of basic clothing and accessories. A good wardrobe consists of almost seventy-five percent basics. What do you like to wear? Are those pants or skirts? Is this a certain type of pants? If your body is asymmetrical, trousers with some stretch may be advisable. Make sure that the clothing is not too tight. This is certainly not flattering. Well-fitting clothing looks slim. The basics have an even color. The fabric is beautiful, but not striking. Think in terms ofdark blue trousers with dark blue shoes. Which neck shape flatters you? Do you like to wear a turtleneck or a v-neck? Take a moment to name your favorite colors. Tip: look at the color of your eyes and your (natural) hair color. If you have blue eyes and fair skin, blue will generally suit you.

Supplement the missing basics

Make an overview of the clothing items you are still missing. Think about your daily activities. If you need to look presentable, keep this in mind. Buy nice, but modest, covering clothing for your work. A good guideline is that you need approximately one pair of pants or skirt for every five tops.

Buy quality, not quantity

You’re better off buying a few high-quality items. Only buy something you feel comfortable in. You may pay a little more, but you will earn this back by wearing something often. The most important purchasing criterion: only buy something that you prefer to wear every day and that is appropriate for your work. If you only have party clothes in your closet, you are certainly missing a number of items. There is no argument that a piece of clothing is on sale or that it fits. Clothing lasts for years. Buy something that doesn’t annoy you. Good clothes don’t necessarily have to cost a lot. Add a beautiful fashion accessory and you will be ready for the coming season!

One last tip

Suppose you have bought something and are showing it to your partner. If he doesn’t like it, return it. Don’t be stubborn! You’ll probably never wear it anyway.