The new year is well underway, so by now you’ve probably tried about 10 different cleanses to get your body looking right. So, what’s one more?? Except this time, you wont be reduced to the likes of kale diets, or liquid food regiments meant for an infant. This cleanse takes much less time and your taste buds wont even have to suffer. Introducing, ”The Closet Cleanse.”
If you’re like me, then at some point you’ve stood in front of your closet, gazing into a deep abyss, thinking, there’s absolutely nothing for me to wear! "But I have a closet full of clothes”, you say to yourself; "How is this even possible?” Well, similar to a 5 year old and his mommy, you have separation anxiety from the clothes in the darkest parts of your closets. The oversized and tight fitting suit, the favorite tie that you spilled eggnog on during last year’s holiday party, or that jacket that fit you senior year of high school, but the truth is that it only fits half of you now. Or, for my older crowd, those snakeskin platform shoes from your disco days, that are begging for retirement.
Do yourself a favor and let it go! Create a closet that serves YOU, not one that keeps you enslaved to nostalgia and poor style choices.
Bare Essentials
First let’s start with the bare necessities, yup I’m talking about the clothes under the clothes.
Not only are T-shirts better for keeping you warm, they also keep the pit stains at bay. They also give a cleaner silhouette, as opposed to the “bra like” imprint that you see with vests. V necks will allow you to leave your top shirt button undone without showing your undershirt; while black overall is an easier color to contain and does not show through thinner shirts as prominently.
Now that we’ve gotten that out of the way, let’s get to the good stuff:
Refuse, Retain or Restore
The desired result here is a closet that works for you and stands the test of time.
Things to Refuse
Tight clothes, baggy clothes, faded clothes, poor quality fabrics, anything that doesn’t look good on you CURRENTLY! Doesn’t matter if five years ago, you were the hottest thing since that red salsa at Chipotle, If it doesn’t compliment your current physique, let it go! Cheap and dated fabrics, get them out. Silk and polyester shirts and suits, should only be saved for Halloween costumes and retro themed parties. At some point, even your good threads (suits shirts will start to go. Elbows will develop holes and tears, collars and cuffs will fray, shirts will shrink, and wool suits will start to get that sheen that makes it look like you've tried to apply spray starch. This indicates fabric damage from ironing and fabric tearing is on the horizon. Check the crotch of your slacks and jeans for wear, thinning fabric or pulled seems. If you see any indication of these, be on alert. Don’t get caught with your pants down… Or, ripped. Take it from me! Finally, if you have more holes than jeans, and more dirty than clean spots on your favorite boots or sneakers, it’s time to toss ‘em.
Things to Retain
“I know I should keep my new clothes that always brings complements from others, but how do I know what else to keep?” I’m glad you asked!
The articles of clothing you want to keep should be timeless, of good quality and fit.
Suits, sweaters and slacks: Keep any suits with a modern cut, that fit you well now or are at most, two size larger than your current size. For example, if you're a size 40R suit, keep any suits up to size 44R (suits are generally measured in even numbers).
Anything larger than would be difficult to tailor to your current body size. Remember, FIT is everything.
High quality, timeless fabrics such as wools, cashmeres and cottons and linens also deserve a home in your closet.
Good quality leather Oxford shoes are hard to destroy, all the more reason why they are keepers. If you condition and polish the leather on your shoes regularly, they will last for years to come. Quick note: Harder leather shoes will keep longer, whereas softer leather shoes crease and wear down noticeably quicker.,
Things to Restore
Don’t rush, or feel like you have to go out and drop $1,000 all at once. Restore your closet with new pieces in increments.
Start off with one of the 3 versatile colored suits (replace the color that’s most needed (navy, charcoal or navy pinstripe). Next you may want to grab a dress shirt or two (white, blue, or pink). Necktie? Sure why not (solid burgundy, yellow solid, or blue polka dot/striped). Slacks? Absolutely (khaki, navy or gray)!
Shoes? Replace those beat up shoes with a quality, leather, brown or black pair.
I talk about suits and slacks a lot, but casual is just as important. Grab a pair of medium blue jeans, dark blue jeans with a tapered leg. Get them tailored to length! Long sleeve monochromatic, cotton henly shirts make a great base for any casual outfit (white, black, gray or sky blue. Merino wool sweaters are another versatile pick. Not just as a layering piece, but once we hit early spring, throw it on under a blazer for a sleek minimalistic look (black or tan).
For footwear, if you’ve tossed out the old crusty pair as advised above, you’ll need some fresh kicks. Go for a thin sole casual low top sneakers (white or black), or casual high top suede, camel colored sneakers.
Now that you’ve got the right tools for your closet cleanse, you can ensure that you keep a healthy closet ready to serve up pristine style during any season!
Stay SUITABULL guys.