Before And After Declutter: The Closet Editing System

before and after declutter, closet clean out, Virtual styling

This is the perfect time for me to do a before and after declutter of my closet. I’m moving into my late 40s, and I feel like my style is changing again. I want to see if there are new ways to wear some of the pieces I haven’t been reaching for, or maybe let go of a few things. Over the last few years, my body has changed, and things don’t fit the way they used to. I like pieces that are comfortable but still stylish, which creates a very different day-to-day look. I want to figure out how to make my closet work for me and the transition I’m currently going through in life.

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Today I want to do things a little differently. I’m going to try Allison Bornstein’s method for closet editing. Her system divides your closet into three main categories. The first is your “regulars”: these are pieces you always wear and feel great in. The second is your “nevers”: these are items you’re not wearing, whether they no longer fit, aren’t your style anymore, or you’re not sure why you’ve been avoiding them.

Step 2: Break Your “Nevers” Into Three Subcategories

Then you break your “nevers” into three subcategories: no, not now, and how. The “no” pieces are the ones you’re simply done with. The “not now” pieces are ones you’re not ready to let go of, but don’t currently work for your lifestyle. The “how” category is about finding ways to style those pieces for your life today, so you’ll start wearing them.

Step 3: Revival

Then, her third step is called the revival, which is styling your regular pieces with the “how” subcategory from your nevers. I think it’s a fun way to do a closet edit, so I’m taking you along for the journey. For me, as a working mom who’s seeing clients between dropping off my daughter at school, I need flexibility in what I wear. I want to look put together and stylish, but a big priority in my life right now is feeling comfortable.

If you’re someone starting from scratch, I think it’s important to look at all of your pieces to get a clear understanding of your style, what you wear, and what you’re not wearing. That said, I found this to be a fun way to edit my closet. I feel so much better about the pieces I held onto. It made me see the things I love and wear in a whole new light. I hope this gave you some inspiration for how to edit your closet.