7 WARDROBE LESSONS I learnt from decluttering | Closet Update & Tips

7 tips to build your dream wardrobe (that I learnt from decluttering mine)
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→ For reference, I'm 5'3 or 160cm in height. My usual size is a XS or US 0-2 and AU 6. I wear a W26 in jeans and often size up for pants to AU8, US 2-4

*items worn and featured*
Red Dress - old Christy Dawn

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Disclaimer

[KimberlyPerrotis]

I hardly ever wash my clothes now compared to when I was younger, and they don’t wear out. I also hang dry, or dry flat, all my clothes - I think this makes the biggest improvement of all. I always wear a long-sleeve silk shirt or undershirt with my wool and cashmere sweaters. This keeps them clean much longer, and it’s much easier and quicker to machine-wash (“hand-wash delicate cycle) my silk tops than a sweater. They dry on a hanger overnight. I can’t do hand-washing because of a disability, but I want to keep my dry-cleaning to a minimum, even though dry-cleaners use environmentally-cleaner methods here in California now. A silk underlayer is necessary for me anyway because even cashmere is itchy to my sensitive skin, I often wear a silk neck-scarf, too. My new rule is that if, for most clothes, if it looks clean and smells clean, I don’t wash it yet. My grandmother taught both me and my Mom this when she noticed we automatically washed and machine-dried every garment after each wearing, even if worn for just a few hours. (I do, of course, wash underwear, socks and exercise clothes after each wearing, and anything else I sweated noticeably in, but most outer clothing just doesn’t need it). I take more care in eating and drinking now to reduce spots and check each garment for them after wearing. If there is one, I treat and wash (or dry-clean, as appropriate)*. it right away. I do keep once-worn items separate, though, and try to wear it a second time, then wash it, before they too much time elapses. * It’s really important, if a spot occurs on a silk, leather, wool or cashmere garment, or a highly-structured ones that can’t be washed, to get it to the cleaners within a day. They can perform miracles of stain removal, but not if the stain has set in for a week or more. I always check my winter clothes really carefully before storing them, because even light or “clear” liquids, milk, wine, beer or soda, might not show much at first, but will set permanently and darken in storage.

[Effects]

I would be interested in a video about loungewear and causal pieces. I also put more effort and money towards more dressed-up clothes and my casual/house clothing would be cheap or worn-out pieces from years ago. I only recently decided to actually shop for better pieces because surprise surprise these are the pieces I wear the most. Plus I didn't like having to change every time I went outside. Would love to see what you recommend for versatility and to look good (or decent) while running errands.

[mspayitforward]

I hadn’t heard this before about duplicates in different colors. Reflecting on this, I can see the wisdom of it. The Betty cardigan was an excellent example. The navy and the cream you showed are both beautiful but there is something about the navy that makes it just that little bit better. Mind blown 🤯

[SoNick]

I beg to differ about having multiples in different colours! I found an awesome skirt a few years ago. Loved everything about it and then hunted it down in two other colours (black, camel and khaki). They are staples in my workwear section! I think for workwear it is good idea, as it's like a uniform and a formula that gets you out of the house without any hassle. I agree with what you said about loungewear. I am working so much, 95% is workwear and then when a casual event crops up I have no idea what to wear. As we come into autumn here, I am excited about being reunited with all my clothes in storage!!! Thanks for another great video!

[mellimoon]

You're so right about the casual/loungewear. I hadn't ever invested in any good pieces in that category and would have to always get changed to go out, and would often just not enjoy always needing to 'dress up'. A few months ago I bought a couple of dresses from wool& which are perfect for around the house, dressed down or up. Also amazing for travel days. They're really simple (more simple than I'd usually go for as a kooky vintage lover) but highly versatile.

[Cookie]

Watching you made me realize last time i decluttered I still hung on to stuff that should really go.

[CassieTsui]

Literally kept refreshing my yt once I saw you were doing a decluttering video. Thank you for another super informative and calm video. I appreciate all the effort you put into adding all the b-rolls. Been watching you for so many years and you’ve been such an inspiration. I used to wear only dark colours and your videos have inspired me to experiment with a range of brighter colours and I feel much more confident wearing them. Love you lots xx ❤

[debchaffin]

I like how everytime i learn something super helpful that’s it’s usually not mention in any other fashion video!

[sussie]

Love “if I could only have one” - something I need to apply, as I often settle and then keep on looking. Also found that I tire of duplicates much quicker as I feel I’m in a rut. And having go-to outfits for different formalities is gold.

[KimberlyPerrotis]

My go-to outfit is a knit dress, a blazer and mid-heel, comfy, sandals or boots, depending on the weather, of course. A cotton knit dress and cotton or linen blazer for warm weather and a wool dress and blazer for cooler weather. I’m very much a dress or skirt-outfit gal, they are just so very comfortable. I can’t wear synthetics, so I’m always searching for knit dresses made of natural, breathable fibers. It’s not easy, but I have found a few. Thanks for the video🙂

[tracypatil]

So true on the duplicates. I used to make this mistake and it can be a costly one. The only thing that i duplicate now is a shape (flattering fit). So I will buy merino wool tops in duplicate styles in a a few favourite colours that serve my wardrobe. But i limit this to non fashion colours, just for longevity. Love your woolens tips. I have got a handwash wool cycle on my washing machine but I put them in a pillowcase first, I use this for my next to the skin thin merino only. I usually wash outer jumpers very rarely only for spills.
I have been looking for a simple evening wear item for going out for 3 years. I rarely wear dresses so its very difficult. Havent found anything i really like. The search continues.... Your evening wear is stunning btw. This was a great Vlog. Unfortunately im in a different time zone so sometimes i watch much later on. Love the handbag you featured❤ Hope you have a great week😘

[AndreeaDimaFotograf]

Most people I know only wear a dress once at an event and it's a shame to wear it again. I always thought that I am weird. I can't wait to wear again a dress because I always buy only things that I really love. For me it's not a shame. I wish that more people would have the same oppinion as mine.

[jenniferdo]

Great video and suggestions! Really like the "if I could only have one" question and focusing on elevated lounge wear!

[soniazheng]

Thank you, Helen. I love these style videos. These are great tips for intentional wardrobe curation and care. Things that can be easily missed but make SUCH a difference.

[lindsey_j]

So helpful and practical, Helen! You have really helped me to refine my style and think so much more before purchasing. I have started asking myself, "Would Helen buy this?" when thinking through the quality, practicality, etc of a piece. And it has saved me from many poor purchases!! Thanks so much for all of your work in making your videos

[charleneplushonda]

I absolutely adore your style and have been following you for the past few months! I've learned so much about how to curate my wardrobe and how to not shy away from color - recently discovered how much I love wearing color! I agree with neutrals being easy to pair together, but I noticed how bored I get of wearing them. And I'm a HUGE fan of your shoe collection as well!

[SillyProphecies]

Oh wow, your event dresses are amazing und you look stunning in them! ❤

[Fem_ke-il]

Thanks for sharing your tips Helen. I can only confirm that having casual basics and playing around with neutral colours really works. Also knowing which colours look best on myself helped me a lot. Sometimes we outgrow a specific style. ❤

[tobishiro]

Thank you! I'm rewatching your old videos, and this one has a lot of useful tips! I almost got into shopping rabbit hole😢

[aletheiagrace]

Helen, thank you! I just purchased a wool jumper and the tips for handwashing really came in handy just in time.