We’re at that time of year again—the season of swapping out winter coats for lighter layers and rediscovering our spring wardrobes. For me, this is always a time of reflection. I like to take everything out, go through each piece, and think about my style choices and buying habits.

Unfortunately, sometimes I come across items from last season and wonder, What was I thinking when I bought this? It can be frustrating to realize you've spent money on things that don’t truly align with your style or lifestyle. But understanding ourselves and our personal fashion preferences takes time—so don’t get discouraged!

If you want to make your yearly wardrobe clear-out easier and more enjoyable, here are a few simple yet effective tips to help you build a wardrobe you truly love.

One of the biggest changes you can make—and one that delivers immediate results—is to stop buying into trends just because they’re popular. It’s easy to get influenced by social media and impulse-buy something that looks great on everyone else. But before making a purchase, ask yourself:

• Is this item essential to my capsule wardrobe?

• Will I still love it in a few years?

• Is this a seasonal trend, or does it reflect my personal style?

By answering these questions, you’ll quickly realize whether it’s a smart investment or just an impulse buy. When the next spring/summer season rolls around, you’ll be excited to rediscover your wardrobe because everything in it still feels true to you.

Sort – Remove What You Don’t Need

The first step is to go through every item in your capsule wardrobe and separate it into three piles: keep, donate/sell . Be honest with yourself—if you haven’t worn it in a year, you probably won’t wear it again.

I often try to hold on to certain things, especially if I’ve spent more money on them. But trust me—if you haven't worn it in the past year, you won’t. I would go as far as saying that if you haven’t worn something more than twice, it shouldn’t be holding space in your wardrobe.

Straighten – Organize Your Wardrobe in a Way That Makes Sense

Now that you’ve decluttered, it’s time to arrange what’s left in a way that makes your daily life easier. You can categorize your clothes by type (tops, bottoms, outerwear), occasion (workwear, casual, gym clothes), or even color if that helps you visually. The key is to make everything easily accessible.

I personally like to separate my clothes into categories and then go a step further by organizing them by color within each category. But this is very personal—maybe you’d rather divide them into workwear, sportswear, and loungewear. It all depends on your lifestyle! Think about what would make your daily routine smoother. You can experiment with this step, try different methods, and figure out what works best for you.

Shine – Keep Your Capsule Wardrobe Clean and Maintained

A clean wardrobe isn’t just about organization—it’s about maintaining your clothes properly so they last longer. Give your wardrobe a thorough dusting, wipe down shelves, and freshen up the space. While you’re at it, check your clothes for any needed repairs, dry cleaning, or de-pilling.

Make sure you have a clean space—there’s nothing worse than having beautiful pieces covered in dust! Taking care of your clothes ensures they stay in good condition and feel exciting to wear season after season.

Standardize – Create an Easy-to-Maintain System

Once your capsule wardrobe is sorted and cleaned, the key to keeping it that way is creating a system you can maintain effortlessly. This might mean investing in matching hangers, drawer dividers, or storage boxes. Some people find that labeling storage spaces (for accessories, seasonal wear, or shoes) helps keep everything in order.

I find this step incredibly important! You need to make maintaining your space as easy as possible. The goal is to make it effortless—because when it’s easy, you’re more likely to keep it up.

Sustain – The Hardest, But Most Important Step

It’s one thing to organize your capsule wardrobe once—it’s another to keep it that way. This is where most people struggle, whether it’s with organizing, exercising, or eating healthier. The key? Start small and make gradual changes that work for you.

We often find ourselves making big resolutions—exercising daily, eating better, keeping our space organized—only to give up because it was too drastic or unsustainable. The whole point of this system is to start slow, figure out the best approach for you, and make it a habit. It shouldn’t feel like a chore; it should make your life easier!