Style - Hope's How-To

New year, new you! I receive plenty of emails regarding closet organization, and so many questions on how to organize one's closet effectively. Trust me, this is something that you can spend years perfecting.

Four times a year, I carefully take an inventory of what's in my closet and transform my wardrobe for the coming season. We've talked before about sorting clothes and proper clothing storage, but what about maintaining a wardrobe for all seasons?

Here are three helpful tips when it comes to keeping your closet filled with items you'll wear again and again:

1. Keep it classic. Sound easier said than done? Not so. Take stock of what's in your wardrobe (and storage) right now. Is it more trendy than classic? Do you have more than 5 items that you look at and say "that's out of style"? A classic wardrobe is one that never dates. You can pick up the same sweater 10 years from now, and wear it again. Personally, I've got articles of clothing from high school that I still style today.
2. Stick to the basics. Basic doesn't have to be boring, trust me. It simply means don't waste your money on anything outlandish. Gaudy embellishments, sparkles, or any article of clothing that's crazy dramatic — super-structured shoulder pads, too-tapered pants, unnatural fibres (think pleather) — has no place in the classic wardrobe. The classic wardrobe is one that's filled with uniform shapes and stylishly cut clothing. Opt for sweaters that fit comfortably, pants that have a straight leg, shoes with a moderate heel, and the like.
3. Balance is everything. I live by the "everything in moderation" principle, and this is one motto that should be practiced both in and out of the closet. Black is my favourite non-colour, and it just so happens that black never goes out of style. Not to say that colour is bad thing, au contraire! Your wardrobe should be a balance of neutrals, blacks, and a few pops of colour. If it's out of balance, chances are there are several items that you rarely wear.