A fashion editor’s guide to...
New year, new style (sort of)
‘I hate all my clothes’ is a line I’ve heard a lot recently. If this sounds My folding familiar, skills the chances are you might have outgrown your current could never wardrobe (emotionally or otherwise) and are looking achieve this to take your style in a new direction. Maybe you’ve had the same going-out dresses since your student days, or perhaps your clothes just don’t feel very ‘you’ any more. Whatever the reason, refreshing your wardrobe can be equal parts cathartic and overwhelming. Enter: a fashion editor’s guide to navigating your 2023 aesthetic.
FIRST: LOOK AT WHAT YOU HAVE
Contrary to popular opinion, rather than starting with a cull, we recommend sorting through everything you want to keep. This builds the foundation of your wardrobe and gives you a sense of what you love before you move on. Once you’re clear on what’s staying you can tackle the rest.
The key to an effective audit is being realistic about what you will wear again. Next, make a pile of the clothes that don’t fit any more, along with the pieces you can’t remember wearing in the past year. Then, go back for round two and be a bit more ruthless. Ask yourself: ‘Do I actually wear it, or do I just like the idea of it?’ When you’re done, pop your ‘keep’ clothes in your wardrobe.
THEN: START SORTING
Now it’s time to decide what you want to toss, donate, upcycle and sell. A few things to keep in mind as you make your way through:
1. If items are damaged (ie, ripped, stained or worn through), put them in a clothes recycling bin. Alternatively, if you think something is worth saving, The Restory specialises in repairing and restoring high-end designer items. The Seam and Sojo are both great for fixing and altering pieces at any price point – and Sojo even lets you arrange for items to be collected from your door.
2. Pieces in good condition that you just don’t want to wear any more are perfect for donating or selling. Depop is great for unique, on-trend pieces. Vinted is a go-to for your favourite high street labels and eBay is a one-stop shop.
3. If there’s anything you think could be repurposed (turning a dress into a top or cutting an old tee in
