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Simplify Your Wardrobe, Part 1:
What to Toss, What to Keep
by Jennifer Swanson

Organizing your closet is a fairly straightforward process: sort by item type (pants, skirts, long-sleeved blouses, short-sleeved blouses, etc.) and then by color, from darkest to lightest. With this clearer picture of what you own, it's easier to let go of what you no longer use or love. A few space saving tricks and voila!--an organized, functional closet.

But what if you get stuck in that letting-go step, and you can't decide what to keep?

The one-year test. If you haven't worn a piece of clothing in a year because you don't like it, there's no point in keeping it--no matter how much you paid for it. Rather than tormenting yourself each time you come across it, let it go and forget about it. If you haven't worn it in a year because it doesn't fit...chances are good that by the time it does fit, it will be outdated. Donate it to make room for what works.

The full-length mirror test. Try on everything. "A full-length mirror is inexpensive and gives you a much more accurate view than a mirror that only shows you from the waist up," says Amy Lindquist, a fashion and image consultant based in the Twin Cities, Minnesota. Any item that goes back into your closet must be the perfect combination of fit, color and style. That way, you're left with only what you love and will use.

According to Lindquist, there are some definite do's and don'ts when sorting through your closet.

Top 3 Pieces of Clothing that Work Well for No Body

1. Shapeless tops of any kind. "I'd abolish these from the earth if I could," Lindquist laughs, arguing that square shirts don't work on curvy bodies. "You're not hiding problem areas; you're creating more volume." This includes boxy blouses, oversized sweatshirts and unisex t-shirts. (The next time you sign up for a fun run, skip the t-shirt. If you must, save it for camping or painting, but don't keep it with your workout clothes. These do nothing to inspire you to fitness.)
2. Tapered-leg pants. Think 1980's stirrup pants or the skinny-leg jeans that tried to make a comeback in 2006. "The eye goes to the heaviest part of body," Lindquist cautions.
3. Clothing that's too small. You should not have panty lines, bra outlines, or gaps at the buttons. Fit is far more important than the size printed on the tag. If you don't like what the tag says, cut it off! That way you won't have to worry about it itching or sticking out, either.

Top 3 Pieces of Clothing that Work Well for Every Body

1. V-neck shirts and blouses. With or without a collar, these draw attention up to your face and create the impression of a longer neckline. V-necks also give the impression of strength and capability, making you look more authoritative. "The softer the neckline, the softer the impression," Lindquist explains.
2. Wide-leg pants/trousers. These should have no pleats and fit nicely through your hips. They can be cuffed or not, although you might want to avoid cuffs if you're short. The same guidelines apply to jeans.
3. Straight or "pencil" skirts. Regardless of your hips and legs, these make your body appear slimmer.

What about accessories? Fashion experts say that the easiest, quickest way to update an outfit is to update your shoes and handbag. "Accessories are a personal preference," Lindquist notes. "But in general, petite people should opt for small accessories; larger people can choose bolder ones." The same goes for patterned fabrics. "We want to see you--not the pattern," she says.

When choosing accessories of any kind, keep in mind the eye is naturally attracted to embellishments. Whether you choose jewelry, belts, scarves or pins, be sure these are placed on a part of your body that you are willing to emphasize.

Once you’ve decided what to keep and what to toss from your current wardrobe, you’ll be left with only pieces that look great on you. Now you can more effectively fill in the gaps to complete your ensemble.

Meanwhile, if you want more help building a simple, high-quality wardrobe, a fashion consultant is a great investment. To contact Amy Lindquist directly, visit www.lindquistfashion.com, or find a consultant near you by visiting the Association of Image Consultants International, www.aici.org.

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