The Chic List: Wardrobe space – the final frontier

This week you’ll find me knee-deep in my wardrobe, wielding an enormous metaphorical axe and a couple of giant bin bags. 

This time of year demands a warrior-like disposition. When it comes to precious wardrobe space for the new season, no woman ever thinks: ‘I have too much room, take it away!’ (insert queen-like dismissive hand wave here). In most households, it’s a battle to the end with our loved ones for every precious inch of space. So act swiftly and mercilessly. 

Indeed, there is something wonderfully energising about the September back-to-school feeling with its promise of brand new, unwritten style chapters. I much prefer it to making unsustainable resolutions in dreary January. 

When preparing your wardrobe space for autumn, it’s all about creating the feeling of a clean page to greet you when you’re getting dressed every morning, with no distractions and everything easily accessible. Achieve that and only your mood influences what you want to wear for the day/occasion ahead. 

Embark on a wardrobe detox when you’re in the right mood. 

I find that when I have more energy, less work and fewer family demands, I actually enjoy it. 

Pack away summer things to allow your autumn-winter options to shine. 

It’s important not to peak too soon with this – remember, even late September can be warm. I have just invested in two clever linen and leather storage bags from Zara Home to fold away my summer favourites. Under beds or in often-forgotten top cupboards are great places to store these. 

Try on items you’re not sure about. 

If you don’t long to wriggle back into it this season, then it goes to the donate or resell pile. Getting rid of what you’re not wearing and loving helps you to invest wisely in the future.

A grown-up closet should contain pieces to wear again and again. 

Being tough on the time-wasters hanging there, never worn, will give you a renewed love for all your cherished bits that survive the cull. 

Organise by colour, clothing category, even fabric. 

It makes getting dressed easier and your closet will look super-chic. 

Display some of your favourite accessories rather than hiding them away. 

It’s mood-lifting to admire what you’ve worked hard to collect. Freestanding wall shelves can be a fabulous showcase for handbags and shoes. 

Play the frame game 

This ash rail from Zara Home (£119.99, zarahome.com) is a great way to ensure wardrobe favourites get seen and a clever solution to lack of space

This ash rail from Zara Home (£119.99, zarahome.com) is a great way to ensure wardrobe favourites get seen and a clever solution to lack of space. 

My perfect pair 

Tailored trousers are autumn’s hottest staple. Totême and Filippa K (these are £225, filippak.com) are best for a stylish fit and longtime relationship

Tailored trousers are autumn’s hottest staple. Totême and Filippa K (these are £225, filippak.com) are best for a stylish fit and longtime relationship. 

Hang out in style 

Good hangers go a long way when it comes to reordering our wardrobes. These cost £17 for five, notonthehighstreet.com

Good hangers go a long way when it comes to reordering our wardrobes. I prefer skinny metal ones because they take up less room. These cost £17 for five, notonthehighstreet.com.