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Closet Clean Out Step 5: Simplifying Accessories And Storage

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Organizing Accessories: The Finishing Touches That Make the Outfit

True fashionista style is never complete without the finishing touches — and disorganized accessories can be just as frustrating as disorganized clothing. This step is all about organizing accessories in the same way you organized your clothing.

You can have a beautifully edited closet, a smart buying list, and fresh outfit combinations… but if your shoes are piled in a heap or your necklaces are tangled together, getting dressed will still feel stressful.

Step Five of our Closet Clean Out Challenge is all about bringing order to the details.

Let’s jump in.

👢 Shoes: Group, Evaluate, Simplify

Start by grouping your shoes by category:

  • Tall boots
  • Booties (shoe boots)
  • Heels
  • Casual / sporty
  • Flats

If you live in Wyoming like we do, separating summer and winter shoes makes getting dressed much easier. I use:

  • Shelves for winter boots
  • A cubby organizer for summer styles

Other great options:

  • Labeled shoe boxes
  • Clear plastic containers
  • Over-the-door organizers
  • Off-season bins for storage

Pro Tip:

As you organize, evaluate condition.

Ask yourself:

  • How is the tread?
  • Are they scuffed or worn?
  • Are they outdated?
  • Do I actually wear them?

Create a trash pile and a donation pile.
If you eliminate something you truly need to replace, write it on your buying list.

When you’re finished, take stock:
Are you overstocked in one category but missing another?
Do your colored shoes align with your best colors?

If you’re an Autumn, bright cherry red heels may not coordinate with much in your wardrobe, but a deep wine tone probably will. Accessories should support your palette — not compete with it.

📿 Necklaces & Jewelry: Length + Color

For necklaces, organize by:

  • Length (shortest to longest)
  • Color grouping

I use a multi-pronged hanger in my closet and arrange them from shortest to longest, grouping similar tones together. It makes layering easier and eliminates the “I forgot I owned that” problem.

Earrings work best in a jewelry box with small compartments. I separate:

  • Everyday pieces
  • Dressier styles

During this step, ask:

  • Have I worn this in the past year?
  • Does this reflect my current style?
  • Does it coordinate with what I actually wear now?

👜 Handbags: Cohesion Matters

Handbags should support your wardrobe — not fight it.

I arrange mine on shelves by color, primarily:

  • Black
  • Brown
  • Tan
  • Gray

Smaller bags and wallets go in baskets (which work well under hanging clothes if shelving is limited).

Pro Tip:

Apply your best color principles here too.

If a handbag doesn’t coordinate with your palette, it will rarely get used. Avoid the “hot pink purse with a red coat and olive pants” situation by editing strategically.

🧣 Scarves & Wraps: Contain the Chaos

Scarves are beautiful — and chaotic if not contained.

I recommend:

  • Rolling them into small circles
  • Storing them in a drawer
  • Keeping outdoor scarves separate from fashion scarves

If drawer space is limited, a slim under-bed basket works beautifully. Avoid stacking too high — especially when you’re searching at 6 a.m.

Wraps can be folded with sweaters on your top shelf.

The Bigger Picture

Accessories are not an afterthought.
They are the polish.

When your accessories are organized:

  • You see what you have.
  • You use more of it.
  • You avoid unnecessary purchases.
  • You feel more pulled together.

One More Game-Changer

While we’re talking about organization…

Planning your outfit the night before can completely change your mornings.

Before bed:

  • Choose your outfit
  • Select shoes
  • Pick jewelry
  • Switch handbags if needed
  • Set out the appropriate coat

Those few extra minutes eliminate stress and build confidence.

And feeling put together?
That’s worth it.

🎥 Watch Step Five

My Step Five Live Video aired inside our VIP Facebook Group.
Join the group to watch the replay and see the full walkthrough.

This entire Closet Clean Out Challenge series will also be released on YouTube next Wednesday.

If you’ve made it this far — congratulations.
You didn’t just clean your closet.

You built a wardrobe system.

Closet Clean Out Challenge 2024: Get Organized, Part I

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Closet Clean-Out Challenge 2024: A Fresh Start for Your Wardrobe!

It’s a new year, and with it comes new possibilities! Why not take this opportunity to declutter your life, starting with your wardrobe? 🌟 Cleaning out the old and making room for the new is not only refreshing but empowering. That’s why I’m inviting you to join me in the Closet Clean-Out Challenge!

This year, I’m offering exciting rewards to help motivate you to tackle and complete this process. Here’s the scoop:

New for 2024: Closet Clean-Out with a Purpose

As part of Week 3, I encourage you to donate your gently used, business-appropriate clothing to our local Dress For Success affiliate. To thank you for your generosity, you’ll receive:

  • $1 in store credit for every item donated (up to 20 items).
  • An invitation to our exclusive event, Fashion With A Purpose, on Tuesday, February 6th from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

At this private after-hours event, you’ll enjoy:

  • Wine and hors d’oeuvres. 🍷🍴
  • A chance to spend your store credit. 🛍️
  • An opportunity to learn more about the Dress For Success mission.

Please note: Accessories are welcome donations but won’t count toward the store credit.

Why Organize Your Closet?

Let’s face it: a disorganized closet can be a daily frustration. Sorting through worn-out, ill-fitting, or outdated items wastes time and energy. With my four-step system, you’ll:

  • Remove clutter.
  • Identify gaps in your wardrobe.
  • Discover new outfit possibilities.

Step One: Organize by Type

Here’s your first task:

  1. Separate by category: Tops, bottoms, dresses.
  2. Organize tops by sleeve length: Sleeveless, short, ¾, and long sleeves. Then sort by type (collared vs. pullover) and season (summer vs. winter).
  3. Sort bottoms: Start with shorts, capris, ankle pants, and long pants. Within each group, sort by fabric type (denim, cotton, slacks, etc.).

Feeling lighter already? Celebrate your progress with a well-deserved glass of wine! 🍷

What’s Next?

Stay tuned for Step One, Part II, where we’ll dive into color coding your wardrobe. This is where the magic happens!

Want detailed explanations and live demonstrations? Join me every Wednesday at 6 p.m. MST for my Wednesday Night Wardrobing live videos on Facebook. Don’t forget to like and follow Fashion Crossroads Inc. to stay updated!

The first video is tonight at 6 p.m.! Let’s make 2024 the year of a clutter-free closet and a more confident, organized YOU. 🎉

Happy organizing,
Kyleen