Now that you've determined your best colors, learned your shape, and figured out your clothing personality (grab a copy of Wardrobe Magic), it's time to clean your closet.

If you're like most women, you've put this off for far too long and now have so much stuff in your closet that you really don't know what you have anymore. Depending on your personal volume, cleaning it may take an hour or an entire afternoon. Regardless, once you take the time to do this you'll only need the occasional once over to make your wardrobe current each season.

If you can't set aside a chunk of time to do this or if the thought of doing it all at one time is so intimidating that it will make you put it off indefinitely, then start in short, concentrated spurts, like by the drawer or by the closet section. Once you get going, it shouldn't take too long.

If it's a YES, put it back in your closet. If it needs mending or minor repair, set it aside for now so that you can fix it in the next few days.

If it's a NO, then it's time to retire this garment. Now don't get all misty-eyed. You probably don't wear it anyway, so it's only taking up valuable closet real estate that could be put to better use. Put that in a pile marked "to go". You can:

Swap with friends.

Sell on consignment with one of your local resale shops

Consign online at places like: Consignment 2000 -
http://www.cs2000shop.com/

Donate to appropriate charitable organizations in your area.

If it's so worn you feel rag-tag wearing it, cut it up and put it in the rag bin. Or trash it. Don't try to give away items no one else can wear.

If it's a MAYBE, think about different things you can do to make it a wearable item. Could you:

Alter it by lengthening or shortening?

Dye it a more flattering color?

Add a trim...or get rid of one?

If you sew or know a good seamstress, think about ways you might remodel the items. Sometimes a small change can make it infinitely more wearable.

Consider your options carefully, particularly if it's an expensive item. Whatever you do, don't throw good money after bad. If you need to spend a lot to make it work by buying a new blouse, jacket, or accessories, for example, cut your losses and put it in the "no" pile. Use your resources more wisely in other areas.

Cleaning your closet is easy, once you get going. Need some other tips and tricks? Pick up a copy of Wardrobe Magic.

© 2001 By Diana Pemberton-Sikes

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Diana Pemberton-Sikes is a wardrobe and image consultant and author of "Wardrobe Magic," an ebook that shows women how to transform their unruly closets into workable, wearable wardrobes. Visit her online at www.fashionforrealwomen.com.