How to Perform a Wardrobe Audit (And Finally Love Your Closet Again!)

A wardrobe audit is a strategic closet cleanout that helps to evaluate your clothes, declutter, and build a wardrobe that works for your lifestyle.

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If you’ve ever stood in front of your closet, feeling like you have nothing to wear despite an overflowing wardrobe, you’re not alone. The truth is, most of us hold onto clothes that no longer fit, match our lifestyle, or make us feel confident. That’s where a wardrobe audit comes in!

A wardrobe audit is a strategic closet cleanout that helps you evaluate your clothes, declutter what no longer serves you, and build a wardrobe that truly works for your lifestyle. Whether you want to refresh your style, make getting dressed easier, or create a more curated closet, this guide will walk you through every step of the process.

Ready to transform your closet? Let’s dive in!

How to Perform a Wardrobe Audit (And Finally Love Your Closet Again!)

I perform wardrobe auidts as often as I can, but mostly it happens on a seasonal basis. Our house was built in the 30’s, so my husband and I have super small closets and built-ins in our hallways to store the extras. Because of that, I completely swap my wardrobe out on a season by season basis, so I’m always looking at the “mini” wardrobe instead of the full thing. This helps keeps me organized, but you have to figure out what works the best for you.

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Step 1: Set Your Wardrobe Goals

Before you start pulling everything out of your closet, take a moment to think about your wardrobe goals. Ask yourself:

• What do I want my wardrobe to reflect? (Effortless mom style? Polished and professional? Minimalist and functional?)
• Do my clothes match my current lifestyle? (If you’re working from home now, you may need more comfy-chic pieces and fewer business suits.)
• What do I struggle with most when getting dressed? (Too many mismatched pieces? Not enough basics?)

Clarifying your goals will guide your decision-making throughout the wardrobe audit.

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Step 2: Empty Your Closet & Sort Everything

Now it’s time to take everything out—yes, everything! Lay all your clothes, shoes, and accessories on your bed so you can see exactly what you own.

Sort into 4 Piles:

✔ Keep: Items you love, wear often, and feel good in.
✔ Donate/Sell: Pieces that no longer fit, aren’t your style, or haven’t been worn in a year.
✔ Repair/Tailor: Items you love but need fixing (missing buttons, loose seams, etc.).
✔ Seasonal Storage: Clothes for another season that should be stored away for now.

Be honest with yourself—if you haven’t worn it in a year, it’s probably time to let it go!

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Step 3: Evaluate Your Essentials

Every wardrobe should have a strong foundation of versatile, mix-and-match basics that make getting dressed effortless.

Wardrobe Staples Checklist:

✔ Classic jeans & trousers (Straight-leg, wide-leg, or high-waisted styles that flatter your shape.)
✔ Everyday tops (Neutral tees, button-downs, fitted knits.)
✔ Layering pieces (Cardigans, denim jackets, lightweight blazers.)
✔ Go-to dresses (A casual day dress and a polished option for special occasions.)
✔ Comfortable yet stylish shoes (Sneakers, ankle boots, flats, and one pair of heels.)
✔ Accessories that complete a look (Minimal jewelry, structured bags, scarves.)

Do you have these basics covered? If not, make a shopping list of key pieces that will help fill gaps in your wardrobe.

RELATED: Wardrobe Staples for Women

Step 4: Declutter & Organize

Once you’ve decided what stays and what goes, it’s time to reorganize your wardrobe so it’s functional and visually appealing.

Closet Organization Tips:

✔ Group clothing by category (Dresses, tops, jeans, sweaters, etc.)
✔ Use matching hangers to create a clean, uniform look.
✔ Fold and store bulky items (like sweaters) to prevent stretching.
✔ Use storage bins for accessories, scarves, and off-season pieces.
✔ Arrange shoes neatly (on a rack or in clear containers for easy visibility).

A well-organized closet makes it easier to see what you own, put together outfits faster, and avoid buying duplicates.

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Step 5: Create Outfit Combinations

Now that you have a curated wardrobe, it’s time to style what you own!

• Try on different outfit combinations and see what works.
• Take mirror selfies of outfits you love for future reference.
• If you struggle with outfit ideas, use Pinterest for inspiration.
• Keep a go-to outfit formula (e.g., blazer + jeans + ankle boots for effortless style).

This step ensures you’re actually wearing what you kept!

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Step 6: Maintain Your Wardrobe

A wardrobe audit isn’t a one-and-done process—it’s something you should revisit seasonally to keep your closet fresh and functional.

Easy Maintenance Tips:

✔ Declutter every 3-6 months to keep your closet from overflowing.
✔ Follow the “one in, one out” rule when shopping—if you buy something new, donate or sell an old item.
✔ Invest in quality over quantity—fewer, well-made pieces that last longer.

The goal is to build a wardrobe that works for you so you can spend less time stressing about what to wear and more time feeling confident in your style.

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Watch my video about How to Perform a Wardrobe Audit:

Why a Wardrobe Audit Is Worth It

A wardrobe audit isn’t just about decluttering—it’s about creating a closet filled with pieces you love, wear, and feel amazing in. It’s about eliminating frustration and making getting dressed an enjoyable experience.

By taking the time to evaluate your wardrobe, fill in gaps, and organize smartly, you’ll find yourself loving your clothes again—and dressing with confidence every single day.

Have you ever done a wardrobe audit? What’s your biggest struggle when it comes to decluttering your closet? Drop a comment below—I’d love to hear from you!

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XOXO,

Allison