Wardrobe Clustering: A Way to Organize Your Closet

The clothes you already own can go a long way, you only need to know how to make the most of what you have. Organize your clothing into compatible groups that work together maximizing wardrobe options. A cluster is a core group of clothes of about 5 to 8 pieces which can be mixed and matched. Rearrange your closet and form several clusters with these tips:

Look at your closet with an eye to form several clusters from your existing clothes.
Take an inventory of your current wardrobe. Retain those items that work for you now, and include them in your cluster plans.
The main organizing principle is color, not season or style. Group similar-colored garments together, and think, “What could I add to this group to form a cluster?”
Decide on a color scheme. A cluster will have only two major colors. They may both be neutrals or you may want to combine bright colors or neutrals with brights.
It takes 5 pieces of clothing to give you variety in the combinations. Consider three tops and two bottom pieces.
Gradually expand your cluster to meet your needs to 8, 12, & 16 easy pieces, with more tops than bottom pieces.
Start building with basics, clothes that are simple in style lines and shape. They intermix easily.
A typical cluster might contain a camel wool blazer, a coordinating navy skirt, navy dress pants, dark blue jeans, a great T-shirt and an ivory blouse. Dress it up or down depending on where you are going.
Select pieces that are distinctly different, no two pieces alike. For example, one top, one button front shirt, and one jacket, and a sweater.
Select pieces that go together in the style, colors, fabric, and pattern.
Maintain your personal style, not the latest style.
If each cluster consists of truly companionable pieces, you can always depend on having a well-coordinated wardrobe that is ready for all occasions.
A cluster is limited to two principal colors that are attractive individually or together.
The shapes of the individual pieces must all work well together so that a jacket can be worn with not just one skirt but with the pants and perhaps with a dress as well. Each piece should be a part of at least three looks.
A cluster can be built around a career wardrobe, an evening wardrobe, a travel wardrobe, a weekend wardrobe and so on.
Clustering simplifies the process of buying clothes. No longer will you buy impulsively, that’s how you get in the position of having a closet stuffed with clothes and nothing to wear.
Adding another piece to a cluster means you can wear the garment several different ways, using the clothing already in the closet.
Make your largest clothing investments for where you spend the most time and where your needs are greatest.