Step 4 of Our Wardrobe Makeover Series - Shoes and Accessories

The Final Step in Your Wardrobe Edit

We’ve cleared out the drawers, sorted the shelves and organised the hanging space, well done.

Now it is time to tackle the final step in your wardrobe edit: shoes and accessories.

These are the pieces that bring personality to your outfits, but they are also the easiest to accumulate and forget about. They often end up tucked under the bed, shoved in the back of the wardrobe or sitting in drawers and baskets untouched for months.

Let’s work through them together.

1. SHOES

Shoes can take up a surprising amount of space, and many of us end up wearing the same few pairs while the rest sit there gathering dust. Are you someone who drops them on the floor where they end up under the bed and forgotten?

So let’s start sorting.

Start by pulling out every pair you own, sneakers, sandals, boots, heels and flats, from every hiding place. Lay them all out where you can see them properly and ask yourself:

• Are they comfortable, or am I squeezing my feet into them or slipping out when I walk?
• Do I actually wear them, or are they just taking up space?
• Do they suit my lifestyle, whether that is work, casual dressing or special occasions?
• Do I have too many pairs doing the same job? (Like 5 pairs of black flats!)
• Are my sneakers looking tired, discoloured or past their best?
• Are my heels worn down or do the soles need replacing? Do I love them enough to pay the cost of repairing? 
• Is the leather peeling or starting to deteriorate?

This assessment is often where women realise just how many pairs they are holding onto 'just in case'.

Stylist tip:

Leather shoes can shrink over time, so I like to keep shoes and boots stuffed with tissue paper to help them hold their shape. Use a leather conditioner to keep them looking their best, and always waterproof suede shoes and boots.

When it comes to storage, group your shoes by category, everyday, work, evening and casual. I keep mine in clear plastic boxes, stacked on shelves like a bookcase but shoe racks or over-the-door organisers can work just as well to save space and keep pairs together. The key is choosing a system that makes everything easy to see and easy to put away.

2. BAGS

Bags add style, class and personality to an outfit, but they also need to work for your lifestyle and your body shape. And they can be hard to part with, especially if you have paid good money for them.  

As you sort through your bags, ask yourself:

• Is it too big for my height? (If you are petite, be especially mindful of oversized bags, as they can overwhelm your frame quite quickly.)
• Do I have too many small bags I never use?
• Is it worn, damaged or peeling?
• Does it feel heavy even before I have even put anything in it?
• Is the strap or chain comfortable enough to carry all day?
• Does it suit my current lifestyle (eg tote for work, crossbody for casual) ?
• Am I holding onto old wallets I no longer use? (With so much on our phones now, wallets can be redundant).

Stylist tip:

Stuff bags with tissue paper to help them keep their shape. Smaller clutches can be stored inside larger totes to save space. If you like things neatly contained, a zip-up storage box on a shelf works well, especially if you label what is inside.

3. BELTS

When I visit clients I find belts are not usually the biggest source of clutter, as most people have very few or none at all. However, they do tend to disappear to the back of the wardrobe.

That is a shame, because the right belt can completely transform an outfit and create shape in a very flattering way.

Ask yourself:

• Are they stretched, frayed or dated?
• Is the leather peeling or worn?
• Are they still the right size for me now?
• Is the buckle too large or overwhelming for my body shape?
• Are they the right width for my body shape?
• Do I actually wear them, or are they ‘someday’ pieces?

Stylist tip:

Hang belts on hooks or a belt hanger so you can see them at a glance. If you only have a few, rolling them and storing them in a clear container can work just as well.