To account for the change in temperature, adjusting your closet to accommodate a fall/winter wardrobe is a must. It’s time to stow away those summer dresses and break out your best coats, if you haven’t already. Here, we polled Rachel Zoe Studio—aka our resident wardrobe experts—for some quick tips to properly organize your closet for the season ahead.
Fall Wardrobe Organizing with Rachel Zoe Studio
It's important to care for your items correctly before you pack them away—that way, they're ready to wear when you bring them out for the next spring. You should only store clean clothes, as moths and other bugs are drawn to the scent of perfume, deodorant and smoke. Have everything washed or dry cleaned before you pack them into vacuum bags, big plastic bags or bins (whatever you have space for). Anywhere you store clothing should be cleaned thoroughly and often (vacuuming, dusting, etc) to avoid bug damage.
Make space in your closet for fall/winter items by trading out specific spring/summer wares. Store gauzy, thin fabrics, eyelet, tropical prints, denim cut-offs and sandals; keep silks, leather, suede and lace, which still feel relvant for the season.
Stuff tall boots with recycled household items (like dry cleaning bags) or buy inserts so they stand up tall. If you have less space, lay them flat instead.
Knits should be folded if and when possible—organize them by lightest to heaviest weight and color. Rolling your items can be a huge space-saver: do this with your thinner knits. For thicker sweaters, fold them and use acid-free tissue paper in between folds (for ones you don't wear as often). Hanging your sweaters can stretch out the knit and be a waste of space—if you must, try folding them and hanging each over the bar of a pant hanger. Avoid placing knits in vacuum-sealed containers: these can be damaging as they lock in moisture. Instead, use more breathable bags for your knits.
Using thick, rounded-edge hangers is the best way to display outerwear, especially for heavy coats. Very thin hangers can damage and warp the shoulders. Storing them in a coat closet is the best—a space close to the front door is ideal for easy on and off—so they don’t take up real estate in your personal wardrobe. This will also allow them hold their shape better because they won't be as cramped—over-stuffing is damaging to your garments.
