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Lifestyle

by Sana Bun

Closet Detox: A Simple Guide To Sorting Your Wardrobe

9 Jun 2025

Photo: Natalia Blauth

When summer hits Dubai, even thinking about stepping outside into 40°C heat feels like too much effort. Staying in with the rescuing AC and a glass of iced matcha suddenly becomes not just an option — but a lifestyle. And while you are sheltering from the scorch, why not make use of this indoor time to tackle something you have been putting off since forever? Think a big clean-up, picking up that hobby you abandoned in January… or finally sorting out your wardrobe. Here is a simple guide to help you get it done.
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Photo: Priscilla Du Preez

Set your goals

It all starts with a purpose. If you are ready to venture into the Narnia that is your closet, chances are there is a reason behind it. Maybe you have moved to a country with a completely different climate, swapped a corporate job for something more creative, changed your lifestyle — or simply evolved in your personal style. Or maybe you are just tired of feeling like you have got nothing to wear and want to do something about it.
Whatever the reason, your wardrobe should align with your current needs — not who you were five years ago. So, try to define that gap and what kind of changes you are actually aiming for.

Understand your style

It might sound like a big question, but before tossing anything into a charity bag, take a moment to think about what you actually enjoy wearing. Which outfits make you feel like the best version of yourself and reflect your personality? What is hanging on your Pinterest boards? What pieces do you find yourself reaching for again and again?
Your style probably lives somewhere in between it all — and that is totally fine. Even if it is a chaotic mix of avant-garde fashion and Barbiecore, just accept it and embrace it. You don’t need to fit into a box — just figure out what you enjoy putting on in the morning.
Tip: It might be helpful to document your outfits for a few weeks — simply snap a quick photo each day and add a note about when and where you wore it.
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Photo: Mesut çiçen

The closet diagnostics

After some self-reflection, take a moment to analyse the insights you have gathered. Ask yourself why certain outfits make you feel great, while others fall flat. Identify the pieces you wear most often, the silhouettes and colours that suit you best, and the combinations that just work. Notice if you keep reaching for a particular style — maybe it is a pair of loose jeans, a simple shirt, and a statement handbag. If this formula makes you feel effortlessly chic, it could very well be one of your signature looks.

The great fitting

Now, it is time to try things on. Yes, all of them. That jumper you haven’t worn in two years? On it goes. Because there is a big difference between how something looks on a hanger and how it feels on your actual body. Be kind, but brutal and ask yourself:
  • Do I like it?
  • Does it fit well?
  • Would I wear it tomorrow if the weather allowed?
Then, based on the verdict, sort your clothes into three piles:
  • Love it
  • Hate it
  • Not sure
For the first two piles, the decision is clear: keep the pieces you love. For those you don’t, assess their condition and decide whether to give away, sell, recycle, or upcycle. As for the unsure pile, give it some time. Hang those pieces in a highly visible spot in your closet, and if they remain untouched after a while, it is time to let them go.
Don’t feel guilty. That scratchy blazer you bought for ‘future job interviews’ doesn’t deserve to take up valuable space if it no longer resonates with you. The same goes for items that no longer fit — unless you are able to alter them.
Have sentimental pieces that no longer fit your lifestyle or size? I totally get it. Fold them neatly into a box, tuck it away in the far corner of your closet, and bring it out only when you are feeling nostalgic. Avoid keeping them in plain sight, creating the illusion of a full closet.
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Photo: Roman Manshin

Spot the gaps (and duplicates)

Once the chaos is somewhat contained, step back and look at what is left. Do you have six floral dresses but no decent jeans? Four pairs of black trousers but not a single jacket you love?
This is the bit where you figure out what your wardrobe is actually missing. Sometimes it is as simple as a good layering piece to make half your clothes wearable again. Other times, it is realising you have somehow ended up with a small army of near-identical jumpers, which is not necessarily bad if you actually love and use them.

Shop with a plan

Before you go filling the new space with more of the same, make a list. Not a fun list, but a smart one. Ask yourself what you actually need to fill the gaps and make your favourite pieces work harder. Also, don’t forget to check out our guide on how to stop buying clothers and accessories that you will never wear.
It is easy to get pulled into a sale or add five more things to your basket to get free shipping. But the goal here is fewer clothes, more outfits — and less panicked sighing while getting dressed to start the day. This isn’t about being a minimalist or owning three white tees that go with everything. It is about opening your wardrobe and thinking that you love what you see — a lot.
You don’t have to get it perfect all at once. But even clearing out a drawer or rediscovering a favourite blazer can make a world of difference.