Why You Shouldn’t Tackle a Wardrobe Edit Alone (And What a Stylist or a Professional Declutterer Can Do for You)

December 22, 2025

When it comes to refreshing your wardrobe, your first instinct might be to handle it all yourself. After all, who knows your clothes better than you? But here’s the truth: editing your wardrobe solo can be overwhelming, time-consuming, and — let's be honest — emotionally draining. That’s where working with a stylist can be a total game changer. We have been there too. As stylists ourselves we value the benefit of a second opinion when it comes to separating the emotion from the garment.




Why Get Help?

A professional stylist doesn’t just swoop in and toss your clothes into ‘keep’ and ‘donate’ piles. They bring a fresh, objective eye to your wardrobe and help you see potential where you might only see clutter. Ever felt like you have “nothing to wear” despite a packed closet? That’s a common sign that your wardrobe isn’t working for you — and a stylist can help fix that. 


But what’s the difference between a professional stylist wardrobe edit and a professional declutterer/organiser? Well both will do a grand job. A declutter can work wonders for your whole home. A declutterer may not specialise in just your wardrobe space.

When our business started to grow we recognised we needed a third party to support the mammoth task of all these wardrobe makeovers. That’s where Kath Holmes of ‘Uncluttered by Kath’ comes in. Having undergone her own colour and style transformation she understands first-hand the overwhelm of then applying the new knowledge to your wardrobe space. Coupled with her professional decluttering skills (she trained with Dilly Carter of ‘Sort Your Life Out’ fame), Kath has crafted a specific wardrobe service for that time you when you know you need to get started but need a helping hand.


Here’s how your stylist will help you:


Uncover Hidden Gems: A stylist can help you discover new outfit combinations with pieces you already own.


Define Your Style: They work with you to clarify your personal style and make sure everything you keep aligns with it.


Strategic Editing: Rather than purging emotionally or haphazardly, they guide you through a thoughtful process that helps each piece earn its place.


The Most Sustainable Wardrobe? The One You Already Own

In the age of fast fashion and ever-changing trends, it’s tempting to think a wardrobe refresh means buying new clothes. But actually, the most sustainable thing you can do is shop your own wardrobe. You might be surprised how many great outfits you already own — they just need a fresh perspective.


Working with a stylist allows you to maximize what you have, avoid unnecessary purchases, and build a wardrobe that reflects both your style and your values.


Here’s how a Professional Organiser will help you:

As a Professional Organiser, Kath helps clients transform their wardrobes from overwhelming spaces into streamlined, functional systems that make getting dressed a pleasure rather than a chore.


Her wardrobe editing process begins with a thorough assessment where you sort through every item together, identifying pieces that no longer fit your lifestyle, body, or personal style. She guides you through thoughtful decision-making about what to keep, donate, or discard, helping you recognise the difference between clothes you think you should wear and those you actually love and feel confident in.


Once you've curated your collection, she will help reorganise everything into logical zones—grouping similar items together, arranging pieces by frequency of use, and implementing storage solutions that make your favourite outfits easily accessible. The result is a wardrobe that not only looks pristine but actually functions for your daily life, saving you time and mental energy while ensuring you always feel put-together.


Getting Started: How to Begin Decluttering Your Wardrobe

If you’re not quite ready to bring in a professional, here are some tips to help you get started:


1. Take Everything Out

Empty your wardrobe completely. Seeing everything at once helps you get clear on what you have — and how much of it you’re not wearing.


2. Create Four Piles

Love and Wear: These pieces are staying.

Like but Unsure: You may need to try styling them differently.

Never Wear: Be honest — if you haven’t worn it in over a year and it’s not for a special occasion, it’s probably time to let it go.

Repair/Clean/Alter: Some things just need a little TLC to become wearable again.


3. Ask the Right Questions

Does this fit me right now?

Do I feel confident wearing it?

Can I style it in at least three ways?

Does it match my lifestyle and my personal style?


4. Keep Only What Earns Its Place

Your wardrobe should feel like a curated collection — not a storage unit. Everything in it should work for you, earn its place, and align with your current style and life.


A Step-by-Step Process to Edit with Purpose

Clarify Your Style

If you haven’t had a style consultation, consider it NOW. Gain clarity on the message you are trying to convey with your clothes. Stop buying trend items or things that look good on the hanger. Think about what and how something will work for you. A consultation will provide you with oodles of information tailored to you and give you the opportunity to ask your questions there and then.


Audit What You Have

Once your wardrobe is empty, group similar items (e.g. all your jeans, all your blazers). This helps you spot duplicates or gaps.


Try Things On

You might rediscover pieces you’ve forgotten about. Try styling them in new ways — this is where a stylist really shines. They can help you put together outfits you wouldn’t have thought of.


Re-home What Doesn’t Work

Donate, sell, or gift the items that no longer serve you. Be honest, and remember: letting go makes room for what you love. Your Professional Organiser will be able to signpost or help you do this.


Organise Intentionally

Put things back in a way that makes your wardrobe inviting to use. Think: matching hangers, seasonal sections, and visible accessories. Do you prefer to file by colour or item type? Or both? Can you see everything you own or is it likely to become forgotten?


Final Thought

A wardrobe edit isn’t just about decluttering — it’s about redefining your relationship with your clothes. When done right, it can be empowering, uplifting, and deeply satisfying. And while you can go it alone, having the support of a stylist or organiser can turn the process from daunting to joyful. Yes, really!


So next time you stand in front of your wardrobe feeling stuck, remember: help is available, and the solution might not be buying more — it might just be seeing your wardrobe through new eyes.


Jo Gaffney and Wendy Thompson are The Style and Colour Company and Academy providing styling and colour services to clients as well as training to new and experienced stylists.


Kath Holmes is Uncluttered by Kath providing valuable support to turn your lived-in spaces to places you enjoy being in.


So if you’re still hesitant to get started or you’re having a job to get the task done even though you know life will be that little bit better for it book onto one of our services and get the ball rolling to a more stylish uncluttered wardrobe and look.   Wardrobe edits can be delivered 121 in your own home or you might wish to consider our supported group Worldwide Wardrobe Workout new for 2026. All you need is Facebook, an open mind and a ‘can do’ attitude to revolutionizing your wardrobe space. We’re waiting to welcome you. 


By Jo Gaffney December 1, 2025
Sparkle season is officially here, and whether you love a full-on sequin moment or prefer something a little softer, there’s a way for everyone to shine.
By Jo Gaffney September 27, 2025
How to Style It for Every Seasonal Colour Palette
By Jo Gaffney August 30, 2025
How to wear the 90s boho skirt but keep it current
By Jo Gaffney June 25, 2025
What do you wear to a festival in 2025? Don't worry, we've got you covered!
By Jo Gaffney April 17, 2025
…and Why Knowing Your Personal Style is the Real Power Move
By Wendy Thompson April 2, 2025
Join us for our first Garment Alteration workshop on Wednesday 30th April 10am-4pm...
By Jo Gaffney February 25, 2025
The short answer? Yes! But wait for it, there’s more to it than that! Shopping sustainably requires you to buy only things you know you will wear so let’s make sure you find the right yellow for you. Buying the wrong tone might leave you looking a tad under the weather and less likely to wear your new purchase again and again.
By Wendy Thompson February 17, 2025
Our newly opened boutique provides a unique shopping experience! Our clothing collection and accessories have all been carefully curated to provide a variety of colourways for every seasonal palette.
By Wendy Thompson January 23, 2025
New branding, New Premises! We are officially opening on Saturday 15th February so come and say hello...
By Wendy Thompson June 14, 2024
This week was Day 1 + 2 of our first Colour Analysis training course so I've been a little busy but, absolutely LOVING the opportunity to share my experience with our new trainees - and what a fantastic group they are!