For someone who doesn’t always have the funds to splurge on fashion, I spend an awful lot of time looking at pics of fabulous closets that hold fabulous clothes. So much so that I’ve found what I think are 24 of the best spaces for budgets large and small. And to crank that closet inspiration up a notch, I also wanted to share SMP’s tips for getting that little closet that could of yours into tip top shape.

AMAZING CLOSETS

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Though I may not be considered an expert as far as fashion goes, if there’s one thing I do know, that’s organization. Here are my top 10 tips for keeping those closets in tip-top shape.

1. Before you even begin to organize, you must do a deep purge. I know, it’s terrible, but it must be done. If it’s ripped, stained, no longer fits, or hasn’t been worn in a year, get rid of it!
Tip: flip all your hangers backwards. As you wear each piece, place the hanger the right way. After a year, all of the hangers that have yet to be flipped need to go. It’s time.

2. Once you’ve whittled down your wardrobe, group every item by section. Pants, long sleeve tops, sweaters, sleeveless tops etc… and hang accordingly. Keep your most worn items front and centre. Tuck the evening wear and less-often used pieces off to the side (unless you’re super fancy and find yourself in a ballgown regularly of course!)

3. Utilize the same hanger throughout for a consistent look. They pull every piece together and makes your closet feel organized even if it isn’t (fake it til’ you make it!) Though I love the look of wooden hangers, they tend to be bulky and take up a lot of space. These are fantastic! Oh and make sure to toss those wire hangers your dry cleaner supplies you with – your clothes will thank you for it.

4. Colour co-ordinate. Not only does it look more visually appealing and less chaotic, you’re more likely to hang that piece up where it belongs if you know exactly where it’s supposed to go.

5. Display your shoes! They’re art and they deserve to be seen. Whether they’re on floating shelves or individual cubbies, there’s no shortage of options.
Bonus: this frees up space within your closet so you can stock up on other goods.

6. Go up. I cannot tell you how many closets I’ve encountered that don’t take advantage of that vertical space. Nine times out of ten there’s more than enough room to add an additional shelf or two! Reserve this space for your lesser used items (seasonal clothing, fancy clutches…) and tuck a small step stool away in a corner for easy access.

7. Matching bins & baskets. Much like the hanger situation, they help corral all of those little bits and baubles (belts, clutches, scarves and such) that may otherwise not have a home into one consistent, visual appealing manner. Label them clearly and only use them to store items that aren’t on regular rotation.

8. If bins & baskets aren’t really your thing, consider picking up shelf dividers to corral those clutches and purses. Never again will they all topple on top of you when reaching for a specific one.

9. Tangled, messy jewelry is a massive headache. Keep everything organized using inexpensive wooden cutlery trays and shove them into drawers, or stack them on an empty shelf!

10. Doors are your friend! Affix cute knobs and hardware onto the back to hang bags, belts and other items that are currently on heavy rotation.