Let’s talk wardrobe organisation.
We all know the stats: women wear only 20% of their wardrobes 80% of the time. Which means, there’s a lot of clothes left hanging in your closet which never get worn.
In a world brimming with seemingly endless fashion choices, the art of curating a functional and stylish closet is no mean feat, which is why we’ve decided to bring in the experts.
They’ve shared their secrets on how to declutter chaos and rethink your wardrobe space. From ingenious storage solutions to expert tips on capsule wardrobes, it’s time to master the art of wardrobe organisation.
Whether you’re a fashion enthusiast seeking inspiration or a clutter-conquering crusader, consider this your roadmap to a more streamlined and stylish life.
Nicole Banning, Designer & Founder of Ephemera Swim
Describe your wardrobe in 3 words…
Colourful, high-quality, timeless.
How much of your wardrobe do you wear?
I decide what I am wearing each morning depending on how I am feeling that day, my agenda and the weather. I probably wear about 50% of it. I consider myself a minimalist – I invest in high quality pieces and I don’t over purchase.
I have quite a few pieces in my wardrobe from when I was pregnant and postpartum that I don’t feel like wearing anymore.
My accessories are always on high rotation. I carry my Gucci handbag with me every day.
I have a bunch of colourful sneakers plus my A. Emery and Marni sandals that I rotate depending on the weather and the occasion.
My gingham swim pieces are also always on hand for when I go for a dip in the ocean after work.
Top tips for organising your closet?
I’m definitely a tidy person. I can’t do clutter! Life feels out of control when my living space is a mess. I probably clean it out once a year, if that.
My son’s school does an annual event where parents can clean out their closet, donating their clothes to the event and at the same time buy second-hand treasures from another’s wardrobe. For me, I think it is the perfect prompt to do a wardrobe clean-out while finding a second life for your pre-loved items and helping to generate money for the school.
I love to colour coordinate my closet, everything hangs in a rainbow of colour and I think it makes it easier to find things and put together my outfits.
Get Nicole’s Look
01
A.EMERY Lucia Sandal
from $190 at The Undone Store
Key features:
The Lucia Sandal by Australian designer A.Emery features a slim and sophisticated criss-cross toe hold design, consisting of a single angular strap that elegantly curves across the mid-step before fastening with a delicate, golden buckle at the top of the foot.
Available at:
- $190 from The Undone Store
- $280 from Net-A-Porter
02
Reliquia Jewellery
from $113 at The Iconic
The chunky Asher Bracelet co-opts our famed chain-link styles and turns them down a notch for wrist-worthy status. Glitzy without being over-the-top, it’s a daily essential.
Available at:
- $113 from The Iconic
- $189 from Reliquia
- $189 from David Jones
03
GUCCI Ophidia Bag
from $1,625 at Net-A-Porter
Camera bags are named for their practical, compact shape. Gucci’s ‘Ophidia’ style is made from monogrammed coated-canvas accented by webbed and leather trims.
04
Ephemera Catena Weave One Piece
from $330 at Ephemera
The Catena Weave One Piece features an interlaced contrast bind detail that embodies our signature graphic swim aesthetic. With adjustable spaghetti straps that gather at the bust, this style is an easy fit, able to be adjusted to different bust sizes, shapes and body lengths.
Tamsin Johnson, Interior Designer
Describe your wardrobe in 3 words…
Classic, comfortable, and succinct.
How much of your wardrobe do you wear?
All of it. I have my favourites on high rotation, but everything gets a wear.
I wear a lot of clothes designed by my husband. Denim, cashmere in the colder months and cropped jackets. For shoes I mostly wear flats by Chanel, and in winter I like boots by The Row. Nothing revolutionary.
Top tips for closet organisation?
I clean my wardrobe out twice a year and don’t buy things that I can’t imagine wearing in 10 years time. Buy quality.
Get Tamsin’s Look
01
Mango cropped jacket with pockets
from $160 at Mango
This cropped Mango jacket with pockets features a shirt-style collar and long sleeves. There are two patch pockets with flaps on the chest, and a concealed button closure on the front. Perfect for office chic.
02
P.Johnson Skirt
from $525 at P.Johnson
The Moire Celine Skirt is a refined wardrobe essential, crafted from a mid-weight and breathable fabrication with darts in the front and a functional back zip. The A-line, classic silhouette mini skirt is designed to be styled with flats for a chic everyday look or heels to elevate the outfit.
03
The Row Boots
from $3,441 at Net-A-Porter
The sleek profile of The Row’s ‘Greta’ boots takes cues from classic moto styles. Crafted by cordwainers in Italy, they’ve been shaped from supple leather and set on chunky rubber lug soles that extend up around the sides. Team them with unexpected fabrics like silk..
Available at:
- $3,441 from Net-A-Porter
- $3,615 from Matches
- $3,615 from My Theresa
Bianca Beaman, Model
Describe your wardrobe in 3 words…
Classic, tailored and comfortable.
How much of your wardrobe do you wear?
Half the time I have no idea what I’ll wear until the night before. With my job, things pop up last minute a lot, so my planning is done on the spot! I have my favourite staple pieces which certainly get the most wear, and then I have a portion of extra special pieces to keep for my daughter, and really special occasions.
I’m always cold, so I tend to stick with tailored pants or a classic denim jean. Very rarely will I bust out a mini skirt or shorts. I also love an oversized blazer or cashmere jumper. My current pieces on high rotation would be my vintage Armani men’s suit blazer (thrifted), tailored black baggy pants my mum made me (she makes a lot of my clothes) and a pair of oversized denim jeans I found in Milan (they are great for castings).
Top tips for organising your closet?
I am a very tidy person. I like to see all my clothes hung the same way and jeans folded in style and colour coordinated. I will go through my closet twice a year and if I haven’t worn it enough, or it doesn’t bring me joy anymore, out it goes. Working in fashion, I get exposed to new products all the time. I normally do a wardrobe clean out every six months and sell pieces at an art and fashion market.
I always make the time to put things away. Most of my wardrobe is colour coordinated and hung by style or sleeve length. Muji is also great as they sell clear containers which I store my sunglasses, clutches/bags and belts.
Get Bianca’s Look
01
Cos Oversized Pinstriped Wool Blazer
from $335 at COS
Though decorated with classic pinstripes, this directional blazer signals a modern approach to suiting. Crafted from a pure wool cloth, it’s designed with sharp peak lapels, a double-breasted close, back vents and internal elastic in the sleeves that allows them to be worn effortlessly scrunched up.
02
Cos Cropped V-Neck Mohair Jumper
from $225 at The Iconic
The seasonal shift calls for a knitwear refresh, and this V-neck jumper is deserving of a place in your wardrobe. It’s been expertly knitted from a heavyweight blend of RMS-certified mohair and merino wool. Highlight the cropped hem by styling it with high-waisted pants or maxi skirts.
Available at:
- $225 from COS
- $225 from The Iconic
03
Cos Wide-Leg Pleated Linen-Blend Pants
from $190 at Cos
Suit up with these wide-leg pants. Designed in a billowing silhouette, they’re crafted from a linen blend that’s naturally lightweight and come in a fresh shade of beige. They’re made with considered details inside and out – note the smart coin pocket and the concealed adjustable tab so you can wear them low-slung or higher on the waist.
Available at:
- $190 from Cos
- $190 from The Iconic
Sarah Parry-Okeden, Founder & Director of Wild Orchid Spaces
Describe your wardrobe in 3 words…
Comfortable, edgy, tailored.
How much of your wardrobe do you wear?
I don’t typically pre-plan the weeks wardrobe, however we are quite heavily scheduled day-to-day, so I’m able to know whether it’ll be an on-site day with the build or landscape team, or a day in the office. On-site, we are typically in anything that can get dusty, dirty or damaged, and always work boots. In the office, I like to wear a tailored pant or jeans, T-shirts and blazers. I would have to say, I sadly only wear about 50% of my wardrobe as I tend to go through ‘favourites’ phases, and stick to those pieces. I have a huge collection of ME + EM pants that I’m frequently choosing, along with staples from camilla and marc, and Khaite.
How often do you clean out your closet?
Nowhere near enough. If you ask any of my friends and sisters, I have way too many pieces in my wardrobe, and am always reluctant to clean anything out!
Top tops for organising your closet?
I’m quite an organised and tidy person – everything has its place. I find if my spaces are organised and clean, I feel ready to start the day. I’m virtually incapable of throwing out clothes, so I bring in my sisters and friends to force me into a more refined wardrobe… I must admit, I feel amazing once we finish!
I’m a big fan of velvet hangers to keep the clothes hanging well, padded hangers for blazers and coats, and I also like to colour coordinate and categorise the pieces for easy navigation. I find that if I take the time to do this from the beginning, it makes it easier to dress each morning, and keep everything looking organised and neat.
Get Sarah’s Look
01
camilla and marc Ash Sandal
from $550 at camilla and marc
The Ash Sandal redefines contemporary chic styling with its softly padded crossover strap crafted from a textured faux leather fabrication. This meticulous design ensures both comfort and style, seamlessly combining a plush feel with a luxurious aesthetic.
Available at:
- $550 from camilla and marc
- $440 from The Iconic
- $550 from David Jones
02
COS Oversized Single-breasted Black Blazer
from $350 at COS
This crepe blazer fuses exaggerated proportions and traditional tailoring codes. Crafted from a fluid ECOVERO™ Viscose cloth, it’s tailored in an enveloping, oversized shape and designed with flapped pockets, a vent to prevent creasing as you sit and functioning buttoned cuffs – a marker of premium quality.
03
Khaite Bambi Leather Belt
from $600 at Net-A-Porter
Khaite’s elevated staples are meant to be worn and loved for years to come, and this versatile belt is no exception. Made in Italy from soft leather, it has a slim shape and fastens with a polished gold-tone buckle. Wear yours through the loops of your jeans or to cinch the waist of a blazer.
04
Cos High-Waisted Linen White Pants
from $ 190 at COS
These optic-white pants will see you through countless events. Crafted from a lightweight blend of viscose and linen, they’re tailored with wide, full-length legs with front and back pressed creases for shape. Style them with the matching blazer and heeled mules.
