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Learn How to Edit and Declutter Your Wardrobe

A 'closet editor' helps you reimagine what to wear and how you want to look

Jacqui Getz

Published June 30, 2025

a smiling person peering into a glowing wardrobe

Build a wardrobe that suits your life and your style.

Josie Norton

I love mess because I’m good at fixing it. For decades, I was an educator, working my way from classroom teacher to principal of four public schools in New York City. Calming down the kooky parents, dealing with the teachers, the chaos of kids, I loved it all. Even though it made me the most anxious person on earth, it also energized me. When it was time to retire, I knew I was good at a few things, particularly organizing and transforming.

Four years ago, I went back to school and ended up doing my thesis on ageism and fashion. Now, at 65, I’m putting all that to work, styling older women — I go into a closet with a client, either in person or through the magic of Zoom. I am pro-age. And I am pro-fashion.

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I will discuss what the closet’s owner hope/say/think they want to accomplish. We establish goals, we try on a lot of stuff, I make recommendations. Here are six tips to achieving a better look — and a better feeling when you go outside:

Pick your style(s)

Pull out your favorite outfits and name the style you think they convey. Start a Pinterest page and type in any description you want: “classic with a twist,” “elegant French,” “casual chic.” Look at the images that come up and pick a few, then go back to your closet and see what works. Shop in real brick-and-mortar stores and try on clothes. Bring a friend. In other words, stop holding back and be you.

Wear what fits well

Don’t expect the number on a garment to be your size. Actually, stop thinking about size — think about silhouette, feel and fit. How is that item going to look, not on a random young and skinny model but on you? A few well-fitting clothes can make a lot of great outfits.

Spend smart

Ask: What are you going to keep for a while? Which means investing in basics. I don’t know how people live without a great pair of oxfords or jeans, for example, so shop with intention. This includes purchases that simply inspire you. Once you have a sense of your style, even a “risky” purchase will be part of an outfit.

Be prepared

Plan what you’ll wear a day or two ahead. For one thing, it’s fun. You check the weather and your calendar, and then you create. Soon it will feel natural to plan a few days ahead. Look at your closet as an opportunity to mix and match, and practice making combinations. It is satisfying to wake up and have an outfit prepared and ready to go.

Know when to hold, know when to fold

This is true for men and women. It’s OK to keep wedding dresses, favorite sweaters and your grandmother’s blouse. If you have something in your closet you haven’t worn for a year and looking at it doesn’t make you happy, it goes into the Donate pile. And clothes two sizes down do not count as sentimental attachments. Holding on to those is called torture.

When you love something, triple or quadruple up on it

Clothing inventory in stores changes so frequently. If you love a particular silk blouse, get it in three colors. You’ll be sorry if you don’t.

If you can’t identify the color of something you’re wearing, get rid of that item

I always ask people, when they are talking about a piece of clothing, to describe the color. If they can’t, it goes in the Donate pile.

Consider statement glasses

I’ve always loved glasses. Even when I was a little kid, I was excited when I realized I needed them. Anyway, if you need glasses, don’t hide behind them. Make them a part of your style. They are a feature, not a bug.

—As told to Judith Newman

Former New York City school educator Jaqui Getz is the founder and chief stylist of Details of Style, a wardrobe refreshening business for older women and men. For more of her style tips see @thedetailsofstyle on Instagram.

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