Women are extra busy these days. They grab the first outfit they see in the closet, and slip on it. Lucky if she has a neat, organized closet that puts matching tops and pants together for quick, easy access on hectic days.
An organized closet saves time and effort. It does away with hours of figuring out if this shirt matches that skirt, or if this necklace blends with a blouse color. It gives that well-coordinated, smart look in no time at all.
Veteran fashion designer Marianne Martin meets the challenge of dressing well for last-minute engagements, sudden trips, and rush client calls by organizing her closet. Eighteen years of creating haute couture for politicos, elite ladies, and others have taught her how to look her best in a heartbeat.
She shares the following tips for organizing the closet. These will also come in handy when she gets even busier in her soon-to-open NouVelle Haute Couture by Marianne Martin stores in Robinsons Galleria, Alabang, and Ermita.
Create zones according to function, color, and clothes type. Summer dresses go in one area, sleepwear in another. So do gym clothes, casual tees, and formal attire. Clothes in neutral shades of black and beige have their special zones. The same thing goes for accessories.
Clothes are stored based on height and bulk. Tops are on lower racks or shelves. Pants are on a hook rack or the mid-level part of the closet. Long dresses and gowns, and heavy coats share the lowest area.
Arrange items based on height and bulkiness: Tops go on lower racks or shorter shelves, pants go on a hook rack or mid-level shelf, and long dresses and bulky coats go on higher racks and the biggest shelves.
Store accessories (belts, scarves, hats, caps, etc.) and underwear you use often in the front part of the closet. The rest stay at the back.
Set aside a separate storage area for jewelry.
Stick a post-it labeled “workout clothes,” “formal wear,” “casuals” and others and put them on top of the applicable items.
Save space by installing hooks at the back of the closet door to hang bags, belts, and others.
