It’s January - time for a wardrobe detox?

By Lisa Haynes Monday, January 21, 2013
12:24 PM

If your bedroom is bursting with clothes you hardly ever wear, a wardrobe detox is probably well overdue - but don’t just chuck away unwanted items. Stylist Mark Heyes reveals how to de-clog and re-tog the clever way.

Swap your clothes instead of chucking them. Picture: PA Photo/thinkstockphotos.

The average woman’s wardrobe houses more than 600 dresses and 400 pairs of shoes over the course of a lifetime, according to a recent study by MyCelebrityFashion.co.uk, while a poll by Sure Women Linen Dry last year revealed we spend a whopping £84,000 on clothes.

However, despite that, around two thirds of us (63 per cent) throw away unwanted garments rather than re-selling or recycling them.

Now, with a wave of new season trends about to hit stores, it’s time to detox your wardrobe.

But don’t designate your fashion disasters to the scrap heap - here’s how to clear out your closet and keep your conscience.

Mark Heyes, Ecover Wear & Care Feel Good fashion expert (www.the-splash.co.uk <http://www.the-splash.co.uk>). Picture: PA Photo/Handout.

Style stocktake

January is the ideal time to assess your fashion hits and misses.

More than a third of women (37 per cent) admit they purchased at least two pieces of clothing that follow the latest fashion trends each month, according to recent research by MyVoucherCodes.co.uk.

The average woman's wardrobe houses more than 600 dresses and 400 pairs of shoes over the course of a lifetime. Picture: PA Photo/thinkstockphotos.

“By the end of January all the fashion magazines bring out their trend predictions for the year, so you can see which items in your wardrobe are worth holding on to for next season,” advises Mark Heyes, stylist on ITV1’s Lorraine and Ecover’s Wear & Care Feel Good fashion expert.

“Be honest. Ask yourself when the last time was that you wore something. If it’s an item that’s been at the back of the wardrobe for a couple of years or more then it needs to go because it’s unlikely you’re ever going to wear it again.”

Assess your sizing too. If you’re holding on to a size 10 dress that you were squeezing into years ago, it’s time to say goodbye.

There’s no need to throw away clothes just because they are surplus to your style requirements. Instead, take them to a charity shop or recycling centre.

Swap shop

Another great way of minimising wardrobe waste - and snapping up new additions in the process - is with swishing, aka clothes swapping.

Whether it’s an organised gathering or a group of friends or colleagues, swishing parties are going down a storm in the current cash-strapped times.

“If they don’t suit you any more, get together with your friends for a swishing event and swap your gorgeous but unwanted garments to get something that’s brand spanking new to you,” suggests Heyes.

“Swishing is the perfect way to enhance your wardrobe as it means you get a whole new look without spending a penny, and it’s a great social event too.”

Wardrobe SOS

There may well be hidden gems at the back of your closet that simply need some TLC.

Sort out the clothes that require repairs and either fix them yourself or take them to the tailors. Leave it to the experts if you’re inept with a needle or if it’s a tricky repair.

You can also inject new life into tired clothes with a stain remover, and get extra mileage out of your everyday clothes with careful washing.

Heyes says: “Ask yourself whether you need really need to give your clothes a full wash, or if they just need a ‘refresh’ on a quick spin (which saves energy too).