How To Organise Your Wardrobe: 10 Mistakes You Don't Know You're Making

Let me take you back to the time I turned up at my friend Helen’s wedding in a grey woollen trouser suit. Not just any grey—oh no—it was the shade that makes your skin look like you’ve been living under fluorescent lights for a decade. To really drive the point home, someone else arrived in the same look. There we were, two human bookmarks in Helen’s wedding album, flanking the floaty dresses and glittering gowns.

Fast forward a few years (and some serious wardrobe lessons later), and I’m here to tell you that your wardrobe doesn’t have to look perfect, follow someone else’s rules, or be anything other than a reflection of you. Because wasting time on Instagram-worthy aesthetics or endless checklists isn’t the goal.

Your wardrobe should feel like it’s working for you—your lifestyle, energy, and unique brand of fabulous. So here are 10 mistakes I’ve made (and seen others make) that can turn your wardrobe into chaos instead of calm—and how to fix them.

1. Buying for a Fantasy Life

 Raise your hand if you’ve ever bought sequinned minidresses for “the yacht life”... but the closest you got to a boat was eating fish and chips by the harbour. Yep, guilty.

Fix it: Build your wardrobe for the life you’re actually living. If your days are more school runs than cocktail parties, own it. The goal is a wardrobe that vibes with you, not your Pinterest board.

2. The “Just in Case” Trap

I once kept a Louis Vuitton Neverfull bag for years. You know, just in case I needed to look effortlessly chic at some swanky event. The problem? I’m more of a sporty backpack kind of gal​. I barely used it.

Fix it: If it’s not serving you now, let it go. Or at least store it somewhere out of sight so your daily wardrobe feels lighter.

3. Trying to Be a Checklist Person When You’re Not

You want to create a system, but after 30 minutes with a checklist, your brain is screaming, “No thanks!”

Fix it: Ditch the rules. If you thrive on spontaneity, keep it simple: sort your clothes into broad categories like work, casual, and fancy. Create systems that require as little ongoing effort as possible. Your wardrobe should feel effortless, not like a never-ending project.

4. Falling for Sparkly Temptations

During Black Friday, I found myself mesmerised by a pair of gold sparkly jeans—75% off! My inner magpie chirped, “Buy them! They’re a bargain!” But let’s be real—where would I wear them? School drop-off? Parent-teacher night? Hard pass​.

Fix it: Before you hit “Add to Cart,” ask yourself: Do I need this? Does it fit my life? If not, close the tab and walk away.

5. Letting Clothes Dictate Your Mood

Opening your wardrobe to see a pair of jeans that no longer fit can set the tone for your whole day. And trust me, it’s not a good tone.

Fix it: Fill your wardrobe with things that work for who you are right now. Clothes should boost your confidence, not drain it.

6. Creating a System That Doesn’t Align With You

 I’ve organised wardrobes for hundreds of clients, and here’s the truth: the best system is the one that works for you. I love a good system with labeled baskets, matching hangers, and zones for everything—but that doesn’t mean you need to follow my lead if it doesn’t align with your energy or style.

Fix it: If detailed organisation makes your heart sing, go all in! But if you’re a “quick and simple” kind of person, stick to broad categories or use baskets where you can toss and go. Your system doesn’t have to look Instagram-perfect; it just needs to make your life easier.

7. Hoarding “Someday” Clothes

I once kept an entire section of my wardrobe for “someday” outfits—clothes for occasions that never came. You know what? Those clothes just collected dust and took up space.

Fix it: Be honest about what you actually use. If you haven’t worn it in the last year, chances are you won’t. Free up that space for the things you truly love.

8. Falling for the “Buy More” Myth

Back in my corporate days, I used shopping as a quick fix for stress. A designer bag here, a trendy coat there—it all added up to a cluttered wardrobe and an emptier wallet.

Fix it: Shift your mindset. You’re the investment piece, not your handbag. Spend on things that help you grow—like learning, experiences, or self-care—rather than filling a void​.

9. Ignoring Your Energy Levels

Wardrobe maintenance isn’t everyone’s jam, and that’s okay. If your system is too complicated to keep up with, it’s not going to work.

Fix it: Match your wardrobe system to your energy. If you’re not someone who loves ironing, hang everything straight from the dryer. If folding feels like too much, use open baskets for smaller items.

10. Comparing Your Wardrobe to Someone Else’s

The biggest trap? Thinking your wardrobe has to look like someone else’s to be “right.” Whether it’s Pinterest or that friend whose house looks like a magazine, comparison will rob you of joy.

Fix it: Focus on what works for you. Your wardrobe only needs to serve your lifestyle and make you feel amazing. Everything else is just noise.

Build a Wardrobe That Feels Like YOU

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by your wardrobe or frustrated by its clutter, take a breath. You don’t need perfection—you need simplicity and alignment. My Ultimate Wardrobe Organisation Guide is here to help you declutter, streamline, and love your wardrobe again.

Click here to grab your guide now.

Let’s make getting dressed the easiest (and most joyful) part of your day.