It’s the start of a new year and maybe you’ve set a few resolutions to make your life easier and more fulfilled. In addition to career and personal goals, why not have some fashion goals as well? It’s pretty tough to get dressed when your closet is a mess and the top of 2013 is the perfect time to declutter and revamp your closet.

It may sound a bit intimidating but it’s easier than you think. For starters, you want to…

take everything out of your closet. I know, I know, your bed, couch and/or floor will be litered with clothes, but you can’t really take inventory until you can see everything laid out in front of you.

1. Toss or Donate
If you haven’t worn a garment in the last three to six months, you probably won’t wear it. Maybe it no longer fits your body or your style, so it has no place in your closet. Donate to your local thrift store, a friend or if it’s in great condition, sell on eBay or other online resale shops like Threadflip or Hello La Mode.

2. Show Love to the Overlooked and Ignored
I’ve had this happen a few times: buy an item but it gets lost in the depths of my closet and I never end up wearing it. If that’s happened to you, take the once ignored garment and think of at least three ways to style it. Since all of your clothes will be laid out, it’ll be easier to play around and create a new look. When we get so used to wearing the same outfit combos again and again, it’s nice to throw something new in the mix. And you can do it all without dropping a dime.

3. Classic Garments: Got ’em?
Patent pumps. White button down. Little black dress and/or wrap dress. These are just a few of the wardrobe staples that every woman needs. Whether you’d define your style as classic, edgy, chic, etc., these basic pieces lay the perfect foundation. Make sure you have these items and if not, add them to your shopping list.

4. Organize Your Closet
Now it’s time to place everything back in your closet but there should be a bit of order to it. Some people like to organize by color while others do so by garments. My closet goes something like this: vests, short sleeve tops, long sleeve and button downs, skirts, short sleeve dresses, long sleeve dresses, pants and jumpsuits. Chunky sweaters, tanks, jeans and shorts are folded on shelves and my final touch pieces like blazers, belts and coats are at the front of my closet. There’s no right or wrong way but just do what works best for you.

5. Ditch the Duplicates
Five: the number of black cardigans I had. Three of them were identical so I donated them. I understand loving an item so much that you want to buy duplicates {I think this makes sense for jeans, which can be tricky to buy and size}, but in other situations, it’s a bit silly. Get rid of those unnecessary carbon copies and free up space in your closet.

If that’s not enough help, you can always hire me for my personal styling and closet revamp services.

photos: 1, 2, 3