We all know it – our closet is full, yet we still can't find anything suitable to wear. A disciplined decluttering is liberating and provides clarity. Inspired by current trends and with conscious purchases, you can fully exploit the existing potential and set new accents. Katja Hahnloser, co-owner and buyer at Maison Gassmann, shows how she reduces complexity and strategically buys new pieces to start the new season fashionably and stylishly.
A topic that keeps catching up with me is my sometimes overly full wardrobe. And right now, I really can't run away from or avoid my wardrobe, because we've just moved into a new apartment. The timing is also perfect because I want to optimally put together my wardrobe for the new season. Every season, I try to avoid bad purchases by proceeding very strategically. Here's a quick overview of my tips for a decluttered and optimally equipped wardrobe.
Finding the right attitude. Why am I decluttering?
Currently, the move is a great motivation for me, of course. At any time, however, an overly full wardrobe can feel like a huge burden. Eventually, everyone gets overwhelmed by too much choice and can't see the wood for the trees. With a well-planned and structured wardrobe, however, you feel free and can plan your winter wardrobe with a clear conscience.
Separating from what you no longer need
Of course, the most important thing is to separate yourself from what you no longer need. However, this is often easier said than done. Perhaps you are attached to the piece because you used to like it particularly much. Or you have a bad conscience because you haven't worn it enough. The best way to approach decluttering is with a positive intention. Whether it's giving away or donating the pieces, or if they are in good condition, taking them to a second-hand store. It is important that this step is positive and not associated with another big hurdle. The clearing out should not be postponed because the associated project is too extensive or unrealistic. The Marie Kondo method also exudes a lot of positivity, where you let go of everything that no longer sparks joy, thank the pieces, and say goodbye to them. You leave the past behind and look forward to the future.
The three-pile principle
Our Fashion Fräulein, whom we portrayed for our autumn issue of Les Saisons, also swears by this principle. Everything is sorted into three piles. The first can stay, the second must go, the third has a one-year grace period and is stored in the cellar. Anything that has not found its way back into the wardrobe after a year must go. I personally also keep certain pieces that have sentimental value.
Analyze the CURRENT situation
Outfits are important. If I can't combine my best pieces properly, then I don't wear them and the looks are simply not convincing. Therefore, I analyze whether all pieces can currently be combined as an outfit. What else is missing? Are there basics that are missing? The perfect turtleneck sweater for a skirt? A simple top? Have enough tights survived last winter? Are the favorite trousers worn out or faded? How much joy do I still have in my winter coat?
If the situation is overwhelming or simply lacks time, we are also happy to help with decluttering and are especially available to answer fashion questions with our expertise, whether in our store or directly in front of your wardrobe.
Shop strategically
You can now complement your current wardrobe with new highlights. Here, too, I like to proceed very strategically. It pays to analyze current trends. Especially for me, it's important to be fashionably dressed. But not every trend appeals to me or suits me. Check? is omnipresent this season. Whether coats, blazers or even dresses. There is something for everyone. Short skirts and mini dresses are making a real comeback. Yellow is one of the great trendy colors for this winter. Especially in a total look and in cashmere, the color looks really great. Racy blazers, single-breasted or double-breasted, are also a very big topic. This trend can also be combined with the check trend. I love a well-fitting blazer and will certainly add to my collection this season. Statements can also be made this season with elaborate cardigans or special coats. A statement piece is therefore practical because you can easily combine it with basics for a strong look. Important: not every trend has to be followed, fashion should be there to bring joy and support your mood. What do I really feel like this season?
Supplementing shortcomings and expanding the basics collection
Missing basics that are needed to optimally combine the current wardrobe must (should) be specifically added. I see them as a kind of collection in which it is worth investing every season. Akris has a great selection of fine knitted sweaters this season that can be perfectly combined under blazers or with skirts. Especially with cashmere sweaters, you can add one or two new pieces to your collection every year. It is worth paying attention to quality rather than getting lost in quantity. Properly cared for, a high-quality sweater lasts for many years and can be combined in many ways.
Tidy up and sort
Order in the closet is also very important to me. Too often it happens that in a messy closet, I can't find the right top. I've tried various methods. Optically very appealing, I found organizing by color. However, I didn't really find what I was looking for. The system by product group works best. All basic sweaters in one pile, all blazers together, all tops, all denims, and all pants. Statement pieces separated from the rest. This way, when combining outfits, you can quickly find what goes together.
Related Links:
Our article about the Fashion Fäulein in the autumn issue of Les Saisons.
Marie Kondo makes tidying up your closet a real pleasure in her series on Netflix and on her website.
Katja Hahnloser-Nageshwaran
Katja Hahnloser-Nageshwaran, together with her brother, is the owner and managing director of Maison Gassmann. In addition to designing the assortment, she is the creative mind behind our visual and content presence, both digital and analog. Besides fashion and design, she is a passionate amateur photographer, travels a lot, is an employee of her dog Noé, and regularly commutes between India and Switzerland with her partner.
