Expert Advice

An organised & versatile wardrobe is the key to great style

Stylist Kwena Baloyi shares her tips and tricks for building a functional and stylish wardrobe, while avoiding closet clutter

19 August 2018 - 00:03 By Nothemba Mkhondo

How do you organise your wardrobe?
I love seeing my clothes. Even if I don't wear all of them I need to see them for inspiration. I make sure that what I wear often is close by. I hang my clothes styled simply because my summer wardrobe borrows from winter and vice versa. They have a healthy working relationship and I love that about my clothes. I'm able to wear them over and over during any season.
How do you decide what to keep and what to give away?
I love all my clothes dearly because they each have a story. If they don't serve a purpose anymore, they go. Whenever I enter another stage of growth is when most goes. My closet has recently been affected by my travels.
Essential building blocks for a functional and stylish wardrobe?
Lots of crisp white shirts, a well-cut blazer, smart trousers, a biker jacket, a denim jacket, lots of T-shirts, including a Breton striped one, and good jeans. If you have these items and they're high quality, it's easy to survive the entire season and even on to the next. You need to be smart with your styling.
Tips for refining your style?
Consider your lifestyle; don't over-think, and have fun.
Top 5 style tips for the season?
1. Don't allow trends to decide for you. Consider them but don't let them take over because they will pass.
2. Trust your gut when choosing an outfit and make sure you can back it up.
3. Have fun. There are no rules.
4. If it feels right, go wild.
5. Wear it for yourself and it will always fall into place.
What do you suggest our readers do with clothes they no longer wear?
Find a home to donate to. You could also sell to your friends or to second-hand stores...

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