What if we used the seasonal shift to clear out our closets? You too, try a wardrobe detox: it’s going to shake things up!
The wardrobe detox—what is it? It’s the new concept coined by fashionists for a simple practice: clearing out your closet! This term, stamped by women’s magazines, sits well with our mantras: simplicity, responsible consumption, and zero waste.
The 6 Rules of the Wardrobe Detox
Only about 30% of the clothes and shoes in a wardrobe are worn regularly. Why accumulate so many outfits when you wear so few? It’s the great mystery of contemporary closets. As we retire our summer gear, we take the opportunity to do our wardrobe detox: a big clear-out of our belongings to see more clearly!
We avoid accumulating
In its feature Dressing Detox, Cosmopolitan magazine estimates you should not have more than 37 pieces in your wardrobe. The queen of zero waste, Bea Johnson, takes it even further: she owns about a dozen high-quality, versatile items that keep her chic in all situations.
So we avoid buying too many items, too flashy or hard to wear. We focus on basics, quality, preferably in eco-friendly fabrics.
We sort ruthlessly
Set aside time and completely empty your wardrobe. Sort your belongings into piles. Keep only the pieces you feel best in, the comfortable jeans, the little black dress, the well-cut sweater…
Don’t hesitate to set aside: clothes you haven’t worn in more than a year, pieces that are too small or too big, the sentimental items (old pair of shoes…) No regrets!
We sell the pieces we no longer wear
Pieces still in good condition, lightly worn, or branded items sell easily. Sell them secondhand online or via mobile apps. Check out flea markets and online consignments, or even host a friends’ wardrobe swap to trade or sell your pieces! In addition to having done the decluttering, you’ll also earn a little money.
We sort the items that are too damaged
For torn clothes, badly worn shoes, shirts with stains… We discard ruthlessly. Put them in the recycling bin: even if they’re not wearable, these items will be sorted and recycled. At Relais, for example, old jeans become insulation for homes!
We organize the closet
Organize your clothes so you can see everything at a glance. Do a seasonal rotation and store summer/winterwear in boxes. Sort pieces by type and color to make picking outfits in the morning easier.
We don’t rush to buy clothes right after
Your wardrobe detox is done, your closets look empty? That’s not a reason to rush to stores. Buy only a few beautiful pieces and favor secondhand shopping, or eco-friendly and Made in America brands. You’ll see, your wardrobe and your wallet will breathe!
Article updated September 2026
