A closet revamp doesn't necessarily have to mean "out with the old, in with the new." In fact, the last time I revamped mine, I kept almost everything in terms of clothing but added a handful of new, super useful non-clothing items. I'm calling them closet essentials.

The idea behind this is to optimize your closet. I'm sharing several items I've discovered that I consider absolutely essential to helping you get the most out of your closet and wardrobe, as well as some things you should ditch ASAP. The best part is, I've linked each product I recommend at the bottom of this post so everything is easily and conveniently shoppable.

01. NO more wire hangers!

Wire and plastic hangers are one of my biggest closet pet peeves — and not just because they look horrible. These types of hangers are absolutely ruthless on your clothes. No matter what type of fabric, everything stretches on wire hangers! It may sound like I'm being a bit dramatic, but it’s truly almost impossible to get your clothes back to normal after those torture devices have abused them!

So, what should you use instead? The velvet hangers that you can find almost anywhere, including big-box stores like Target, Costco, and Amazon. Not only are they much kinder to your clothing, but they also take up far less closet space. In the past I recommended the velvet skirt hangers but I have gone back to the plastic clipped shorts/skirts hangers pictured above. I love these because you can save even more space by "piggybacking" them for shorter items.

02. Invest in quilted purse shapers

Handbags are a bit of an investment for most of us. Like any other type of investment, we should protect them and properly care for them. I used to put plastic in my own to help them keep their shape, but after doing some research, I learned that's actually the worst thing to put inside your purses.

I found these quilted fabric purse shapers and I love them. No more creases and wrinkles in your bags! They come in three sizes, so they're great for everything from clutches to tote bags.

03. Get dust covers for your handbags

Along the same lines as the purse shapers, it's worthwhile to protect your prized bags with dust covers. This is especially true if you put them away for a season or two. Many handbags come with their own dust covers, but you often can't see the bags! Again, after much research, I found these great fabric covers! They have a sheer strip so you can easily see the bag inside, and they come in three sizes.

04. Use shoulder covers for items you only wear occasionally

Items like evening dresses and winter coats that aren't worn very often can easily collect dust, particularly on the shoulders. Shoulder covers protect them and keep the clothes looking their best. While the ones I recommend are plastic, they cover just a small external area of the clothes, so it's nothing to be concerned about.

05. Boot trees are a must

Like purses, boots are often an investment (and sometimes, a not-so-small investment!). Boot trees are like the quilted purse shapers in that they keep your boots standing tall, preventing wrinkles and permanent creases.

06. Get a shoe stretcher

We all know that shoes are not created equal. Your "regular" size may be three different numbers with three different brands! Especially with all the online shopping we do, no one wants to go to a cobbler once you finally get the shoes in hand.

A good shoe stretcher is well worth the investment, so don't skimp on this purchase. Make sure to get a wood one that stretches the length and width or both left and right shoes. Everyone in your family will want to borrow this!

07. Keep foot petals on hand

I always keep a few packs of these in my closet! The heel savers are great for shoes where the leather rubs your heel or if you find yourself sliding. The toe petal adds a little cushion to the ball of your foot and keeps it in place, especially in heels.

08. Invest in a quality steamer

Clothing sometimes looks better steamed instead of ironed. Steamers are also quick and easy to use, and they work on every type of fabric! A good steamer doesn’t have to be large or industrial strength and in fact, there are several excellent portable options. I love my Rowenta steamer (I also have a heavy-duty iron from them that I love!). Just don’t let too many people know you have one…they’ll come over all the time to borrow it!

09. Use a small collapsible rack

This is one of my most frequently used closet essentials! I find this one to be particularly handy because it collapses and stores easily. I use it frequently when I'm pulling items for traveling, sorting, and outfit planning. Funny enough, I have quite a few friends who thought I was crazy until they got their own racks!

10. Smaller must-have closet essentials

These little items are the definition of "tiny but mighty." I use lint removal tape and Downy Wrinkle Releaser frequently, especially when I'm in a hurry. Looking rumpled or being covered in lint is never a good look! Similarly, a battery-operated fabric shaver/de-fuzzer quickly makes sweaters and other "fuzzy" items look new again. Double-sided tape has saved me from embarrassing wardrobe malfunctions more times than I can count!

Bonus: The Hanger Valet

Finally, The Hanger Valet works wonders for planning outfits ahead of time. This innovative product allows you to put complete outfits together and even includes small zippered pockets for accessories and intimates.

Screen Shot 2021-02-18 at 9.41.16 AM.png

Enjoy checking out my closet essentials below, and just a quick heads up: some of my suggestions contain affiliate links. If you purchase through one of these links, you won't pay a penny more, but I may earn a small commission, which helps me keep the lights on! Thank you!! And remember — NO wire hangers!!

SHOP ALL ESSENTIALS

Fashionably yours,