The Ultimate Guide to Organizing a Woman's Closet: Expert Tips & Storage Solutions
An organized closet is more than just a beautiful space; it creates clarity, saves time, and makes getting dressed a stress-free experience. As a designer specializing in organization, we’ve transformed many closets into personalized, functional sanctuaries. In this guide, you’ll learn how to organize your closet by color, season, and style, the best folding methods for t-shirts, how to categorize outfits, and the essential storage tools every woman needs.
Step 1: Declutter Before You Organize
Start by removing everything from your closet. Sort items into four piles: Keep, Donate, Tailor, and Store. Be honest about what you actually wear and love.
Pro Tip: Use the 12-month rule. If you haven’t worn it in twelve months (and it’s not seasonal or formal wear), let it go!
Step 2: Sort and Categorize
Organize your clothing into the following categories:
By Season: Separate summer and winter items. Store off-season clothes in labeled bins.
By Style: Group like items together - blouses, trousers, dresses, suits, activewear, etc.
By Color: Within each style, arrange by color from light to dark (e.g., white-beige-pink-red-blue-black).
This system not only looks visually appealing but also makes outfit planning faster.
Step 3: How to Fold T-Shirts Like a Pro
Use the file-folding method (this is the Marie Kondo-style):
Lay the shirt flat.
Fold in the sides to create a rectangle.
Fold in half from bottom to top, then fold again so it stands upright.
Store folded t-shirts vertically in drawers or bins so you can see every shirt at a glance (see video HERE!). You can also buy a t-shirt folding board from Amazon - I used these back in high school when I worked in retail. If you have old shirts that you’ve hung onto for the memories, consider making a t-shirt quilt. I did this for my sorority shirts and I LOVE it!
Step 4: Organize by Outfits
Create pre-styled outfit sections:
Group items that you frequently wear together.
Use slim velvet hangers to save space. Amazon has many options and you can also find hangers at Walmart, Target and HomeGoods. I used these hangers from Walmart for my daughter’s closet in gray - they are priced right and they’ve been great!
Consider adding outfit tags or dividers.
This system is especially helpful for workwear and travel prep.
Group items that you frequently wear. In this video, our client was a huge tennis player so we made her a tennis section and sorted by color so she can grab and go quickly from carpool to the tennis courts!
Step 5: Bins & Baskets That Work
Bins and baskets are essential for closet organization, especially for loose items like scarves, belts, or off-season wear.
Recommended Types:
Clear plastic bins: Stackable and great for visibility. The Container Store has the Our Clear Storage Bins with nearly a dozen different storage box options including shoe, boot, accessory, sweater and underbed solutions. Amazon and Walmart have great, affordable clear bins and Target’s BRIGHTROOM has some good options too.
Fabric bins: Ideal for open shelving and for high end custom closets and drawers. We love the Cambridge line from The Container Store and they come in different colors. Amazon has several fabric bins to choose from. You can label them with The Container Store’s bin clips.
Labeled wicker baskets: Stylish and functional for accessories. You can find wicker baskets in so many places including The Container Store, Walmart, Target, Amazon, Home Goods and Michael’s.
Storage Tips:
Label every bin.
Use shelf dividers to keep baskets from toppling over.
Place lighter weight baskets and bins higher up for ease of getting them down later.
Step 6: Drawer Organization
Use drawer dividers to separate categories:
Top drawer: Intimates (bras, underwear)
Middle drawer: Socks, hosiery
Bottom drawer: Sleepwear or t-shirts
Roll items to maximize space and visibility. You can find drawer dividers at The Container Store and Amazon.
Step 7: How to Store Workout Clothes
Activewear needs to be breathable and accessible. If you have the space to hang each item that would be ideal but if not, below is the folded solution.
Tops and leggings: Fold and store in labeled bins.
Sports bras: Use drawer inserts or dividers.
Sets: Fold outfits together so you're always ready for a quick change.
Closet Layout Ideas
Layout 1: The Boutique Look (Walk-In Closet)
Center island with drawers and jewelry display
Wall of hanging space sorted by clothing type
Floor-to-ceiling shoe wall
Top shelves for seasonal storage
This is a beautiful closet Angie and I organized and staged for a wonderful client. We love the lighting to see the shoes and handbags as well as the drawers underneath where we store the client’s handbag dust bags and jewelry boxes.
Drawers are really important in closets as not every piece of clothing or accessory is worth to display. Utilize drawers for the less than appealing items and for out of season storage.
Layout 2: The Vertical Maximizer (Reach-In Closet)
Double-hanging rods (tops above, pants below)
Overhead shelf with bins
Side shelving for shoes and handbags
Hanging organizer on closet door
This is a closet by California Closets that Angie and I organized. We love the three hanging rods in a woman’s closet to utilize for shorter items such as crop tops, swim suits, sweaters folded, skirts and shorts. It’s a great way to use every inch of space! You’ll see on the left side there was still some space under the vests so we opted to use this space for three pairs of boots.
Layout 3: The Minimalist Capsule (Small Closet)
Single hanging rod with minimal clothing
One basket for accessories
Slim drawer unit for folded essentials
Hanging hooks on wall for scarves or bags
Final Thoughts
Organizing your closet isn’t just about tidying up—it’s about creating a space that supports your lifestyle, wardrobe, and wellbeing. With a thoughtful layout, smart storage solutions, and a system tailored to your needs, your closet can become a daily source of calm and confidence all the while helping you save time! We’re always here if you would like us to organize your closet or any part of your home.