Spring is almost here—or so we’re told. For those of us on the East Coast, trudging over slushy gray mounds during the morning commute and bracing for another week of icy temperatures, there’s comfort in the calendar: in just a few weeks, a new season will arrive, bringing fresh energy, brighter sunshine, and that perennial question: Do I really need to spring clean?
Whether your idea of spring cleaning is a full home refresh or just a bit of tidying up, the best place to start is your closet. It’s time to swap out bulky winter clothes for lighter pieces, and an organized wardrobe can bring a little calm to your mornings—no more digging through piles of sweaters to find something to wear. Of course, if you love fashion, those piles have a way of growing. So we asked the experts how they keep their closets organized, current, and true to their personal style.
From dedicating an entire closet to shoes to hanging Japanese freshener sachets and grouping clothes in unconventional ways, these stylish women have plenty of ideas to help you organize your own closet this spring. Read on for their insider tips—plus the products that can help you get it done.
Who: Mecca James-Williams, stylist
The Storage Secret: My best-kept secret is splitting my closets. Since I split my time between Jamaica and New York—where the weather is very different—I keep a winter closet and a main/summer closet. This keeps my pieces organized and lets me see, clean, and repair items that are out of season.
The MVP Items: I’ve switched to using only wooden hangers. They support garments well, and the ones with a bottom bar are perfect too. (Folding clothes over the top of a hanger makes everything hard to see and sort through.) I also love closet fresheners—the scented ones from PFR have calming, natural scents. And I use Damprid products to prevent moisture and mold in my closets.
The Rotation Schedule: I do a deep clean every year. I used to hold yearly stoop sales in New York for my fashion community, but now that I live on an island, I sell through platforms like The RealReal and Poshmark or directly via Instagram Stories. My approach to keeping things has changed: I hold onto more now, prioritizing pieces for my archive or to pass down to my niece or future daughter. I consider cost per wear, a brand’s future value, and the item’s condition. I’ve learned to keep pieces even if they feel out of trend—I’ve gotten rid of things in the past and regretted it later.
The Small Stuff: I also have a closet just for accessories. I turned a small bedroom closet into shelving that holds my jewelry trays, sunglasses, handbags, bins of swimwear and T-shirts, and other little items. As a stylist, I believe you can’t go wrong with beautiful jewelry trays and clear, viewable bins. I organize everything by type, which keeps things in place and prevents tarnishing or damage.
The Front-of-Closet Favorite: Satin and silk pieces always hang at the front of my closet—they’re what I reach for most.My wardrobe is built around easy, light layers for the tropical climate I live in. It includes button-downs from Bode, Wales Bonner, and Dries Van Noten; vintage graphic tees I wear with denim skirts; classic high-waist jeans and shorts from brands like Moussy; and sweaters from Gap and Banana Republic.
The Storage Secret:
I keep my shoes completely separate from my clothing, almost like their own small museum. Since shoes carry the grit of the city—from sidewalks to taxi floors—I don’t want them mixing with my knits and tailored pieces. I store them toe-to-heel on shelves to save space and maintain their shape, and I have a strict rule: shoes come off at the door and go right back to their spot.
The MVP Items:
I love the velvet boot shapers with tassels I found on Etsy—they’re both beautiful and practical. The Container Store also makes great quilted ones, and you can always roll up a magazine (there’s something charming about storing Vogue inside your favorite boots). For satin and soft leather pumps, I use acid-free white tissue paper to preserve the toe shape and prevent creasing. I’ve also just discovered vintage shoe stuffers—like these elegant Neiman Marcus pairs—which feel worth bringing back. For upkeep, I rely on The Leather Spa; their suede brush is essential for maintaining the texture.
The Rotation Schedule:
I don’t do seasonal purges so much as constant edits. Whenever something new comes in, I reconsider something else. I love vintage and resale too much to treat clothes as disposable, so I’m thoughtful about what I keep. If a piece no longer feels like me—or a version of myself I might return to—it’s time for it to find a new home.
The Small Stuff:
My accessories are stored just as carefully in another closet. Scarves are folded by weight and arranged in expandable drawer dividers so every color and print is visible. Jewelry sits in stacked velvet-lined trays to prevent tangling and showcase even the smallest pieces. Belts hang vertically so I can quickly see the hardware and width. Gloves and other small items go in structured fabric bins, and I place lavender sachets in every drawer—it keeps things fresh and makes opening a drawer feel like a ritual.
The Front-of-Closet Favorite:
As you can see from my shoe closet (which is really a linen closet I’ve taken over), I have a type: pointed toe, kitten heel. I know what I like and stick to it. I’m loyal to Manolo Blahnik and Roger Vivier—they understand the power of a beautiful shoe, even on an ordinary Tuesday. (Though after visiting the Herbert Levine showroom during NYFW, I feel I should add a pair to my rotation.) Chanel, in my opinion, makes the best ballet flat.I’ve had a black pair in steady rotation since I was 20. For boots, I love Sarah Flint’s suede styles—they’re elegant, sculpted, and actually comfortable to walk in.
Who: Nia Thomas, designer
The Storage Secret: I don’t organize by clothing type—I organize by lifestyle. I group pieces into work looks, casual daywear, evening/event, and lounge. It mirrors how I actually get dressed, so I choose an occasion first instead of an item, and the whole process becomes faster and calmer.
The MVP Items: I only use structured wooden hangers; they instantly make everything look intentional. I also add slim non-slip grips so silk pieces stay perfectly in place instead of sliding onto the closet floor. Small upgrades make the biggest visual difference.
The Rotation Schedule: I edit seasonally and do a full review at the end of the year. My rule is simple: If I haven’t worn it in the last three months, it’s probably ready for a new life. I make donation and resale piles, and my friends and I love hosting closet swaps. Someone always treasures what you no longer wear.
The Small Stuff: Everything lives in my vintage credenza drawers, each with a clear category: lingerie, jewelry, winter accessories, summer accessories. I love opening a drawer and knowing exactly what I’ll find—it keeps mornings calm and getting dressed intuitive.
The Front-of-Closet Favorite: Right now it’s my Reese sweater. The plush hand-knitted merino wool is incredibly warm but still refined, and I keep pairing it with tailoring or relaxed denim on repeat—it’s that effortless winter staple. I also love this shawl and skirt because they make a statement and consistently earn compliments, yet remain effortless to style and layer across seasons and settings. I gravitate toward looks that work just as well in New York, Paris, or Japan, so I’m not constantly buying items that don’t integrate seamlessly into my wardrobe.
Who: Emilia Petrarca, writer
The Storage Secret: I keep all my hangers facing the same way. I also group by type (like button-downs, mini skirts, etc.), then by season and occasion.
The MVP Items: I have drawers built into my bed frame—they give me so much storage. I’m not a fan of bins under the bed because they collect dust and look unorganized.
The Small Stuff: For jewelry and other accessories, I use Muji bins that I labeled with a handy little label maker.
The Rotation Schedule: I do a seasonal turnover: If I haven’t worn something in a year, I’m probably never going to wear it.
The Front-of-Closet Favorite: In the winter, when it’s cold, I always reach for my coziest knits and tailored coats.
Product Recommendations:
– Innies boot shapers, $27 at The Container Store
– Tissue paper, $8 at Amazon
– Vintage Irene Hirose sachets, $30 at Etsy
– Brush for suede and nubuck, $8 at Leather Spa
– Stackable velvet tray, $198 at Well Appointed House
– Cambridge drawer organizer, $36 at The Container Store
– Wood belt hanger, $9 (10% off) at Amazon
– Lavender sachets by the yard, $35 at Sonoma Lavender Co.
– Maysale flats, $895 at Net-a-Porter
– Alexandra 50 boots, $895 at Sarah Flint
– Aperitif 70 suede mules, $1,185 at MyTheresa
– Belle Vivier pumps, $2,525 at Roger Vivier
– Acacia hanger set, $45 at Nordstrom
– Rubber hanger grips, $11 (8% off) at Amazon
– 1930s wooden sideboard, $21,698 at 1st Dibs
– Reese sweater, $625 at Nia Thomas
– River wool shawl, $310 at Nordstrom
– Wave skirt, $455 at Moda OperandiWhen it’s cold and snowy, I stick to simple, practical outfits. I’ve been wearing my long-sleeve Flore Flore shirts as a base layer, topped with a rotation of sweaters—my favorites are from &Daughter. For bottoms, I choose between my Auralee jeans or my winter white Madewell jeans.
Frequently Asked Questions
Of course Here is a list of FAQs based on the topic We asked four fashion insiders to share their top closet organizing essentials
General Beginner Questions
Q What are closet organizing essentials
A They are the specific tools products and items that help you store arrange and maintain your clothing and accessories in a neat functional and visually pleasing way
Q Why should I invest in organizing products instead of just using what I have
A The right essentials save you time protect your clothes from damage maximize your space and make getting dressed easier They turn a chaotic closet into a functional part of your home
Q What are the most common essentials mentioned by experts
A While the specific list varies experts frequently recommend felt hangers clear storage bins good shelf dividers uniform hangers for a clean look and specialized storage for items like shoes bags or jewelry
Q Im on a budget Whats the one essential I should start with
A Start with uniform hangers They instantly create a cleaner more spacious look and are a foundational upgrade
ProductSpecific Advanced Questions
Q Why do all the experts seem to love felt or velvet hangers
A They have three key benefits 1 Theyre very slim saving significant rod space 2 The textured surface keeps clothes from falling off 3 They are gentle and wont create shoulder bumps on knits
Q Whats the best way to store outofseason clothes
A Experts recommend washing them first then storing them in sealed clear plastic bins or vacuum storage bags Label the bins and place them on high shelves or under the bed Clear bins let you see the contents without opening them
Q How should I organize my shoes