As the temperatures start to drop and the leaves change colors, it’s the perfect time to transition your wardrobe for fall. Organizing your closet for the season not only makes your mornings smoother but also helps you feel more connected to the cozy, layered aesthetic that defines autumn. In the spirit of making this seasonal shift enjoyable and efficient, I’ve gathered five tips that will help you transform your closet into a well-organized, fall-ready space.
Whether you're a minimalist with a capsule wardrobe or someone who loves variety, these tips will guide you in decluttering, organizing, and making the most of your closet for the season ahead.
1. Start with a Seasonal Declutter
Before adding any new fall pieces to your closet, the first and most important step is to declutter. Fall is the perfect time to go through your wardrobe and decide what’s no longer serving you. Ask yourself a few key questions:
- Have I worn this in the past year?
- Does this piece fit me well and make me feel good?
- Is this something I’d want to wear during this season?
The key to decluttering is being honest with yourself. If you come across items that no longer suit your style, don’t fit, or are damaged beyond repair, it’s time to let them go. Create three piles: keep, donate, and repair. This process can feel a little overwhelming, but it’s also incredibly liberating. You’re making space—both physically and mentally—for new possibilities.
For items you haven’t worn but are on the fence about, consider storing them in a separate box for the season. If you find that you haven’t reached for them by the time spring rolls around, it might be time to donate or sell them.
Pro tip: Fall is a great season to donate your clothes, as many people are seeking warm clothing this time of year. Donating coats, sweaters, and other fall staples you no longer need can have a positive impact on your community.
2. Transition Your Wardrobe with Intentionality
Once you’ve decluttered, it’s time to start transitioning your wardrobe for fall. This means packing away your summer clothes and pulling out the warm, cozy pieces. Storing your off-season items properly can help prolong their life and keep your closet organized year-round.
Consider investing in breathable garment bags, fabric bins, or plastic containers with lids for storing summer clothing. Make sure each item is clean and free of stains before putting it away. For delicate fabrics like linen or silk, you might want to store them in acid-free tissue paper or cotton garment bags to avoid any damage during the off-season.
As you pull out your fall clothing, think about the colors, textures, and styles you’re drawn to during this time of year. Fall is the season of layers—think cozy cardigans, woolen scarves, and heavier fabrics like flannel and denim. Choose pieces that are versatile and can easily mix and match to create effortless fall looks.
Pro tip: Store out-of-season clothes in bins or containers that fit under your bed or on high shelves. If space is tight, vacuum-sealed bags are a great option for reducing bulk.
3. Organize by Category and Color
Once your fall wardrobe is front and center, it’s time to organize! One of the best ways to ensure you can easily see and access everything is by grouping similar items together. This could mean arranging your closet by categories, such as sweaters, jackets, pants, and skirts, or by colors, creating a cohesive and visually appealing wardrobe.
Category organization can be incredibly helpful when you’re getting dressed, especially if you’re someone who loves layers. You’ll know exactly where to find your favorite long-sleeved tees or where all your cardigans are. By grouping similar items, you make it easier to create outfits without feeling overwhelmed by choice.
Color organization is another great method that adds both practicality and aesthetic pleasure. There’s something calming about seeing your wardrobe arranged by color, and it makes it easy to find that perfect mustard sweater or burgundy scarf for the season. You might start with neutrals like whites, creams, and grays, then move into fall tones like burnt orange, olive green, and deep browns. This visually appealing setup not only inspires your wardrobe choices but also brings a sense of harmony to your closet.
Pro tip: Use matching hangers to give your closet a uniform and organized look. Velvet hangers are a great option because they’re slim and help prevent clothes from slipping.
4. Prioritize Layers and Accessories
Fall is all about layering, so it’s essential to have easy access to your go-to layering pieces. Make sure items like long-sleeved shirts, cardigans, and jackets are within reach and not hidden in the back of your closet. You’ll also want to organize your accessories, which play a big role in fall fashion.
Scarves, hats, and belts can easily get lost if not properly organized. Consider using a dedicated drawer or shelf for your fall accessories or invest in a wall-mounted organizer to keep them visible and easily accessible. Hanging scarves on a multi-hook hanger or placing them in a small basket can keep them organized and ready to grab on those chilly mornings.
Pro tip: Use bins, hooks, or small trays to keep accessories like hats, gloves, and scarves in one place. That way, you can quickly grab what you need without rummaging through a drawer or closet shelf.
5. Incorporate Seasonal Scent and Decor
Organizing your closet for fall isn’t just about the clothes—it’s also about creating a space that feels welcoming and aligned with the season. Incorporating seasonal touches like a fall-scented sachet or a decorative element, such as a small pumpkin or autumnal fabric bin, can make your closet feel like part of the fall transformation.
Scent can have a huge impact on your mood, and it’s an often-overlooked part of closet organization. Adding a sachet with cinnamon, cedar, or pumpkin spice can infuse your space with the cozy, warm scents of fall. Not only will this create a pleasant aroma each time you open your closet, but it can also help keep your clothing smelling fresh.
Pro tip: Cedar blocks or lavender sachets not only add a lovely scent to your closet but also naturally repel moths and keep your clothes protected.
Bonus Tip: Maintain a Capsule Mindset
If you find yourself constantly overwhelmed by the number of clothes in your closet, consider adopting a capsule wardrobe approach for fall. A capsule wardrobe consists of a small, curated collection of essential pieces that can be mixed and matched to create a variety of outfits. By limiting your wardrobe to only your favorite and most versatile pieces, you’ll simplify your morning routine and reduce decision fatigue.
The key to a successful capsule wardrobe is choosing quality over quantity and opting for timeless, versatile pieces. Think neutral colors, classic silhouettes, and durable fabrics that can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion.
Pro tip: To test out a capsule wardrobe, start by selecting a small collection of your favorite fall pieces (about 30 items, including clothing and accessories) and challenge yourself to create as many outfits as possible over the course of a month.
Conclusion
Organizing your closet for fall doesn’t have to be daunting—in fact, it can be a wonderful opportunity to reset, declutter, and prepare yourself for the season ahead. With these five tips in mind, you’ll be able to create a functional, beautiful wardrobe that makes getting dressed a joy rather than a chore.
Remember to start with a seasonal declutter, transition your wardrobe with intention, and organize by category and color for easy access. Don’t forget to prioritize layers and accessories, and add a touch of seasonal decor and scent to bring the cozy vibes into your closet. With a little planning and a thoughtful approach, your closet will be ready to welcome all the cozy moments fall has to offer!