The Rules of Closet Organization

We've all suffered from the "I-Have-Nothing-to-Wears." Usually, it's because clutter and disorganization have left us oblivious to what exactly we own. But looking chic can be attained with a closet edit, says Washington, D.C. wardrobe stylist Eileen Nelson. "A well-organized, well-decorated closet makes getting dressed easier and more fun. Whether you have a small space or a huge dressing room, your closet should be boutique beautiful!" Here are 10 tips for transforming your closet.

First, get rid of everything you don't use. Throw out what's ripped or stained and donate what you know you'll never wear. Consider a closet swap party—a get-together where everyone brings in a few items they're not using and a fun swap ensues. To make this process easier, keep a basket at the bottom of your closet to toss swap/donate items into on a regular basis.

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Follow the purge by organizing according to item type. Hang jackets together, followed by tops, blouses and pants. Neatly fold T-shirts on a shelf to make room for your hangable frocks. While you're going, organize by color. This will help you easily see what you own, and also means you won't end up wearing the same colors every day. Nelson recommends keeping work and social wear toward the front for easy access, and formal attire toward the back.

Splurge on a few essentials to mix and match. Think silk blouse, black pants and a little black dress. Blazers are a must—grab as many as three if you can (black, white and colored). If you're on a tight budget, make sure you at least have a black blazer. Pair these essentials with other items for every occasion, whether a business lunch, a date or simply a weekend get-together.

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If you have limited closet space, use accessories to create more room. This sweater organizer creates a cozy nook for your cashmeres and ensures that tugging and stretching won't ruin them. It attaches to any closet rod and can be used for shirts or the kids' baseball caps.

To buy: Six Shelf Sweater Organizer, $22

If you don't have enough room for your baubles and cuffs, grab this jewelry organizer to hang inside your closet or behind a door. You'll be able to see everything you own, and you can fold it up easily to take on a trip. Your clutches and handbags should also have their own designated space. Nelson recommends keeping handbags in their original pouches and storing them in fabric-covered boxes.

To buy: Hanging Jewelry Organizer, $25

As for underwear, socks, ties and belts, your best bet is this set of six different sized boxes from Ikea. They keep essentials organized in your chest of drawers or wardrobe and fold up to save space when not in use.

To buy: Skubb Storage Box, $8 for 6

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Invest in some essential organizing tools to prolong your items' life expectancy. Dump your dry cleaner's hangers for something more sophisticated, like the black felted hangers Nelson recommends. "They look chic, they're great for utilizing space and have a nice soft curve that keeps your clothes in place."

To buy: Neatfreak Clothes Hangers, $30 for 50

These linen shoeboxes protect shoes from dust, create space and help you choose shoes without having to go through each box, thanks to their clear drop-front feature. Nelson also recommends keeping shoes in their original boxes, with the photo showing, stacked on shelves according to season and style. If you're using clear containers, she says, "take a photo of your shoes and pop it on the box. Your shoes will stay dust-free."

To buy: Linen Drop-Front Shoebox, $15

Whether it's toys, books or games, clutter is especially a problem in kid's rooms. Use these storage cubes to give them easy access to their stuff and a designated place to put everything away. Also, the cubes can be stacked side by side or on top of one another, making them a practical, simple and functional solution to clutter.

To buy: WayBasics Storage Cube, $20

When you're overhauling your kids' closets, choose adjustable rods that can change with your kids' heights. Line the walls with adjustable shelves as well and use them for shirts and sweaters. Use the highest shelf to store out-of-season items or clothes meant for formal occasions. Don't forget to place a hamper at the bottom of the closet—kids are more likely to use it if it's within their reach!