One of the most frequently asked questions when organizing closets is there value in sorting clothes by color and the answer for me is a super big YES!!! However, the choice is really dependent on your preferences, function and lifestyle. Organizing by color may not be necessary when we own a minimal amount of clothing that is readily visible. BUT, let’s be honest, although often times we are intentional about living with less, the reality is we own more than we often use.  As with anything else, color coding your wardrobe requires ongoing maintenance, if you are not willing to commit to returning the items to it’s designated color section then you should consider if it is the right option for you. 

In my experience, many clients often confirm that investing the time up-front to sort by color reduces time spent when getting dressed and closet maintenance becomes a simpler routine when they are clear on items home. In my organizing journey, here are the biggest reasons recommended to color sort your wardrobe: 

1. Inventory Awareness: You are able to readily identify the number of items owned in each particular color especially when setting out to reduce items owned. This is part of my simplification stage implemented when working with clients, I first sort by category (blouses, dresses, pants, etc.) and then by color within each category. It also begins showcasing one or two colors or shades that undoubtedly are more dominant. This lends to ease in the styling stage.

2. Reduced Decision Fatigue: you are able to streamline decisions in finding what to wear. When color sorted you find the desired color with ease. You also quickly recognize that you own five black jackets, when in reality you use three. This gives a clear plan to focus on keeping what you love and use, and releasing (donate or sell) the two infrequently used jackets–FUNCTION! 

3. Aesthetically Pleasing: Who doesn’t want to enter into a space with clarity? What about a wardrobe with room to breathe? The icing, a boutique look conducive to shopping your own closet–why not? But CAUTION: A Pinterest Perfect closet is not the goal, having a closet that functions according to YOUR lifestyle, that is easily maintainable is! Having clothes easily visible to put together outfits that truly represent you is! Being able to quickly identify gaps (desired or needed items) is! 

My recommended approach to sorting leans heavily on first categorizing by items and then color-sorting within each category. Color-coding your wardrobe or not is a personal choice but my experience has proven that the benefits of sorting by color far outweighs the reasons not to. Ultimately, sorting your wardrobe by color goes beyond the aesthetics, it’s about creating a space that simplifies your daily routine. So, whether you embrace a rainbow color-coded wardrobe, a light to dark gradient or a blended approach, your wardrobe should reflect YOUR unique needs and lifestyle. Sort it your way!

D’Vine Bonus Tip: when sorting tops, place sleeveless tops first followed by tops with sleeves to ensure the sleeveless items are not hidden in the mix, place solid colors first followed by prints with the dominant color. Develop a consistent color sort that makes sense to you; I’ve created a separate ‘denim bar’ or a black & white section for individuals with an extensive collection in those colors. Overall, I typically begin with white and muted shades and gradually easy into more saturated colors, altering the popular rainbow color sort for a sort that is more gradual and visually appealing: neutrals (white/creme/taupe/blush), vibrant shades (yellow/orange/pink/red/green/blue), deep (indigo/purple/burgundy/brown/gray/black).