Have you ever opened your closet to pick an outfit, just to feel overwhelmed, uninspired, or lost? You aren’t alone in these feelings; for many people, choosing an outfit can feel like a daily chore rather than a creative moment. But do you need more clothes? While this may help a little, the answer may actually lie in better organization. Specifically, color-coding your closet. It might sound like a waste of time, but color-coding your closet can transform the way you get dressed. Here’s why it’s a total game changer:

Instant Visual Clarity

When you open your closet and see a hodgepodge of colors, patterns, and styles, you may feel overwhelmed and find it difficult to see everything you own. By organzing clothes by color — from light to dark or in rainbow order — you can create visual flow, making everything easier to find and helping you feel more inspired. 

Consider adding a small LED light strip to brighten dark closets and highlight your color rows — no more digging around in the dark.

Aesthetic Appeal

A color-coordinated closet can look visually pleasing and create a more appealing and organized space for you to not only utilize but to admire. You may even generate a boutique-esque atmosphere.  

Get Ready Faster

If you don’t have to take the time to sort through chaos, you can focus on choosing an outfit that matches your mood, the weather, your personality, or the occasion. Color-coding streamlines your decision-making. If you want to wear a specific shirt for a date, you’ll be able to find it quickly without having to search endlessly.

Discover What You Really Wear

Color-coding your closet helps you discover what you regularly wear from your closet. You may be drawn to neutrals, bold, floral prints, or a certain shade of blue. Understanding your color habits can help you shop more intentionally and avoid buying things you won’t wear. 

If you’re unsure what colors work best on you, take note of which pieces you gravitate toward most when getting compliments or feeling confident.

Color-coding also allows you to purge your closet and get rid of clothes you never wear or no longer need, leading to less clutter. 

Highlight Gaps & Duplicates

Once you color-coordinate your closet, you’ll quickly discover gaps, such as a lack of red shirts, or duplicates, such as four nearly identical blouses. This clarity can help you save money, shop smarter, and build a more cohesive wardrobe.

Improve Your Mood and Confidence

You may find it satisfying or even joyful to open your closet and see a well-organized rainbow of possibilities. It’s visually appealing and soothing, making you want to keep up with the new setup. Additionally, knowing what clothes you have and discovering clothes you forgot about opens up a new world of possibilities. Being able to put together better or new outfits can boost your confidence and self-esteem. 

Tips to Start Color-Coding

Sort By Type — Start by sorting your clothes based on type (shirts, pants, dresses, etc.), then by color within each section.

Use Rainbow Order — Remember to organize starting the ROYGBIV order: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet, then add neutrals: white, gray, black, and brown. You may also consider going from light to dark or dark to light. 

Match Hangers — Consider using all matching hangers to reduce visual clutter.

Leave Some Room — If space allows, leave a bit of room between color groups for that extra boutique feel.

Consider Patterned Items — For patterns items, you may want to create a separate section or add them to color sections based on the most dominant color. 

Tweak if Needed — After color-coding your closet, don’t be afraid to experiment and change things up a little to fit your style, preferences, and daily routine.  

Maintain It — Now that your closet is coordinated and organized, it’s up to you to maintain it. Put clothes back in their designated section and get rid of what you don’t need. 

Other Considerations 

Consider using multi-tier hangers for pants and skirts, storing off-season clothes separately to keep your closet focused and manageable, and incorporating color-coded bins, baskets, or drawer dividers for accessories like scarves, belts, and bags. 

Fall Back in Love with Your Clothes 

Color-coding your closet might seem unnecessary or a waste of time, but it can actually make a big difference in your daily routine. This simple shift provides clarity, saves time, and even sparks joy. So take the time to give your closet a color-coded makeover. You will be thankful in the coming weeks.