Over the next few weeks we will post 10 fabulous wardrobe-planning tips. Enjoy!

TIP # 1
You absolutely have to LOVE LOVE LOVE your wardrobe space and all that is in it! This is the place you face every morning and it should be a place of inspiration! Each item should be loved / can’t-wait-to-be- worn! Less is more… you truly don’t need a wardrobe crammed with clothes that you never ever wear. Do regular clear-outs and if you haven’t worn the item in over a year (two years max) then toss it… Yes, it’s true! You can literally have 25 correct items in your wardrobe and create over 75 completely different outfits with Chata’s 3 x principle. This tip was brought to you by Chata Romano Image Consultant Wendy Hind

TIP # 2
Shopping in a hurry because you NEED an outfit NOW? STOP! Don’t buy outfits – buy clothing items that you can co-ordinate with at least three other items. This will ensure that you don’t get bored with your new purchase so easily, e.g. if you can dress up that must-have floral skirt with (1) your black blazer for a daytime office look, (2) with a white T-shirt and denim jacket for a fun, flirty outfit, and (3) with a cute cardi, for a feminine look, it’s a good buy! This tip was brought to you by Chata Romano Image Consultant Marlise du Plessis

TIP # 3
Don’t hide your accessories; display them in order to have them at your fingertips when selecting a creative and exciting outfit every day! Folded scarves are never worn… clip shower curtain rings onto a hanger then loop your scarves through. Hang your earrings and necklaces on a display. Hook your belts on good quality belt hooks. Pack your shoes in clear shoeboxes. This tip was brought to you by Chata Romano Image Consultant Philna Pienaar

TIP # 4
Do you hang your suits (jacket and skirts / jackets and pants) together? If so you will always wear them together! Separate your jackets from your bottoms, one item per hanger only – this way you’ll be able to create many different outfits: Wear your jacket with a sparkly top and a velvet skirt for a night out on the town. It will also look fabulous with a fun T-shirt and jeans over the weekend. The possibilities are endless! This tip was brought to you by Chata Romano Image Consultant Marlise du Plessis

TIP # 5
Every woman’s wardrobe needs to have an element of fashion in it! Know what’s currently in fashion and ensure you have a small percentage of the fashion elements that you suit you in your wardrobe – be it a style, fabric, print, or colour. Here is a great guideline: 70% – 80% of your wardrobe should be functional and practical. 20% – 30% of your wardrobe should consist of fashion elements to ensure you stay on-trend. Fashion that complements your skin tone, body shape, lifestyle, personality, age and, very important, the overall image you are wanting to project. This tip was brought to you by Chata Romano Image Consultant Wendy Hind

TIP # 6
Invest in one wardrobe that works: winter, summer, work and weekend… have one working wardrobe. Keep winter coats and formal dresses to one side of the wardrobe and the rest (be it winter trousers / jerseys or summery chiffon tops or skirts) blend into one working space. Group ALL tops together, ALL bottoms together and ALL jackets together. This way if there is a chilly summer’s day you have easy access to your cardigans and scarves and if there is a work function on the weekend you won’t forget about a smart work jacket which can be perhaps paired with smart denim pants. This tip was brought to you by Chata Romano Image Consultant Wendy Hind

TIP # 7
Take stock! Ensure your clothes are stain-free and pressed (and all the buttons are sewn on!) You should be able to wear any item in your wardrobe STRAIGHT AWAY. If any item needs mending, alterations or cleaning, do not be tempted to hang it back in your wardrobe until it is fixed / cleaned. This tip was brought to you by Chata Romano Image Consultant Marlise du Plessis

TIP # 8
One of the most important assets in your entire wardrobe is your collection of coat hangers. Wooden or plastic only; never ever use wire coat hangers, as these will only damage your garments. Be sure to remove your freshly dry-cleaned items from wire hangers as soon as possible. And on that note take garments out of dry-cleaning bags immediately as the plastic traps harmful chemicals, which eats away at fabric. All knitted garments should be folded, and not hung up. And be sure to have only one hanger per item of clothing. If you can’t see it, you don’t wear it! This tip was brought to you by Chata Romano Image Consultant Wendy Hind

TIP # 9
Invest in good quality underwear. Your bra is your most important asset in your entire wardrobe so make sure it fits you properly. No riding up the back or strap falling off the shoulder area. Rather go for a professional bra fitting to ensure you have the correct fit and support. Why spend money on expensive clothes, when it is actually your underwear that aids to the overall look and shape of some of those items in the first place. You seriously can lose 5kg in 5 seconds by wearing the correct bra! This tip was brought to you by Chata Romano Image Consultant Wendy Hind

TIP # 10
Perfectly packed! How to fold on a shelf: When you are creating stacks of folded items, put the bulkiest pieces at the bottom otherwise you’ll end up with teetering piles. Be sure to bury cedar balls or fragrance chips in-between your jerseys and cardigans. How to store in a drawer: Due to lack of visibility use drawers for items that are left unseen: socks, underwear, spencers, etc. This tip was brought to you by Chata Romano Image Consultant Wendy Hind