Just A Bit More: Thrillers, Fillers and Spillers

       I “met” a great new idea for categorizing and organizing your wardrobe that I just have to share! 

       I really like what is in my closet and dress myself confidently.   Over the years, I have learned what I should and should not wear, which styles and colors and fabrics.  And last fall, around my birthday, I made a conscious decision to get dressed and ready every day, and then “Just a Little Bit More”.  A splash of flair, color, an accessory or scarf or something, to go just a bit further beyond the every-day. 

      I spend a lot of time in closets.  It sounds odd, but it is fun to say!  And however much I like my own wardrobe and style, I feel a twinge of concern when my organizing clients ask me for fashion advice in addition to organizational assistance.  I feel fashion and wardrobe are very personal decisions, and my specialty is organizing, not “What Not To Wear”.

     I have new language to use with my clients, though.  I took a great class with Darcey Howard , and in her words, everything in your closet should be either a Thriller, a Filler or a Spiller (this is a familiar approach to you gardeners out there, as well!). 

      Thrillers are the really great pieces that start an ensemble.  In my closet, the Thrillers are usually tops, like a well-fitting blouse or sweater in a really great color or pattern.  The Fillers in my closet tend to be the bottom halves of my ensembles.  My pants and skirts are relatively basic but fit nicely, lots of blacks and browns and dark blues, especially this time of year.  And the Spillers are the bling, the flair, the adornments and accessories that spill over and add drama.  So, in the interest of Just A Little Bit More, Organize your clothes with a thought to those Thrillers, Fillers and Spillers.

  1. As a starting point, in any closet project, you should make sure the current size and season are represented front and center.  Once that is done….
  2. Think about how you build your outfits.  Maybe you don’t think about this most days, so now is a great time to start!
  3. Move the really great stuff to the front of your closet, so that you are more likely to choose from the really great stuff, and not the same stuff every day.  Colors and styles should just leap out at you from this selection!  Pick your favorite 5 or 6 Thrillers, and make a plan to wear them this week. 
  4. Pair your Thrillers with your favorite Fillers.  Fillers don’t have to be boring, they just don’t generate the same strong feelings as your Thrillers and your Spillers.  Hang the paired Filler next to your favorite Thriller, and you have your outfits put together for the week! 
  5. Now that your outfits are almost done, choose the Spillers.  The belt, the shoes, the scarf or jewelry (sorry, men, the tie and accessories) that really pull the whole ensemble together and make it sing.   
  6. I moved the Spillers, those little items that add drama like my scarves and accessories to the hooks on my closet door, visible the first moment I open the door.
  7. And of course, if you have items that really don’t fit into any of the three categories, then it is unlikely it will ever get worn.  So let it go!!  Donate it or sell it at a consignment shop, but don’t waste your time or closet space on it any longer!

     Congratulations!  Your closet is now set up to help you shine.  Add some color or interest to your ensembles during these dark and cold days of winter.  A little goes a long way, “Just a Little Bit More”!