As discussed last week, we are still in a state of limbo, getting very excited about the arrival of our 7th grandchild.

As it’s my son’s first child, I have promised not to disappear anywhere and will be around to offer any needed support.

He’s a worrier, whereas our other children just get on with things.

Since it was a long bank holiday weekend, I decided to embark on a de-clutter adventure—and quickly realised what a bad idea that was!

I chose two areas: The garden shed and my clothes/aftershaves.

The clothes are the real challenge; with spring here and summer approaching, the winter gear needs to go to the back.

Every year this causes a full-scale war!

We downsized to a bungalow a few years ago with a large walk-in wardrobe, but someone forgot to tell us it only works if we stop buying things.

The Summer Social Calendar

We are very lucky to have received invitations to some fantastic events this summer, including Royal Ascot.

Between those and various promotional events for the business, we’ve both decided we need a bit of a wardrobe upgrade.

My dress suits are well-used, and my business suits feel a bit dated.

So, baby arrival permitting, we are hitting the shops over the next two or three weeks.

It has sparked a real discussion: Now that we are in our sixties, what style are we going for?

Casual vs. Sophisticated: The Style Strategy

Even my business wear has changed subtly over recent years, the formal corporate look I wore for so many years has changed to some extent.

I still love a tie, but I don’t wear one as often now, as many clients prefer a casual look.

It raises a great question for the mature entrepreneur:

Is sophistication the look, or can we combine the two?

In business, your presentation is part of your Unique Selling Proposition (USP).

It’s how you set yourself apart from the competition.

For those of us visiting clients, a sophisticated yet accessible look builds the trust and personal relationship needed for long-term success.

The Reorganisation Starts

Now for the war footing, I start a pile to go, a pile to keep.

” Oh no ” says Sharon there are rules !

Really!

Oh my goodness, good job there were three days this weekend.

Rules according to my wife.

The Wardrobe War: Rules of Engagement

Downsizing and restyling a wardrobe involves moving from a mindset of “having options” to “having outfits.”

To create a curated, functional wardrobe for 2026, experts recommend establishing clear, sometimes “brutal,” rules to separate your true style from sentimental clutter. (Where did she get that from.) Someone’s been reading!

Here are the key rules for downsizing and restyling:

1. The Ruthless Edit

• The 90/90 Rule: If you haven’t worn it in the last 90 days and don’t plan to wear it in the next 90, it’s out.
• The Fit Test: Only keep what fits your body right now. No “waiting to lose weight” pieces allowed.
• Check the Fabric: Prioritize natural fibers like cotton, linen, silk, and wool; these should make up 70% of your wardrobe for longevity.
• The “One-In, One-Out” Rule: To keep the bungalow’s wardrobe manageable, for every new Royal Ascot or holiday item bought, one old item must be donated.

2. Restyling & Organization

• The 80/20 Rule: You likely wear 20% of your clothes 80% of the time. Identify those essentials and build your look around them.
• The 70/30 Rule: Balance your closet with 70% versatile basics and 30% statement pieces (like those Ascot dress suits).
• The “No Singles” Rule: Every item you keep must be able to be styled in at least three different ways.
• Reverse Hanger Trick: Turn all hangers backward. When you wear an item, face the hanger forward. In 6 months, the backward hangers tell you exactly what to donate.

3. The Final Piles

Recycle: Anything tatty, torn, or stained.

Love/Keep: Items that fit well and make you feel confident.

Donate/Sell: Good condition but unloved.

Repair/Alter: Items that need care (but only if you’ll actually do it this week!).

I have to say, working to these rules worked an absolute treat, we both have space.

Now for the fun to begin, I will keep you updated with how the restyle goes in the coming weeks.

I gave up the idea of the shed de-clutter, there might be rules for that as well!

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Next Week: The Scent Section: Spring/Summer 2026

A de-clutter isn’t complete without looking at the aftershaves and perfumes. Research to be undertaken this week!

Any ideas?

Which are your favourites for both everyday use and those special occasions.

Your comments would be gratefully received!

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