How to organize your closet

· It's key that there's ample contrast between your clothing and the walls. White paint is acceptable, but consider a bright color or a vibrant wallpaper instead.

· First sort by type of garment, then by color. If necessary, break sections down further into sleeve and hem lengths.

Bing: How to organize a closet

· For items that make tidy stacks—tees, sweaters, jeans—open-air shelves are more accessible than a dresser.

Question: I always end up with messy, teetering piles of sweaters. How do I keep them under control?

Video: Nothing to wear?

· Make sure stacks are 8 to 10 inches max.
· Put the bulkiest pieces at the bottom of the pile to avoid an unstable, top-heavy formation.
· Separate cardigans, turtlenecks, etc., so you can tell what's what without resorting to unfolding them all.

To keep fancy intimates from becoming one big tangle (bra hooks are dangerous around delicates), invest in a drawer divider with six-inch-wide sections.

Bing: How to fold lingerie

Fashion news director Jen Ford lined her entire closet in corkboard: It houses necklaces, fabric swatches and all forms of outfit inspiration, including celeb and street-style crushes.

Video: Organizing a bottomless closet

It can be impossible to distinguish between jeans when you can only see a sliver of denim—particularly when there are dozens of pairs to contend with. Mark your shelves with tape according to style, and then create a color-graduated stack.

· Use uniform hangers for tidiness and to keep clothes at the same eye level.

· Remove dry-cleaning bags immediately—not only do they trap a lot of air, but they're keeping your loved clothing imprisoned with harmful chemicals.

· To prevent slippage, fasten the top four buttons on all shirts (and zip up pants).

· Break up suits so you remember to wear them as separates.