Secrets of a fashion detox

Illustration / Getty Images.

Michal McKay takes a fresh look at her wardrobe as the New Year chimes in.

I find the start of a new year the perfect time to clean out the closet. Spurred on by one of my fashionista friends who positively relishes the thought of chucking out what she deems "no longer wearable", I found myself doing this year's therapeutic clean-up amid New Year festivals and festivities. And I was pleasantly surprised by the rediscovery of some prized jewels.

I'm a believer in investment dressing; $600 or more spent on good quality being a much better fashion bet than an impulse splurge. The problem being that, sometimes, these pieces pass their wear-by date before their use-by date.

Lucky I'm a patient pragmatist who is happy to play the waiting game, meaning many much loved garments will re-emerge even after a decade or two spent at the back of the closet.

It's a constant source of amazement to me how new trends can offer a total rejuvenation of an existing wardrobe, without having to dig into the purse (providing your instincts were right first time round).

By applying a little lateral thinking, a whole new look can emerge. My Issey Miyake and Yohji Yamamoto investments in particular - which seemed like gross indulgences at the time - are reminders that astute selection with an eye for perennials and classics is worthwhile.

I am a fanatic about clothes care, believing it essential for longevity. My mother is convinced I should have owned a laundry, such is my passion for cleanliness.

This applies to folding, hanging carefully, placing plastic covers over woollens, replacing buttons and zips instantly and having some semblance of order in the cupboards and drawers - so if you decide to put something away for another day you know where to find it when time for its second debut arrives.

I recommend keeping shoes in their boxes and sorting into colour code to avoid a last minute burst of frustration when trying to find "the" pair in more than a few seconds.

Having said that, however, I'm the first to acknowledge that footwear is the one fashion accessory that doesn't always make the grade when it comes to "keepability".

Even speaking as a ballerina devotee, it isn't often there is a continuity factor in the shape and style (though the makers of Sole and Repetto could refute this).

The intricacies that go into a shoe tend to defy its ability to age gracefully. And in any case, shoes wear out. Full stop.

Though I admit to buying some rather expensive items over time that have not lasted the endurance test, they have usually gone to a more deserving home (think Scotties Recycle or Dress for Success).

But after sorting the dross from the gold (monochromatics, a trench, T-shirts, well cut pants, a white shirt or two plus unexpected splashes of colour and flowers), what is left now offers a newly minted approach to my daily dressing without breaking the bank: to my mind a great start for 2015.

- VIVA