Color-coding the Closet

✨ Color-Coding the Closet: An Organizer’s Secret Weapon

There’s one simple trick I’ve used in almost every closet I’ve ever organized—whether for celebrities, creatives, or busy moms—and it’s this: color coordination.

It’s a visual game-changer that instantly elevates your space, makes getting dressed easier, and (bonus!) looks beautiful. Whether your wardrobe is tiny or expansive, color-coding can help you streamline, simplify, and stylize.

🌈 The Classic Method

Start by grouping your clothes by category—tops, pants, jackets, dresses—and then within each category, arrange them by color. The simplest color-coding method is to follow the rainbow:

White → Beige → Pink → Red → Orange → Yellow → Green → Blue → Indigo → Violet → Gray → Black

This method adds flow and function, allowing you to find what you need at a glance.

The point here is to use this framework as a baseline and a guide, but give yourself the freedom to adjust as you see fit. Sometimes I break the rules based on frequency of use,  a gut feeling or even limited space. For example, last week I created a small red section in back of a client’s mostly neutral closet since she only wears it for sporting events and college functions.

So go ahead, spend a couple hours and color-code that closet or give it a mini upgrade! I promise you it’ll make getting dressed in the morning more fun, your closet more beautiful, and your routine more efficient.

✨ The Amended Method: Color First

For some, a color-first approach is even more intuitive. In this variation, you begin by organizing by color first, then sort within that color by category. For example:

All white items together, then grouped as:

• White tank tops

• White short sleeves

• White long sleeves

• White blouses

• White sweaters

This style works beautifully for visual thinkers and color-lovers—and it’s surprisingly effective at revealing duplicates or gaps in your wardrobe. It also makes small closets feel curated, not cramped.

Bonus closet idea:  Deep in the closet weeds but not sure what to do with once loved but tired trends? Update your wardrobe with minimal effort. Custom PVC Patches are a fun find for an instant update. Currently, obsessed with these Chenille patches and getting creative with denim, hats and old sports clothes. Whether it’s vintage letters, cute animals, personalized totems, or symbols, you can easily give old clothes give new life.

🧺 Tools to Support the Process (Optional, But Lovely)

If you’re looking to elevate the look and feel of your closet or keep your system in place long-term, here are a few product suggestions that make color-coding easier and more sustainable:

• Slim velvet hangers in black – Great if you want to use them interchangeably throughout the house or if you have limited space.
  → Velvet hanger set

• Matching neutral hangers – Keep it sleek and cohesive if you prefer a unified, boutique #shopyourcloset look. Or, if you have a more capsule collection or plenty of space.
  → Minimalist boutique white hanger set

• Clear shelf dividers – Keep folded stacks tidy by color
  → Acrylic shelf dividers

• Labeled storage bins – I use these canvas bins in so many client closets. They are light weight, come in three sizes and have labels on two sides. So good. 
  → Labeled canvas storage bins

• Hanging organizers – Ideal for separating lighter items like tanks or tees within color groups
  → Hanging fabric shelves

These additions aren’t required to get started—but they can help keep your system looking fresh and functioning beautifully over time.

💬 Final Thoughts

Color-coding your closet is about more than just aesthetics—it’s about creating a space that reflects clarity and calm. Whether you go by category first or color first, the key is consistency.

Start with one section of your closet and see how it transforms your space—and your mindset.

✨ Want a printable version of our 15 things to let go of now checklist to keep in your closet?
Download the free checklist + 5 additional items to let go of now, here.

💭 Feeling inspired to get organized, but not sure where to start?
Take my free Clutter Quiz and find out your organizing style—and what’s holding you back. It’s fun, fast, and totally judgment-free.

👉 Take the Quiz

Hungry for more closet inspo? Check out 40 ways to organize your shoes. Or 10 Organized Closets Before and After.