Master The Seasonal Wardrobe Clearout With Fashion Designer Aisling Kavanagh

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH TK MAXX

Top tips to tackle a wardrobe clearout and how to donate to TK Maxx’s Give Up Clothes For Good initiative to give pre-loved items a second life – all in aid of Enable Ireland …

With the shift in season, autumn is the right time to reassess your wardrobe. If it feels overwhelming figuring out what you actually want to wear this autumn, one simple step will make the transition smoother – a good wardrobe clearout. For fashion designer Aisling Kavanagh, the key to a satisfactory clearout is about working methodically, in sections. “If you try to tackle an entire wardrobe in one day, you will be overwhelmed,” she says. “I prefer to pop on a podcast and tackle it one category at a time.”

It’s natural to move on from certain items – as our lifestyles change, the contents of our wardrobes should too. But don’t be too ruthless: Aisling is conscious of the reality that certain items do come back around, and some special pieces, even if you may not want or need them anymore, can be given a second home. “As a fashion designer, I understand wanting to hold onto good quality, one-of-a-kind pieces, especially occasionwear items. But equally, don’t be afraid to let go of those pieces that truly no longer serve your style or lifestyle. These investment pieces are often the perfect items to donate, giving them a second life.”

“I love the clarity a good wardrobe clearout brings.”

Aisling wears: Brown shirt, €36.99, RRP €84.99; Cream wide-leg jeans, €44.99; Burgundy shoulder bag, €26.99; all at TK Maxx.

After your clearout, you can take unwanted pre-loved clothing to any TK Maxx store, anywhere in the country, all year round. TK Maxx’s Give Up Clothes For Good initiative, in partnership with Enable Ireland, allows you to donate your pre-loved items in a way that extends their life cycle. Items donated to TK Maxx are sold at Enable Ireland stores, helping the charity’s vital work in supporting children with disabilities, while giving your clothing a second life. Any donations that cannot be sold in Enable Ireland shops are further recycled or repurposed.

The goal of a clearout is to create a wardrobe full of items you reach for regularly, so you don’t get frazzled every morning when choosing what to wear. “I love the clarity a good wardrobe clearout brings. It makes getting dressed so much easier when I know what I have, and can see everything clearly,” says Aisling.

Now that she has made space in her wardrobe, it’s time for Aisling to look ahead to the new season and fill any gaps with considered purchases. She has her eye on some key investments for autumn. “I’m a believer in buying a good quality piece that will last, so I always visit TK Maxx to try and find designer items for less. This year, I want to invest in a good winter coat – I’m on the lookout for a faux fur Penny Lane style.”

There are so many benefits to donating your pre-loved items at TK Maxx. To date, TK Maxx has raised over €4.8m for Enable Ireland, which has supported nearly 31,000 children and young people with disabilities to achieve their potential. Donating your pre-loved items at TK Maxx helps reduce environmental impacts by extending the life of your pre-loved items and keeping them in use for longer. Those unworn items at the back of your wardrobe could be next!