Your closet should be more than just a place to store your clothes, it should be a celebration of your personal style." - Tara West

Last week, I had the distinct pleasure of speaking at the Boston Design Center about one of my favorite topics: designing a closet from a fashion-first perspective. When you approach your wardrobe as a stylist rather than just a homeowner, everything changes. The layout, the lighting, the mood all become critical and a plan must be carefully thought through. When completed, your closet becomes a true expression of your personal style and even your identity.

Adopt a Boutique Mindset

With the help of Scavolini’s sleek custom closet systems and Lisa Davis Interiors’ eye for layout and luxury, we brought this unique vision to life. And what better way to bring a fashion closet full circle than with timeless, structured pieces from Akris, one of my favorite luxury fashion labels that embodies elegance, sophistication, and intention. By designing with intention and treating your wardrobe like a collection, you’ll start every day inspired by your own style story.

Your closet should feel like a shoppable showroom. This means spacing out items so each piece can stand on its own, displaying statement items at eye level, and creating a natural flow between clothing types and pieces. Be selective. Ruthless, even. If it doesn’t align with your style story, it doesn’t belong in your precious closet.

Display and Organize with Intention

Fashion is a form of art and your closet should reflect that. Use open shelving to highlight your bags or shoes, and make sure they are well lit but not baking in the sun. Organize your precious garments by color, season, weight, or length to make daily dressing frictionless and fun. Invest in matching hangers wood, felt or acrylic to instantly elevate the space.

Elevated Accessories Storage

Bags, shoes, hats, scarves, sunnies, and jewelry all deserve their own spotlight. Velvet-lined trays for jewelry, pegboards for belts and scarves, or even museum-style clear displays give each piece special attention. Use decorative baskets or raffia bins to keep larger accessories like hats and clutches both visible and contained.

Lighting That Feels Like a Designer Showroom

Lighting transforms any space. Think backlit shelves, drawer lighting, or even a small chandelier to add a luxurious accent. Choose a light-reflecting color palette like white or beige for a clean slate, and opt for a light setting that you can adjust for when you are putting looks together or packing luggage.

Blend Fashion and Function

Whether you’re working with Carrie Bradshaw’s infamous walk-in or a modest space, make every inch count. Integrate plenty of mirrors, seating if possible, floor-to-ceiling storage solutions, and consider a center island or dresser for your folded essentials like sweaters.A well-designed closet is never static. Rotate your garments seasonally, follow the “one in, one out” rule, and refresh your displays regularly. It’s not about perfection, it’s about curation.

Ready to take your closet to the next level? Reach out at tara@tarawestfashion.com to discover the possibilities.

Special thank you to Boston Design Center, Lisa Davis Interiors, Scavelini Closets, and Akris for helping to make this event such a wonderful experience.