When I was about 13, I watched Clueless for the first time — and like many girls, I completely fell in love with Cher’s closet. The rotating rack, the computer system that helped her choose outfits, the perfect color-coded clothes… it was a dream.
Back then, I didn’t even have a walk-in closet, let alone anything automated. And truth be told, I still don’t have Cher’s rotating racks or her computerized lookbook. But I learned something valuable from her system — that you can transform your own space to make getting dressed not just easier, but also enjoyable.
A well-organized closet makes you want to get ready, helps you see everything you own at a glance, and turns your morning “what do I feel like wearing today?” moment into something exciting instead of stressful.
From Color-Coding to Full Segmentation
In the beginning, I copied Cher’s rainbow effect — organizing everything purely by color. It looked gorgeous, but it wasn’t always the most practical. Eventually, I learned that segmenting by type first and then color was far more efficient.
Here’s my current system:
- Jeans & Denim Shorts – Folded on shelves (easy to spot by wash, saves hanging space, and doesn’t wrinkle).
- Skirts – Hung together, color-coded.
- Long-Sleeve Knits – Grouped by color.
- Button-Down Shirts & Dressy Long-Sleeve Blouses – Hung together.
- T-Shirts – All in one section.
- Dress Pants – Hung together.
- Outerwear & Third Pieces – Jackets, cardigans, blazers grouped together.
- Sleeveless Tops & Cropped Tops – Separate sections.
- Workout Clothes – Outfits pre-matched on hangers (leggings + sports bra), with a separate area for gym jackets and tops.
Shoes & Accessories
- Shoes – Still organized by color. Narrow shelves hold flats and sandals, while running/training sneakers are stored in the garage for easy grab-and-go.
- Bags – Arranged by both style and color for a visually pleasing display.
- Hats – Hung on wall hooks, doubling as decor.
- Jewelry, Sunglasses, Belts – Kept in drawers or on dedicated racks.
- Lingerie & Sleepwear – Color-coded in drawers. My camisoles and robes are hung together as matching sets.
Extra Storage & Seasonal Items
Heavy winter coats are stored in a separate closet near the garage. Bulky loungewear or gym hoodies are folded on shelves. Seasonal pieces rotate in and out so my main closet stays clutter-free.
My Modern “Cher” System
I might not have Cher’s computer that mixes and matches outfits, but I’ve built my own low-tech version using my phone.
- Whenever I buy something online — or even in-store if it’s listed on the brand’s website — I save the product photo.
- Every so often, I scroll through these photos to remind myself of recent purchases and brainstorm outfits.
- I also keep a folder of looks I’ve actually worn and loved, so I can repeat them or tweak them with small changes.
- This is also when I think about styling — because wearing an outfit is one thing, but adding the right accessories or layers can completely transform it.
It’s not quite the high-tech Clueless closet, but my phone’s photo gallery works surprisingly well as a digital lookbook.
Closet Organization for Two
My husband’s side follows the same logic:
- Dress Shirts – Hung and color-coded.
- T-Shirts & Polos – Separate section.
- Dress Pants – Hung, jeans folded on shelves.
- Sweaters – Folded on shelves.
- Shoes – Color-coded on shelves.
- Drawers – One for underwear, one for socks/ties/belts, and one for sportswear and swimwear.
My Top Closet Organization Tips
- Segment first, then color-code – Keeps the beauty of a rainbow closet but with better functionality.
- Display shoes and bags like a boutique – You’ll use more of what you own.
- Pre-match gym outfits – Saves time and motivates workouts.
- Use vertical space – Hooks, shelves, and risers can make a huge difference.
- Keep seasonal and rarely used items elsewhere – Your main closet should hold what’s in current rotation.
- Make it visually enjoyable – A closet you love to look at is a closet you’ll keep organized.
- Use your phone as your personal “Cher computer” – Save outfit photos, track recent buys, and create a repeat-worthy lookbook.
A well-organized closet isn’t just about neatness — it’s about creating a space you genuinely enjoy, where getting dressed feels inspiring and effortless. And while I may not have Cher’s high-tech rotating rack, my system works just as well for real life.
