Research shows that most people only wear a third of the clothes in their wardrobes – so what’s the best way to build more sustainable habits?

Stylist Mandy Maher told Lunchtime Live that people should consider their own personal style and body type before making a purchase.

“I think as a stylist it’s the biggest mistake that a lot of people make when it comes to dressing,” she said.

“They’re dressing for what sometimes can be in fashion instead of actually sitting back and looking at their own body shape and what actually works for them and what will make them look super stylish and beautiful.

“Then people buy it [and] they leave it in the wardrobe because they know it doesn’t suit them.”

Ms Maher recommended building a good ‘staple wardrobe’ of clothes you will wear often and then finding a few pieces that compliment your go-to's.

A woman is handed her purchases from a shop owner. Image: Visuals Stock / Alamy Stock Photo

Owner of a professional organising service Sarah Reynolds said that when de-cluttering your wardrobe, it is best to take things one step at a time.

“Especially if you’ve a huge amount of clothes, what I would do is I’d go category by category,” she said.

“So, for example, maybe look at all your coats first and you can dedicate one area, maybe one wardrobe, for all your coats.

“Then look at all your jeans and then look at all your t-shirts rather than trying to tackle the entire wardrobe in one go.”

Don't keep clothes that don't fit

According to Ms Reynolds, there is no point trying to keep clothes that you don’t fit into at the moment.

“If there’s pieces in your wardrobe you’re not wearing, you don’t need to keep them,” she said.

“Don’t feel about having to fit back into them again, because that doesn’t work either.

“Then they go out of style anyway, so I think it’s absolutely crazy.”

Ms Maher recommended setting out your outfit the night before to give yourself more time to think about your options.

Listen back here:

Main image: A woman tries on clothing. Image: Alamy.