Cleansing that cupboard can give you a totally new attitude towards fashion. And what better time to do this than NOW. The top resolution on any fashionista's list should be to get that cupboard organised - before the shopping spree for the year's new, must-have pieces. This is a fairly easy process and sounds more complicated than it actually is. Start by making a pie chart of your life. Write down typically what you do in a week: how long you spend at the office, at the gym, socialising (formal and informal events need to be categorised separately) or simply hanging out at home. Be realistic. If you find that you spend most of your time partying, your cupboard must reflect this. By looking in, anyone should know what type of person you are - it should represent your lifestyle and personality.

Armed with your pie chart, turn to your wardrobe and pull everything out. Take a good look and check if your cupboard reflects your lifestyle. If not, write down what you have too much or too little of. Now, when you shop, you will know exactly what you need. When attacking the latest spring collections, make sure you buy the pieces that fill the gaps.

Next, put your clothes into five piles…

• Things you love and wear all the time.
• Clothes that don't fit you anymore.
• Clothes you have not worn in six months.
• Clothes that just need simple alterations and can be worn again.
• Clothes that you know will increase in value - a Chanel jacket is a must keep. A

Tahilani or Abu-Sandeep couture design should also be stored and never be given away. These are fashion heirlooms.

The stuff you love goes straight back into the cupboard. This should be stored up front, as these are the pieces you wear the most. All your great basics fall into this category and must always be within easy-to-reach distance.

The clothes that do not fit anymore need to be looked at again. Ask yourself some matter-of-fact questions. Will you ever fit into any of these garments? If the answer is no - but there are some outfits you just cannot bear to get rid of - give them to someone who will fit into them. You may want to keep one pair of jeans or a sexy top you once fitted into, as an incentive piece. Every time you feel like giving up on a diet or on your workout regime, take this garment out and look at it.

Ask yourself why you have not worn some ensembles at all, in the past six months. They might have been bought in a hurry. Learn from your mistakes (and we all make them). Make a mental note and next time you go out shopping be sure you do not repeat the same mistake. Find a home for this pile of outfits. Clothes must never simply be thrown out!

Do not put the clothes that need alteration back in your cupboard. Store them in a bag, keep them near your door and, within 48 hours, visit a tailor or dry-cleaner and get them fixed. Before you hit the stores to look at any collections, make sure you have a wardrobe full of clothes you can actually wear. You can mix your new buys with your existing closet.

The clothes with heirloom potential must be stored properly. Wrap in muslin and keep mothballs handy. Remember to air them - think of these as style investments, as they are bound to go up in value. With vintage dressing being the ultimate sign of elegance, it is important to take care of any garment you wish to pass on to the next generation. There is nothing more stylish than stating that you are carrying a handbag that once belonged to your grandmother.

Now, get organised - and get that cupboard in order. Pants, tops and skirts should be stored group wise. Knits should be stacked. Try on everything you want to keep and look at what cuts suit you best. Look out for these. A closet clearance should make you a better informed and smart shopper! So, make that wish list, every woman should have one. But only after you have finished cleaning up.

Tips from the experts

Before you buy, think, do I have room for this? Do not give in to the temptation of impulse shopping. Here are a few tips from some truly fashionable women…

Boutique owner and funky dresser, Niharika Khan:

"I used to be a hoarder when I lived in Bangalore; in Mumbai, I have learnt to be more practical, as space is such an issue. My advice is, buy one thing and throw two things out. Also, re-route your clothes, if you are bored with something, do a swap with a friend."

Glam jeweller, Neelam Kothari: "I keep all the jeans I no longer fit into, in the hope that one day I will. When it comes to jewellery, always opt for a design that has a classic and timeless look."

Fashionista, Ramona Vadera: "Every six months, I take everything out of my wardrobe and get rid of whatever I do not like. I give it to friends or charity. The key to a well-maintained closet is to hang on to the classic pieces and to know when it's time to give the trendy pieces away."

Fashion high priestess, Rina Dhaka: "Study the season, buy fashion magazines and see what's in. Make a list of what you will need and work out the gaps in your wardrobe. Random shopping is never a good idea. You need about ten party wear items in your wardrobe, at any given time. Learn how to recycle. Know where you are going, which events you have to attend and who will be there."