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7 Tips for Changing Out Your Seasonal WardrobeLearn how to best organize, store, repair, and other steps to best change out seasonal items in your closet so that you can save time dressing in your favorite summer looks.
Gabriel Lefrancois
Organize your clothing items first by style and then by color.
“ If you want to be able to put together fabulous outfits and still get out the door quickly, it’s important to be able to see what you own.”
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You’ve put it off for as long as you can, but with summer upon us, you know it’s finally time to buckle down and switch out the seasonal items in your closet. Sure, you’re excited about making room for and wearing your sundresses, sandals, and shorts… it’s just that you dread the task of sifting through the layers of sweaters, scarves and boots that have accumulated since last fall. What should stay? What should go? And how should you store items you know won’t be worn until temperatures fall once again?
If you’re like most of us, just the idea of taking on this task can be exhausting. But I promise, if done correctly, updating your wardrobe for warmer weather will make every single day easier for you. You’ll have a better idea of what’s available to wear, you’ll be able to find each piece quickly, and you’ll feel confident each morning when you step in front of the mirror.
Here are seven strategies to help you prepare your closet for the summer months (and with a little imagination, these tips can be adapted for every other season, too!):
1. Clean your closet. Yes, the actual closet. Take the time to dust the shelves, vacuum the floor, wipe down the walls, and get rid of any clutter that has been building up over the last few months.
When a room is clean (even if it’s just a closet), you’ll feel more positive and inspired when you’re in it.
2. Choose a storage technique. If possible, I recommend storing your off-season clothes in another closet. If you don’t have the space, though, you can also keep them in air-tight plastic containers under the bed or in a storage room.
I strongly advise that you not store your clothes in the attic or basement, as these spaces aren’t always climate controlled; and often, mildew, insects, and other pests find their way in.
3. Have any dirty clothes or shoes cleaned. Set aside any cold-weather clothes, including outerwear, that need to be professionally cleaned. It’s best to take care of this task now so that everything will be ready to go next fall.
I don’t know about you, but I don’t want to take out a favorite wool coat next October, only to find that the cuffs are dingy! Likewise, take any boots and shoes that need new heels, cleaning, and conditioning to the cobbler before you put them away. I suggest stuffing them with newspaper so that they’ll keep their shape while they aren’t being worn.
4. Evaluate each item. All clothing should be reviewed before being stored away to make room for your warm-weather clothes. I recommend asking yourself the following questions: Have I worn the garment this year? Is it time to donate it? Is it damaged and worn? If so, can it be repaired?
Missing buttons, ripped hems, and broken zippers can usually be fixed by a tailor. After you’ve made decisions about each item, pack up the clothes and shoes you’d like to donate and have others repaired and washed before you put them away.
5. Organize, organize, and organize some more. As you move your warm-weather pieces into your closet, I recommend grouping them by type (e.g., skirts, shorts, pants, blouses, cardigans, etc.) and then by color. The next time you’re looking for a green blouse or a pair of white slacks, you’ll know exactly where to find them. No more digging through drawers or pawing through an entire rack of hangers!
I can’t say enough about the importance of keeping your closet neat, clean, and yes, organized. If you want to be able to put together fabulous outfits and still get out the door quickly, it’s important to be able to see what you own. When everything is in a jumbled pile, you wear only the items on top—and getting dressed is a very frustrating experience!
6. Don’t forget your accessories! As you evaluate and organize your clothes and shoes, don’t forget about your accessories. This is a great opportunity to eliminate belts, scarves, hats, jewelry, handbags, and other accessories that no longer fit your body or your lifestyle—and to organize those that are left over.
7. Make yourself picture perfect, literally. Now that everything is put away and you can see your clothing and accessories, take the time to create and document ensembles you’ll enjoy wearing all season.
I use the "Picture-U-Perfect" formula with my clients and my own wardrobe. Specifically, I put together outfits, complete with accessories, and then take a picture so that the next time I need to find something to wear for a certain occasion, I can look back through my photos to find the perfect look. Often, I’ll include some alternate pieces in a look; for instance, several pairs of shoes that would work, or two different colors of shirts that match the same skirt. I can’t tell you how much I love having key outfits totally accessorized and ready to put on. My closet is organized by category and color so I can lay my hands on what I need quickly. Shoes, handbags, earrings, and belts are stored by color and are visible. I do practice what I preach, and it pays off!
Whether you spread the seasonal clothing swap over multiple days or do it all in one fell swoop, I encourage you not to skip any of these steps. I promise, doing the job thoroughly will have a real impact on what you wear, how quickly you can put it on, and how you feel while wearing it this summer!
Marla Tomazin, Certified Image Consultant, established her image consulting business in 1990 with the goal of helping clients identify an authentic image and develop its effective expression. From a successful career in the fashion industry, Marla gained expertise in retail buying, merchandising, sales, and marketing. Marla utilizes her abilities in evaluating body shape, movement, and coloring as well as synthesizing optimal cuts, lines, colors, and textures. This results in balance and proportion that accentuate attributes and conceal flaws. Her clients include women, men, and corporations seeking external revitalization that mirrors their internal development. For more information, please visit www.marlatomazin.com.
If you’re like most of us, just the idea of taking on this task can be exhausting. But I promise, if done correctly, updating your wardrobe for warmer weather will make every single day easier for you. You’ll have a better idea of what’s available to wear, you’ll be able to find each piece quickly, and you’ll feel confident each morning when you step in front of the mirror.
Here are seven strategies to help you prepare your closet for the summer months (and with a little imagination, these tips can be adapted for every other season, too!):
1. Clean your closet. Yes, the actual closet. Take the time to dust the shelves, vacuum the floor, wipe down the walls, and get rid of any clutter that has been building up over the last few months.
When a room is clean (even if it’s just a closet), you’ll feel more positive and inspired when you’re in it.
2. Choose a storage technique. If possible, I recommend storing your off-season clothes in another closet. If you don’t have the space, though, you can also keep them in air-tight plastic containers under the bed or in a storage room.
I strongly advise that you not store your clothes in the attic or basement, as these spaces aren’t always climate controlled; and often, mildew, insects, and other pests find their way in.
3. Have any dirty clothes or shoes cleaned. Set aside any cold-weather clothes, including outerwear, that need to be professionally cleaned. It’s best to take care of this task now so that everything will be ready to go next fall.
I don’t know about you, but I don’t want to take out a favorite wool coat next October, only to find that the cuffs are dingy! Likewise, take any boots and shoes that need new heels, cleaning, and conditioning to the cobbler before you put them away. I suggest stuffing them with newspaper so that they’ll keep their shape while they aren’t being worn.
4. Evaluate each item. All clothing should be reviewed before being stored away to make room for your warm-weather clothes. I recommend asking yourself the following questions: Have I worn the garment this year? Is it time to donate it? Is it damaged and worn? If so, can it be repaired?
Missing buttons, ripped hems, and broken zippers can usually be fixed by a tailor. After you’ve made decisions about each item, pack up the clothes and shoes you’d like to donate and have others repaired and washed before you put them away.
5. Organize, organize, and organize some more. As you move your warm-weather pieces into your closet, I recommend grouping them by type (e.g., skirts, shorts, pants, blouses, cardigans, etc.) and then by color. The next time you’re looking for a green blouse or a pair of white slacks, you’ll know exactly where to find them. No more digging through drawers or pawing through an entire rack of hangers!
I can’t say enough about the importance of keeping your closet neat, clean, and yes, organized. If you want to be able to put together fabulous outfits and still get out the door quickly, it’s important to be able to see what you own. When everything is in a jumbled pile, you wear only the items on top—and getting dressed is a very frustrating experience!
6. Don’t forget your accessories! As you evaluate and organize your clothes and shoes, don’t forget about your accessories. This is a great opportunity to eliminate belts, scarves, hats, jewelry, handbags, and other accessories that no longer fit your body or your lifestyle—and to organize those that are left over.
7. Make yourself picture perfect, literally. Now that everything is put away and you can see your clothing and accessories, take the time to create and document ensembles you’ll enjoy wearing all season.
I use the "Picture-U-Perfect" formula with my clients and my own wardrobe. Specifically, I put together outfits, complete with accessories, and then take a picture so that the next time I need to find something to wear for a certain occasion, I can look back through my photos to find the perfect look. Often, I’ll include some alternate pieces in a look; for instance, several pairs of shoes that would work, or two different colors of shirts that match the same skirt. I can’t tell you how much I love having key outfits totally accessorized and ready to put on. My closet is organized by category and color so I can lay my hands on what I need quickly. Shoes, handbags, earrings, and belts are stored by color and are visible. I do practice what I preach, and it pays off!
Whether you spread the seasonal clothing swap over multiple days or do it all in one fell swoop, I encourage you not to skip any of these steps. I promise, doing the job thoroughly will have a real impact on what you wear, how quickly you can put it on, and how you feel while wearing it this summer!
Marla Tomazin, Certified Image Consultant, established her image consulting business in 1990 with the goal of helping clients identify an authentic image and develop its effective expression. From a successful career in the fashion industry, Marla gained expertise in retail buying, merchandising, sales, and marketing. Marla utilizes her abilities in evaluating body shape, movement, and coloring as well as synthesizing optimal cuts, lines, colors, and textures. This results in balance and proportion that accentuate attributes and conceal flaws. Her clients include women, men, and corporations seeking external revitalization that mirrors their internal development. For more information, please visit www.marlatomazin.com.
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