As I said in yesterday’s post, I’m pretty focused on shopping for my spring/summer wardrobe updates at the moment. Though I don’t buy a ton of new stuff each season I like to add a couple of pieces to my collection. Whether it be to replace basics or add a couple of on-trend items that I want to work into my wardrobe I think it's a good idea to start the season off with a fresh look.
Obviously, I love shopping. Plus it’s good to know there’s light at the end of the tunnel when it comes to this cold weather so buying new clothes for the warmer weather should be a lot of fun. However, the process of figuring out what to add to your wardrobe without breaking the bank can be overwhelming. This week I’d like to talk about how to plan ahead (what a surprise, Amanda’s making some sort of to-do list) so you can get the most out of your money and make sure your wardrobe is fresh each season.
One of the first steps you should take before you even start hitting the stores is to clean up your closet. I mentioned that I’d be discussing how to edit your closet in an earlier post. Well ladies, today is the day. Before you start buying new things you need to see what you already have. Here are some tips on how to clearly edit your wardrobe so you’re left with only a bunch of items that you actually want to wear.
Obviously, I love shopping. Plus it’s good to know there’s light at the end of the tunnel when it comes to this cold weather so buying new clothes for the warmer weather should be a lot of fun. However, the process of figuring out what to add to your wardrobe without breaking the bank can be overwhelming. This week I’d like to talk about how to plan ahead (what a surprise, Amanda’s making some sort of to-do list) so you can get the most out of your money and make sure your wardrobe is fresh each season.
One of the first steps you should take before you even start hitting the stores is to clean up your closet. I mentioned that I’d be discussing how to edit your closet in an earlier post. Well ladies, today is the day. Before you start buying new things you need to see what you already have. Here are some tips on how to clearly edit your wardrobe so you’re left with only a bunch of items that you actually want to wear.
Purge
You’ve probably heard that you should get rid of any items that you haven’t worn in the last six months. I usually adjust that to anything you haven’t worn in the entire last season that it was meant for. So if you’ve got a bathing suit or sundress that didn’t see the light of day last summer, get rid of them. Another good tip is to look at something and ask yourself if you would buy it again right now. If the answer is yes then keep it, if no then add it to the donation pile. If you’re not sure put it to the side, I have a solution for that later.
Once you’ve gotten rid of everything you’re definitely not going to wear take a look at what’s left. The next step is one of the most important (and most tedious) things you should do every season. Go through every item and check for damages. Pull out anything that is stained, has holes, is missing a button, etc. and figure out whether it’s worth fixing. If it’s an item that you wear all the time but don’t think it can be restored than replace it. It’s worth the money if it’s something you get a lot of use out of. The best example of this is plain white t-shirts and tanks. White shirts generally only last about a season or two thanks to the gross yellowing that happens around the armpits no matter how much deodorant you wear. It’s a good idea to toss the old and replace them with fresh basics from a store like H&M each season. Make a list of anything that needs to be replaced so you can start scoping the stores for good deals later.
Damage Control
Note: this is not a picture of my closet but I really, really wish it was.
Dress Up
Now you should be left with a closet that’s full of items that are not damaged or can be repaired pretty easily and that you think you’re going to wear next season. This could be good enough I suppose but I like to be thorough so we’re going to take it a step further.
Put aside an afternoon and go through your closet as though you’re shopping in it. Pull out all of the items you were on the fence about earlier and try them on. All of them. You’d be surprised at how many things don’t look too appealing when their on the hanger but look fantastic on. Unfortunately, that goes for the other way around too but at least if you try it on and hate how it looks you can toss it and free up space in your closet for something new.
I would suggest putting together sample outfits while you’re trying things on as well. If there are items in your closet that you love but never really wear it’s usually because you don’t have anything to wear it with. Try out different combinations with what you already have in your closet before you start adding new items. You may be surprised at some of the perfect outfits you can make out of things you already own. Make sure to include your accessories for spring when you’re trying things on. Sometimes a somewhat boring outfit can look completely different if you just add the right necklace or shoes.
This is also a good time to add things to that shopping list with the replacement items on it. If you find yourself wishing for certain pieces to make an outfit over and over again it probably means you should invest in that for the season. If you’ve got a ton of great tops that would match a great pair of white jeans or you find yourself picturing your dresses with wedges that you don't have yet add them to the list.
If you’re honest with yourself during your closet edit you should end up with a clean closet full of wardrobe staples and a more focused shopping list for the spring and summer. You’ll have a better idea of what items would really add to the clothing you already have and you’ve got a bunch of ready-made outfit combinations hanging in your closet!
Put aside an afternoon and go through your closet as though you’re shopping in it. Pull out all of the items you were on the fence about earlier and try them on. All of them. You’d be surprised at how many things don’t look too appealing when their on the hanger but look fantastic on. Unfortunately, that goes for the other way around too but at least if you try it on and hate how it looks you can toss it and free up space in your closet for something new.
I would suggest putting together sample outfits while you’re trying things on as well. If there are items in your closet that you love but never really wear it’s usually because you don’t have anything to wear it with. Try out different combinations with what you already have in your closet before you start adding new items. You may be surprised at some of the perfect outfits you can make out of things you already own. Make sure to include your accessories for spring when you’re trying things on. Sometimes a somewhat boring outfit can look completely different if you just add the right necklace or shoes.
This is also a good time to add things to that shopping list with the replacement items on it. If you find yourself wishing for certain pieces to make an outfit over and over again it probably means you should invest in that for the season. If you’ve got a ton of great tops that would match a great pair of white jeans or you find yourself picturing your dresses with wedges that you don't have yet add them to the list.
If you’re honest with yourself during your closet edit you should end up with a clean closet full of wardrobe staples and a more focused shopping list for the spring and summer. You’ll have a better idea of what items would really add to the clothing you already have and you’ve got a bunch of ready-made outfit combinations hanging in your closet!