It’s summer. The sun is shining, the flowers are blooming, and — oh, no! — you still haven’t changed your closet from your winter to summer wardrobe!For many people, the semi-annual closet changeover is a task they absolutely dread. However, if approached with the right attitude, updating your wardrobe for a new season can be a creative, liberating and even a cathartic gift to yourself. Here are some professional tips on how to make the summer wardrobe turnover something to actually look forward to.
Summer Wardrobe Turnover: Pre-work
Pick a full day for your project, and get it on your calendar. Then, arrange for the family to be away that day. A wardrobe changeover should be a spa-like experience for you — you don’t need interruptions from kids, spouses or dogs.
Assemble the right materials. Although not mandatory, if you don’t have one, get (or borrow) a lightweight clothing rack. It is an indispensible tool for wardrobe stylists because it allows you to focus on sections of your wardrobe in detail (clothing racks can be found for around $20 at stores like Bed Bath & Beyond).
Gather some big bags or boxes. One will be for donations, one for items to give to friends or family and one for items to be mended or sent to the tailor.
Summer Wardrobe Turnover: On the Day
Preparation
Start with a lovely cup of coffee or tea or some flavored water.
Open all the doors and windows, and let the seasonal air flood your house with light and fragrance. If the A/C is already on, light a candle with a flowery scent. Wear something easy to slip in and out of. You’ll be trying lots of things on! Put on some motivating music.
Step 1: Arrange The Space
Clear the decks for your “new” wardrobe by hanging your winter wardrobe in another closet and/or laying it on the bed — just get it out of the way for now.
Dust and vacuum the closet. It is amazing how much dust can build up over a season.
One by one, bring or move entire “categories” of spring/summer clothes onto your clothing rack or into your freed-up closet space. Start with bottoms (skirts and pants), then tops, then jackets, then dresses. If you can, arrange them by color.
Step 2: Evaluate Each Item
Category by category, evaluate what you have. Do you suddenly realize you have 11 pairs of black pants? Try to reduce to no more than three. Has that blue jacket never quite fit you right? Put it in the “tailor” box, or give it to someone who will love it. Is it permanently ripped or stained? Toss. Image professionals know that unworn/unwanted clothes not only create bad energy, they block the joy of the items you do have.
Now, take a look at the items that remain. They should be the basis for your spring/summer wardrobe.
Make a list of any wardrobe “gaps.” Do you have too many work clothes but no weekend clothes? Do you have great jackets but no pants that go with them? Many of you will find that you actually don’t need new clothes; if you do, just make a list of the missing items, and shop ONLY for those things.
Summer Wardrobe Turnover: The Results
By now, you should be gazing into a fresher, breezier, more spacious closet, with clothing that begs to be worn. You’ll have a shopping list that will be specific and easy to execute. You can now do the same thing for your handbags, shoes and accessories.
At this point, you may also wish to treat yourself to all-new clothing hangers, or maybe a new shoe rack — something to give your closet a boutique-like feel.
Once you’ve beautified your closet, family members can be taught to edit their wardrobes too, using these very same methods. Give each family member a day dedicated only to them. Make it a yearly ritual.
