With the days and weeks moving faster than ever, now's the time to get a jump on a seasonal closet clear out. It's really the best way to make the most of what you've got from spring and summer seasons past. No need to dread: here's four easy steps you can do anytime in the next month.
Step One: Leaving all your winter things as is, divide all of your seasonal (spring + summer) and season-less (everyday tanks, tees, jeans) clothes, shoes, bags and accessories into three piles: 1. wearable pieces, which go back in the closet; 2. good items in need of some TLC (dry-cleaning, a new button, a bag with broken zipper, etc.); and 3. the ugly things that are no longer flattering which can be swapped with girlfriends, given to charity or sold on Craigs List or to a consignment shop.
Side note: this month is the best time to sell your gently worn spring and summer pieces and make some cash to replenish your closet.
What we'd buy: this Converse One Star Shirt Dress.
Step Two: Only put the wearable items back, this time storing your spring and summer wardrobe separately from your current winter pieces. It makes it much easier to see what you have as of now - and where you can possibly fill in. You should have two piles left.
Step Three: When weeding through the good items in need of some TLC, keep these thoughts in mind: anything you haven't worn in two or three years is most likely ready to be moved to the goodbye pile. Pieces that have been altered and still don't fit, most likely don't look their best. Remember, it's better to have 10 uniform pieces in your closet that you can put on at any moment and feel great about, rather than 40 so-so pieces that make you feel mediocre.
Step Four: Take each piece in need to the correct "doctor": last years wedge sandals or peep toes can re-heeled or re-soled. Regular tune ups on shoes and bags can save you having to re-buy each season. If your shape has changed, head to the tailor and add darts to little blazers or dresses. Whatever your size, this season concentrate on getting your clothes to really fit- not forgetting hems and sleeves. Consider a trip the fabric store and updating tired cardigans by replacing boring buttons with sexy little horn or beaded ones. Take broken jewelry into a bead shop and create next season's must haves- a super wide cuff bracelet and dangly loose long chains.
It's the small details in our clothes and accessories that make the difference. It's the old adage of time and money- and in this case...take the time now to see what you have that's workable--before the temps turn humid!
Get Ready For Spring: 4 Tips To Clear Your Closet Now was written by Cari Vaughn for HybridMom.com.
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