The Seasonal Switch

Switching Wardrobes 101

Soo, it's that time of year again.  Time for the big switcheroo - summer clothes go away and winter clothes come out.

I don't know about you but I love it.  There is something so exciting about opening suitcases and containers filled with clothes I haven't seen in 6 months.  "Oh, I forgot about that!", "Oooh, I can't wait to wear that again.", or "Yes, I love these boots!"

However, this process can be daunting for a lot of people.  The big switch can become not so fun if there are tons and tons of clothes to go through, if you're not the same size you were when you put the clothes away, or, if what's coming out of storage leaves you with an incomplete wardrobe for the upcoming season.

Here are my tips for switching clothes and setting yourself up to have an easier time during next season's switch.

Taking Clothes OUT of Storage:

1. As you take things out of storage scrutinize everything and start a Goodwill pile.  Nothing should make it into your drawers or into your closet unless it is in pristine condition, no holes, stains or deodorant marks and it must fit you.  If there is anything in there that you've had for more than 5 years and it wasn't an investment piece, get rid of it! See below for definition of investment pieces.

2. After taking tall boots out of storage, roll up 2 old magazines and put them in the boots so they stand up straight, no need to invest in boot stands. Any shoes coming out of storage should meet the rules as well, if they are not up-to-par, they should go to the cobbler. Shoe repairs are cheaper than you think, although if the shoes were $50 or less, I'd chuck them unless you love them so much they're worth salvaging.

3. If winter coats were folded or squished all summer hang them ASAP, so they are wrinkle-free and ready to go in a month or so when you are ready to wear them.

4. Dry clean everything that needs it in the next week or two, you'll be glad you got it over with all at once.

5. Don't hang knits or delicate fabrics on wire hangers as it will make the shoulders stick out funny (it's so hard to get it out once it's there!) Instead, buy some hangers with rounded shoulders for your delicate silks or knits and hang them that way. 

Chunky, heavy knits should never be hung as they get stretched out by their own weight.  Fold them nicely and stack them in containers, on shelves or in drawers. If you're worried about wrinkling, lay a piece of tissue paper behind them, and then fold, folding the tissue paper with the sweater.


Putting Clothes IN Storage:

1. Go through your stuff piece by piece and decide what can go to Goodwill or consignment.  Be really selective.  A wardrobe is a living, breathing entity that must evolve and change as we do, you should not be keeping everything from year to year.  If you are, you may have an out-of-date wardrobe.  Give away anything that you've had for more than 5 years that isn't an investment piece. Give away anything that doesn't fit, that is tattered or worn or that has stains and/or deodorant marks. You'll be able to fill in the holes of what you got rid of next season with fresh, modern pieces that fit you.

2. Dry clean or wash keepers before they go in storage. You'll be sorry if you don't. Obviously anything clean can be put in storage first.

3. Keep delicate fabrics (like silk) hung in garment bags.  You can find hanging garment bags at any department store or buy them online. If you ever use RentTheRunway to rent dresses they let you keep the garment bag they ship in! So convenient.

4. Vacuum-sealed bags are your friend!  They save so much space and are great for fabrics like cotton and wool or for items like bathing suits and beach towels.

5. Don't use moth balls (does anyone anymore?). Instead, if moths are a problem, buy lavender potpourri or lavender paper lining.  You can even soak cotton balls in lavender oil. Moths hate lavender and it smells so great! Click here for an eHow article on how to repel moths naturally.

If you stick to getting rid of things and purchasing a few new pieces (investment or not) each new season, you will have a living, breathing wardrobe that is evolving as you are.  You know you've seen people with stale, out-of-date wardrobes out there on the street.  It's easy to let it happen, and before you know it, you have to replace your entire wardrobe to look great.  Be diligent along the way and always scrutinize what you have and ask yourself if it's working for you. 

Happy Fall!

Investment Pieces are pieces that are very high quality, expensive pieces that are classic styles.  Therefore they don't go out of style, ever! Think Jackie O.  You may find investment pieces on sale or you may pay full price for them but they are high end pieces.  For example, some of my higher end pieces are my Foley & Corinna leather city bag, which was $350 on sale from $530 and I've had it for 6 years, my Andrew Marc winter coat, which I got on sale in the spring at Bloomingdale's for $350 from $825 and I have had it for 6 years as well. I still love it and it's still in mint condition. Buy your winter coat on sale in March! My Frye motorcycle boots which I bought full price (arg) at $210 were also an investment.  I've had them for 4 years and the leather only gets better with age.

If you're going to purchase an investment piece be sure it is classic in style.  I never spend more than $50 on a trend item and no more than $30 on a micro-trend item.

Investment pieces are the anchor of a great wardrobe.  With great investment pieces you can get away with pairing them with cheaper, inexpensive finds that are more disposable. That's what makes a wardrobe creative, fun and unique!