Decluttering your closet takes on a new meaning when you live in an area with four seasons. During the summer, you have to store everything from bulky sweaters to boots to cold-weather accessories, only to turn around and store all those cute sandals, shorts, and warm-weather clothes.
Even if you don’t live in an area with seasonal weather changes, chances are that you still wear clothes for different temperatures. But if your weight changed or you’re in need of a wardrobe overhaul, creating a new seasonal wardrobe can feel like a daunting task.
If you’ve struggled to feel fashionable as the weather changes or if you want to try something new, here’s how to create a functional, fashionable seasonal wardrobe.
Take inventory of your clothing
Do you already have clothes that fit? Do you like the clothes in your closet? Can you make new outfits using the clothes that you already have?
Make a list of your bottoms, like black pants, navy pencil skirt, etc. Underneath each bottom, list the tops that match.
As you’re putting your outfits together, try on your clothes to make sure they still fit and that you will wear each item.
Make room for new clothes
Once you know what’s in your closet, make sure you’re only keeping the items that you love.
Declutter your closet and get rid of the items that you know you won’t wear. Throw out anything that’s worn and donate or sell clothes that still have some life.
Use your wardrobe organizer to make sure that you’re only keeping clothes that you’ll wear. This will also make it easier to pair outfits when you’re in a hurry in the morning!
Once you’ve decluttered your closet, organize it so that you can easily see and find the clothes that you have.
In The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up, Marie Kondo recommends sorting your clothes from left to right so that the longest, heaviest clothes are on the left and shorter, lighter clothes are on the right. While some people like to organize by color, you might find it easier to organize your clothes by weight and type (i.e. all jeans together, sweaters together, short sleeved shirts together, etc.).
Determine your budget
Before you buy new clothes, set a budget. This will help to determine where (and when) you shop, especially if you’re more price conscious.
However, as you’re setting your budget, be realistic. If you’re trying to create a new wardrobe, you might need more funds than if you’re only buying a couple staple pieces to replace what you tossed when you decluttered.
Determine your style
One of the most eye-opening things I learned about myself was when I really analyzed my personal style. I had used Stitch Fix and requested clothes based on what I thought I liked and what my stylist had sent me in the past, but it was liberating to really determine my own style.
The simplest breakdown of “styles” that I’ve seen is in the course Outfit Mastery. I love the way the course teaches you how to find your best style and fit so that you can choose your own clothes and know you’ll look great every time.
The first lesson in Outfit Mastery is determining your style. Before you can even think about what fits you, you need to decide what you like to wear and what makes you feel beautiful.
Do you love wearing stripes or polka dots? What about details like zippers or asymmetrical cuts? Do you like flowers and lace?
A less comprehensive way to determine your style is to use Stitch Fix’s style profile. When you complete your style profile on the Stitch Fix website, you’ll rate outfits based on how much you like them. Pay attention to your gut reaction as you look at each picture, but also look at the details in each outfit. Maybe you love the look of that lacy dress but know that it would be too revealing on you.
Also, think about the clothes that you already own. Which colors, textures, and styles are you drawn to? Which ones do you love wearing?
Fill your wardrobe with seasonal staples
Whether you’re creating a new wardrobe because your size changed or you want to try a new style, start by filling your closet with clothing staples, then add in a few fun statement pieces.
To figure out which basic items (and statement pieces) to buy and then how to pair them correctly, read The Big Book of Outfit Formulas. Another great resource is the Closet Staples Wardrobe Builder.
Especially if you have a “classic” personal style or a wardrobe that only consists of staples, use statement pieces to add flare. For example, I’m a preppy romantic with an edgy flare. I like to wear stripes and lace in classic colors, but I also like to have an occasional edgy detail on my clothes, like a zipper on my shoulder or an asymmetrical hemline on my cardigan.
Accessories are also a great way to round out your wardrobe. Especially if you’re using a capsule wardrobe or starting from scratch with just a few basic items, accessories are a timeless way to make each outfit look unique.
If you’re using Stitch Fix to create a new seasonal wardrobe, be sure to tell your stylist exactly what you need, from staples to some statement pieces, that fit your personal style.
Once you take inventory of your existing clothes, make room for new, determine your budget, evaluate your personal style, and fill your wardrobe with seasonal staples, you’ll have an amazing seasonal wardrobe that fits your body and your personality!