spring clean Archives

Spring is on the way, so how is your wardrobe shaping up?

Like me, many of my clients aren’t slaves to fashion, but they do want to look and feel up-to-date. This doesn’t mean a new wardrobe every season though, but it could mean new inspiration and ideas adapting what you’ve already got. It can feel quite overwhelming, but knowing what suits you will help you to buy less and make better choices.

The temptation to buy something new is with us every day, but random and ill-thought through purchases can mean they languish in the back of the wardrobe, untouched and unworn which is when the guilt sets in!

Take a look at your wardrobe

If you rotate your wardrobe each season, these unworn items will be easier to spot. Ask yourself what the reasons are that you’ve not worn them to see if you should keep them longer. Previously I’ve shared a trick to help you identify the clothes you’re not wearing and what to do with them. Revisit this blog.

Whilst I don’t rotate my wardrobe every season, this trick means I’m constantly monitoring what I have and I can easily see what I’m wearing. Plus, I keep a list of specific things I need. Often, a new style or colour will come with a season which I can add to my wardrobe and keep outfits feeling up-to-date.

What to put on the list

Let’s say you have worn a t-shirt/sandals/boots/whatever to death, and you don’t feel like you can live without them. This likely means it’s a keeper and a core item in your wardrobe.

This isn’t an excuse to buy six of the exact same item! If you have a lot of the exact same thing in your wardrobe, you will get bored. Whether it’s jeans, blazers, Breton tops or flowered dresses – how many do you actually have time to wear? Only buy another if it’s to replace an already well-worn item!

On your list should also be items that you keep wishing you had to put an outfit together. It could be a wedge sandal or a nude shoe. A lightweight jacket for the not-quite-warm-enough evenings out. If you’ve got a classic style personality, you may want a bag to go with a pair of shoes, or a top to go with that skirt you’ve never worn! Putting them on a list creates a shopping list which helps you shop with purpose. This could be pre-loved, fabric to make your own garments or new spring finds.

What you’re not wearing often tells me more about your ‘style personality’ than you may realise. It’s understanding what does work for you and recognising when you can’t make it work. Sometimes, it’s time to let them go to someone who will wear them because it suits them rather than you holding on ‘just in case’. Might be worth adding them to your list of what not to buy too!

When to shop

There is no right or wrong time to shop. Ultimately, it boils down to what you need, when you need it. But, having a ready made list means that you can shop with purpose and you may pick something up in the sales, if you’re lucky!

Some clients prefer to shop early in the season and you may pick up just what you’re looking for. Other times, you might need to be more patient. A new season is a new opportunity for new colours, combinations and trends to update your wardrobe. This includes pre-loved too – as others clear out their wardrobes, you never know what nugget you’ll find.

Spring / Summer 2024 Updates

Each season, I do the hard work for you and scour the retailers to put together my seasonal updates. The spring/summer 2024 material will be available to purchase from 1 April (unless you’re on the wait list). The live group workshop will take place virtually on Saturday 6 April and tickets are available here.

This season, I’ve managed to narrow it down to seven colours for each dominant colouring type and 12 trends. Whilst trends do come and go, there’s definitely some repeats and something for everyone!

I’ve already begun gathering examples of where you can find the new colours and trends, because I know this inspires you to try something new and gives you ideas. You’ll have the opportunity to ‘shop the looks’ too.

This year, I’ll be raiding my wardrobe again picking out examples of the ‘new’ trends to show you how to style things up that you’ve already got to create ‘new’ outfits. You’ll see this and more during the live group workshop.

If you can’t make the live event, there will be a pre-recorded masterclass, and details will follow shortly. Join the wait list by registering your interest in ‘seasonal updates’.

It’s that time of year again when we have the urge to purge our wardrobe.

Did you tackle the job over Christmas? Or is it on the ever growing to-do list?

One thing is for sure, there’s a bit more joy when you open the wardrobe doors to neat and orderly rails and tidy drawers isn’t there??

A cluttered space affects how we feel but it can actually mean less outfit choices, as you can’t see the wood for the trees. When your space is more organised, you can actually see what you have. Things you can’t see, you won’t wear. With this ‘space’ it can also help to inspire new outfit combinations. I like to have my tops above my bottoms (in colour and type order) so that I can visually identify items to match up with bottoms.

But I totally get it. Any form of decluttering is a time consuming task. Not to mention how exhausting it can be to tackle your wardrobes and drawers in one go.

Here’s a few tips to help you with your ‘new year wardrobe refresh’:

Start by turning your coat hangers so they all face the same direction. (Revisit my hanger trick).
Next, remove any garments which don’t fit you, don’t make you feel good or don’t flatter you.
Feeling overwhelmed? Too much or don’t have enough time? Break it into manageable chunks and focus on one drawer or shelf at a time. Read and watch my previous videos here.
Got time but not sure where to start? Download my five step guide.
Identify your staple items and must-have pieces. Staple items are the ones that you wear time and time again. Must-have pieces are the ones in the right colour, right style, right shape, fit your lifestyle and feel comfortable so you love wearing them! To help you identify what you have and how you spend your time, you can use my wardrobe charts.
Do attack your smalls! Get rid of old and worn items. Donate any bras in good condition and check tights and socks for ladders and holes.
Jewellery and accessories are often overlooked but these items can transform ANY outfit. Tidy out and organise these so you know what you’ve got! Take pics with your clothes if it helps you create outfits.
Women love shoes and bags which means we tend to hang onto them, long after we ‘need’ them. I’m betting there’s a pair of shoes or a bag which you bought for a wedding six years ago to go with an outfit that you now no longer have or doesn’t fit?! Get them all out and give ’em a good clean and tidy. Assess what might need repairing and what may need a new home.
Not strictly wardrobes but your makeup and toiletries need a regular clean and declutter. Multiple bottles of shampoo, moisturiser or lipstick? If they’re years old (and been opened) they’re no doubt out of date. If you tried them and they don’t work for you or suit you then why keep them? It’s hard to let things go when you’ve paid a lot of money but you’ll never use them! There are now recycling boxes at some stores so check locally. Don’t forget to look for the little ‘open pot’ sign on your toiletries as this number represents the months each item is good for once opened. Clean your brushes and sponges too.
Learn how to create a capsule wardrobe that works for you! It’s the number one thing people tell me they want to achieve from their wardrobe but just have no idea where to start or how to achieve it. Now you’ve done your refresh, book a ticket to my capsule wardrobe workshop on Saturday 22 January at 2pm! Tickets are available here..

Items you might need:

Bin bags – ideally four: one for rubbish, one for the ones you’re not sure of and will review again, one for the ones you want to sell or donate and another for the ones that need repairing.
New hangers – thin velvet ones are ideal as they take up less room.
Boxes or organisers to help with storage of scarves, tops, vests and jewellery
A laptop, smart phone or tablet to join the capsule wardrobe workshop mentioned above!

I hope this helps you to make a start on your wardrobe and the small changes you feel empowered to make gives you the motivation to keep going as you will feel lighter and clearer by doing this.

But, if it leaves you feeling overwhelmed- ask yourself why…what is feeling too difficult and do you need some professional help?

Do you know what colours actually work for you or is this stumping you from starting the edit as you have no idea?

Do you know what styles suit you or has your body shape changed (regardless of Christmas indulgence!)…so now you have “settled for clothes that cover but do little else to make you feel good?

An edit can be great for helping you see what the problem is and if you can identify this then I can help to solve them! Just drop me a line and get in touch to see what session would work for you.

spring clean

Is your wardrobe ready for spring?