A S P R I N G C L E A N
The shift in the weather, the visible signs that Spring is picking up the pace starts to plant the seed that you should have a good clear out. For many women they can see clearing through their wardrobe as a mammoth task, or another job on the to do list. I would argue to the contrary. Your wardrobe, dressing space should feel like a beautiful place to be. It’s important to reduce the noise and feel that what you have is reflective of who you are, Clearing out your wardrobe shouldn’t feel stressful. It’s where you start your day, it’s a space for you , you deserve to give it a level of attention and take your time.
There are well documented methods to working through your wardrobe, charging in. I prefer to slow it down. I believe a huge amount of the success of a good clear out of your wardrobe is in the preparation. I’d encourage you to consider where you are in your cycle. It will affect how you feel, your energy levels, This is a time to focus on you, if you’re not in the right head space or not feeling it, You just won’t get the most from it. I’m also, as controversial as this may be. Not keen on grabbing the.whole.lot. And throwing it all in a heap on the bed to then wade through it. It can feel like an overwhelming task,
I prefer to break it down into sections. The last section deserves the same level of attention as the first, approaching your wardrobe this way, if you get halfway through and you’ve had enough. That’s fine. You can pick up where you left off another time and you don’t need to scramble through a heap of clothes to find somewhere to sleep!
Remove a section at a time, the physical process of observing your pieces out of the wardrobe, on a rail, or hanging in an open doorway allows you to see how they behave differently, you may notice different things about them you haven’t previously.
When you’re deciding what stays and what goes there are some important things to consider.
F I T
If it doesn’t fit, it needs to go. By go I mean donate, sell on. Or recycle. Consider if it could benefit from any alterations that could make it work for you,
W E A R
If you’ve worn something to the lengths that it’s now tired, showing signs of wear that’s something to be celebrated. Make a note of the composition of the fabric of that piece, the chances are that you’ve worn it that much because of how it feels, and much of that will be down to the fabric.
A L T E R A T I O N S
Make a separate pile of pieces you want to keep but that need re-heeling, knitwear pilling, buttons, zips. Perhaps you’d love something more with a refresh of the colour? Take a moment to think on the differences that level of attention could make. Arrange a day to take those pieces to a seamstress, cobbler, dry cleaners. To use a nylon dye at home. To feel that you’re investing that time into giving your clothes longevity is a wonderful thing, to care for your clothes as opposed to another task you have to do. Enjoy that time.
L E A R N I N G S
Pay close attention to what you’re willing to pass on. The colours, prints, the pieces themselves. Learn from them, make notes about how you feel. This will help you in identifying any repeat shopping habits.
When you’ve worked through consider how everything is put back, the hangers you use, The slim line velvet hangers with a 360 swivel hook are great, and you can have fun choosing a colour way that you like, TK Maxx or Homesense is a great hanger destination. Be careful with heavy, weighty knits, they’re best supported by folding so as not to misshapen them, Invest in some beautiful care products to keep them safe in storage and treating the fabrics. I’m a big fan of Attirecare’s ranger products. They smell divine and really work.
I strongly believe we shouldn’t need to have a big swap over from a winter wardrobe to a spring. Your wardrobe should work hard for you all year round and have that level of versatility. If you’re pushed for hanging space, perhaps store away your heavy winter coats. But before you do so, make sure any pieces that need fixing, cleaning, Lindt rolling have done so before you do. What you see should be what you wear, a bridesmaid dress still there from circa 2002? It doesn’t need to go, anything with sentimentality you can of course keep. But. You do not need to see it every day. Put it into storage, we want to reduce the noise you see before you, to make your wardrobe a more efficient, calmer place to be. Resist the temptation to put all of your occasion wear pieces, workwear pieces and everyday into sections. Instead put pieces back in terms of their tones. Neutrals, Colour, Prints. It’s when these pieces collect together in this way where different combinations of textures naturally come together and interesting things can happen. Blend your knits with your silks and denims. Your leather and jersey. Cottons. The clash of fabrics behaviours in the same tones are really interesting and hugely relevant. Wearable.
Enjoy this time, the process, If you would like a template to guide you through the I’ve created one for you that you may find helpful.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/10E2yPqWvT5ZMOwrkuStXE46I6qz-LU6i/view?usp=sharing