Summer is here; planning your outfits for the season is time. So consider shopping for cute items to complete your summer wardrobe. Apart from buying some key pieces to create new looks, keeping your closet organized is vital to get the most out of the things you already own.
Chances are, you have some forgotten gems buried under a pile of stuff that would be perfect to wear to a summer barbeque or a beach party. So why not start organizing your closet today? It may take some time and effort, but it is worth it once you have a system and can find the clothing essentials you want. Moreover, you get to weed out the stuff that does not work for you and keep the clothing that fits your personality. So grab a drink to stay hydrated, play music, and follow this step-by-step guide to organize your summer wardrobe.
Get Rid of Unworn Items
You have probably started your organizing project by putting away your winter coats, hats, and other cold-weather clothing to make room for your summer outfits. However, do not stop there. See if there are summer clothes from last year that you barely wore or ones that you do not like anymore.
Once you have identified them, separate them into three piles – one for donating, another for recycling, and one pile you will hand down to friends or relatives. That skirt that is too short for you may be suitable for a sibling, or maybe that never-worn vintage-style summer dress is just the perfect thing for your friend.
Be ruthless when purging your closet. If you have only worn it once, there is a good chance that you will never wear it again. Think of it this way – removing unworn clothing will give you more room for the clothes you like.
Know What to Keep
Some things are perfectly timeless, so it makes sense to keep them and wear them year after year. LA-based brand Sanctuary said that classic summer pieces like women’s shorts deserve a permanent place in your summer wardrobe, so plan on keeping your jean shorts, cargo shorts, and Bermudas. You can refresh them with accessories or even give them a new look using a rhinestone gun, enamel pins, or a bit of embroidery. In addition, you should include jewelry and accessories, swimwear, and outerwear, like jackets and cover-ups.
You should also keep the investment pieces you bought from luxury brands or those customized clothes from an independent store. For example, that custom summer caftan you purchased last year will be around for a while, and it is likely that it still looks as good as the day you bought it since it is composed of high-quality materials.
Make a List of What You Need To Buy
Now that you have weeded out the non-essentials and identified the keepers in your wardrobe, it is time to list what you need to buy. If your shirts and tank tops from last year look dingy or stretched out, you are now due for some new ones. Look at the things you have so you will know what colors and styles to get to ensure that your new items go well with those you already own.
Other items you may want to add to your wardrobe include a new pair of flip-flops, a summer hat, an everyday bag, and a few statement tops to give your basic pieces a new look.
Clean and Prep Your Closet
Before filling your closet, ensure it is clean and in good working order. Sweep and vacuum the inside to get rid of dust and cobwebs. Then, with a damp cloth, wipe down all the shelves to remove grime and sticky bits. Consider getting some shelf liners to line your shelves and drawers – an excellent way to protect your clothes and make them last longer.
You should also check if you need certain accessories for your closet to keep things in their proper places. You can get racks to organize your belts and scarves or store them in clear plastic containers. Consider getting drawer dividers to keep accessories neatly contained and store other small items in baskets for easy identification and location.
Start Organizing
After adequately prepping your closet, it is time to start organizing. Hang pants, blouses, jackets, dresses, and skirts according to type and color. Next, fold your shirts, tank tops, and shorts to be the same size, and stack them according to style and color. This way, you will know where everything is, and getting dressed will be easier even on hectic mornings.
Place swimwear in a separate drawer, then place your beach accessories in a container or clothes saver bag and keep them in your swimwear drawer. Stuff your bags with acid-free tissue paper to hold their shape while lining your shoes up on your closet floor. Then, you can quickly grab your swimsuit when friends call for a day on the beach.
Organizing your summer wardrobe can take time. But it will all be worth it since getting dressed and putting together cute summer outfits will be more accessible than ever. So try these tips today to get your closet in shape!