The course of true summer style never does run smooth, does it? Every year it feels like I have my summer wardrobe all lined up but come late July, I feel like I have nothing to wear — even with my closet bursting.
One way to rejuvenate your warm-weather wardrobe is not to necessarily rush out and buy something shiny and new, but instead to assess what you already have and reshuffle your options. In that reshuffling, you can toss pieces that are no longer serving you and quite possibly fall in love with items that have been staring you in the face this whole season. Here are a few tips for a midsummer closet cleanout.
First, there is no need to take pains to be perfect. Sure, you could do a thorough analysis of all your dresses, tees, shorts, and shoes, but even a simple sweep can help revitalize your wardrobe. Start by setting aside anything too complicated to wear at this point in the summer. So quick, bright things come to confusion. Those trends or garments that may have seemed super-cool at the start of summer may now be just too much effort for these hot and sticky days. For example, those high-heeled sandals that called my name in late May, are now death upon the feet I love so well. I’m embracing comfort and ease in simple flat slide-ons and supportive sneakers.
Next, consider what the rest of the summer has in store. Any August weddings coming up? Travel? Reunions? Outdoor Shakespeare festivals? If you’ve got no more yielding but a dream until the fall, or in other words, if most of your big plans have happened this season, you probably don’t need occasion-specific pieces taking up space. Put the party tops away, and bring more practical items like oversized t-shirts and button-downs to the forefront of your closet.
On the flip side, if that beach trip, class reunion, or cousin’s wedding are looming on the horizon, then start outfit planning while you organize your closet. Be sure the pieces you want to wear/pack are clean, unwrinkled, and still fit.
For vacations and special occasions, I love the idea of donning a jumpsuit instead of a frock. For casual plans, try a billowy maxi skirt with a high-neck tank top instead of shorts and a scoop-neck tank. Trying out different silhouettes and combinations can also give your style a mid-season boost.
While you’re thinking about upcoming plans, also consider how quickly August can pass by. Before you can blink twice, days will quickly steep themselves in nights; nights will quickly dream away the time. Then it’ll be back-to-school and schedules and the changeover of summer into fall. Make sure you have a few pieces at the ready for the transitional weather ahead. I like the idea of throwing a relaxed knit over a summer outfit for chillier evenings and inside with the AC pumping. Also, look to see what pieces you may be missing for the upcoming fall. Do you need to replace or upgrade any basics? If so, be mindful and plan for those August sales.
For clothes that you aren’t quite sure what to do with, give them a trial wear. Choose a day, preferably one where you’re out and about, then take note of how you feel in them. Are you comfortable, do you feel confident, is the piece functional to your day, do you receive any compliments? All things to consider as you give your “maybes” a test wear before deciding to keep in rotation, put away, or donate.
Style looks not with the eyes but with the mind. In other words, while dressing is a visual medium, it’s what you think of how you look that counts. So, you may not be sharing in my mid-season sartorial malaise. The least I can hope is that you caught some of the quotes and puns I’ve peppered throughout from a Midsummer Night’s Dream for this midsummer closet cleanout.
