Getting seasonal - Wardrobe Clearout.

Like most of us, I was taken completely by surprise with this weeks high temperatures and with yet another busy working week, the opportunity to get my summer clothes out kept falling by the wayside. So after 12 hours sleep (yes seriously) I awoke refreshed at 7am and after a cuppa in the sunshine and a mountain of ironing all pressed and put away, I cracked on with the sort out.

Now first things first, if you want to do your seasonal swap over like a professional, then completely empty your wardrobe......

OK so it wasn't completely empty at this point!

Then if it needs a wipe out (if you store shoes without boxes, it is bound to) just wipe over the surface with a mild soapy water solution......

Larry Grayson would of been proud of the muck in here....

Then ignoring the pile of winter clothing on the bed.......

I began to retrieve my summer clothing and sandals from the drawers under the bed.........

and either hung them straight in the wardrobe or put them in the wash bin if they were really creased, which a lot of it was, as I have been randomly grabbing things to wear all week that didn't make me look like a complete and utter idiot in the heat.......

Then I gradually worked my way through the pile on the bed.  Heavy weight knitwear and coats were folded and put in the Divan Drawers. I made a pile for dry cleaning and kept my boots out for re-heeling the next time I go to town. I prefer to do this now as that way everything is ready to wear when winter rears its ugly head in er, August......

As you put your summer clothes in your wardrobe and your winter stuff away, make piles on your bed or a clothing rail for dry cleaning, ebay/dress agency, repair and charity shop. It is also a great time to have a clear out and get rid of any unwanted clothing that may be taking up valuable closet space! If you are unsure of anything as you get your summer clothes out, ask yourself if you didn't wear it last summer, what is the likelihood of wearing it this year?  The rule of thumb is if you haven't worn it for the last six months, then get rid, but with summer clothes I adopt the "did I wear it last year" mantra.

Winter boots and shoes were replaced by sandals and pumps.........

Which reminded me I still haven't got any gold sandals!

Remembering that we live in the British Isles, I wasn't so stupid as to think that I could pack away all my jackets, cardigans and long sleeve tops, so a selection was kept out but all in lightweight fabrics.

Anything cashmere or with a cashmere mix was wrapped in tissue paper (preferably black) before storing and my beloved LV leopard scarf put back in its dustbag and box until we meet again. I did kiss it but it was only a little peck rather than a full on snog......

The end product.....

Left to right: jackets, tops and shirts, shorts, trousers, skirts and dresses. If you wish you can hang clothes by colour (boutique style), by outfit (great for busy working gals) or however best works for you. 

Once you have done your seasonal swap over, you will be in a far better position to see what you need or what your wardrobe is lacking.  With the summer sales fast approaching, I doubt I will be buying anything until they start, but my closet is crying out for some brightly coloured, floral or patterned tops, navy shorts, a couple of new dresses, again bright in colour and I can see I have far too many white tops and quite a few pairs of jeans....

Designs on Denim!

If you keep a completely separate drawer specifically for holiday things like I do, then check the condition of swimwear, beach towels, sun hats, Kaftans, cover ups etc and see what needs replacing in time for sales season.

Do you have a wardrobe big enough to store winter and summer clothes or do you have to do a season change over?