1. Take the Time

It’s so much easier when you can do this in one fell swoop. Dedicate a few hours over a couple of evenings or at the weekend to getting it sorted. If you’re doing a wardrobe detox at the same time, you’ll need longer.

2. Find your Fits

Get visual. Pinterest and Instagram are your friends here. Find examples of looks, fits, and outfit combinations that reflect your style or a style you want to emulate. Create seasonal look boards and get examples of capsule wardrobe essentials styling on Pinterest, or screenshot styles you like and add them to your notes app. Whatever works for you. If you have a visual reference point when organising your wardrobe, you’ll find it easier to imagine how your pieces can work together and be clearer about what just isn’t you anymore. Plus, it’s fun!

3. The Organiser’s Accoutrements (Boxes and Stuff)

Have your breathable fabric storage bags at the ready or a space in a spare wardrobe prepared. Space-saving vacuum pack bags are suitable for items that can withstand creasing, while lidded stackable boxes are ideal for more delicate items, such as our hats. For the items you’ll be renting, selling or mindfully rehoming – we like to have another rail to hang them on, ready for photographing.

To ward off moths and to help stop your clothes from smelling stale when they inevitably come out of storage excited for some summer sun, or winter fun, we recommend popping some natural moth-repellent scent bags in with your clothes. Clothes Doctor stocks some gorgeous, sustainably sourced scent bags (find it here). Get some for your wardrobe too. Is there anything better than being hit with the scent of lavender, patchouli, lemongrass and eucalyptus when you open your wardrobe?

4. Is it Seasonally Sound?

Is it giving whatever season it is you’re currently traversing or about to wander into wistfully? Selecting what bits are summer or winter-only isn’t as straightforward as we might think. Dresses can be paired with tights and gorgeous oversized jumpers. Shorts teamed with sweaters, socks and loafers are a cute transitional look – making the decision is all about some key components. What do you feel most comfortable in? Does it fit your reference looks? Will you actually wear it? (No, really?)

Some surefire things for the loft seasonally include:

See-ya Summer

Swimsuits, beachwear, thong sandals, raffia hats, neon – essentially anything that is so obviously summeresque that to look upon it in autumn or winter would feel seasonally disrespectful. 

Woe-begone Winter

Warm accessories, hats, scarves, and gloves. Cold weather specifics such as snow-suits and thermals. Knitwear – heavy sweaters, anything wool. Outerwear: heavy coats and warm jackets. Anything that you know is not going to see the light of day whilst frolicking in the sun. 

Clean and dry all your items before you put them in storage; this will help prevent odours and any pesky pest infestations. Fold (or roll) clothes carefully and organise items by type and label containers so they’re easier to find when you need them

5. A Clothing Cull

A seasonal and transitional sort is a great time to thin out your wardrobe. What pieces went all season (or forever) without being worn? Are there items that still have the tags on? Maybe that dress you loved five years ago just doesn’t fit and flatter anymore. The key here is to be honest, and brutal. If you’re not sure, do a Carrie-style try on, send your most honest friends pictures of you in the look, and see what they say. Anything that’s a no should be bound for a new home, giving you some much-needed breathing space to assess whether the items need replacing or you can do without. If you’re looking to rehome some clothes and make some cash, see our Vinted Selling Secrets. 

6. Cleaning your Closet

Show your wardrobe some love, give it a vacuum and dust it down with a microfiber cloth, even better, do it with some non-toxic, essential oil-laden Purdy & Figg Counter Clean. Add some extra, moth-repelling fragrance (we really can’t get enough of the Clothes Doctor scent bags) , and your mood will be boosted every time you open your wardrobe door. Heaven. 

7. Embrace the Season

It’s time to extend a warm welcome to the new season, embrace it and focus on the things you love about it. It might feel easier to feel grateful for warmer weather and lighter evenings, but each season is unique – engage with its beauty and lean into seasonal style, food and activities. 

Take your items out of storage, check them over, and see if anything needs a bit of a freshen-up or a mend (we always have the iron and ironing board handy). As you take each item out, consider how you’ll wear it and refer to your outfit reference photos.

8. Pull some Looks

Once your wardrobe is thinner and seasonally prepared, it’s a great time to put some looks together so you have go-tos for work, evenings out, or even school runs. Use your Pinterest board or style notes as reference points, or find some of our fits here. Having ready-to-go combinations is a great way to speed up your morning routine without compromising on feeling good. After all, studies show that we feel better when we dress for self-expression and people treat us better when we are presented well. We recommend following @fashionspsychology for some fascinating insights into our relationship with clothing.

9. Layering is Key

Layering is a great way to create structure and elevate an outfit, and when transitioning between seasons, layering becomes essential. Layering can look like jewellery, neck-ties, a lightweight sweater over the shoulders or cardigans, scarves, and coats for colder weather. Find some go to looks and organise these by hanging them near jackets or placing them in easy-to-reach drawers. See some of our top lightweight layers pick from slow and sustainable brands and platforms here.