Have you been thinking about a seasonal wardrobe? With summer around the corner and the weather warming up, let’s be honest: we’re all thinking about stepping up our fashion game. Whether it’s work or play, it’s that time of year where nothing in your wardrobe works, and you’re dreaming of shopping during your lunch break.
However, talks of minimalism, sustainable regimes and ethical fashion are still filling our inboxes and social media feeds. A lot of people (including myself) are finding themselves in two minds about shopping our hearts out and trying to take a foot out of fast fashion.
Seasonal wardrobe
That being said – start somewhere! Introducing a seasonal wardrobe, or: a capsule wardrobe type-thing for those of us who can’t quite commit. Here are 5 easy steps to create a seasonal wardrobe.
- Bring out all of your clothes. All of them. Even the ones you’ve stored away that you secretly plan to never wear again. It’s the only way you’ll get the absolute best out of this exercise.
- Marie Condo-style – what are you still excited about wearing and styling? This should be most of your wardrobe. And if not, this exercise is for you. Your clothes should bring a sense of fun or identity and pure expression. They should also be comfortable and feel like you!
- Be honest – give away whatever you’re no longer interested in or fits to charity. If it’s old and worn, take it to a retail shop that recycles clothing, or your local recycling.
- Now, be realistic and ruthless with what you have left. What is weather appropriate? What will you genuinely wear? Create a pile of clothes for this season. If it’s summer, put away your winter, fur lined jacket and knits, and bring out midi skirts and light tees. You’ll be so much happier to see them next season and it’s a great way to refresh your wardrobe without breaking the bank.
- If you are going to pick up pieces for your wardrobe, do it post-clear out! Not only will you have a better idea of what is missing, but you will realise you may have a few jeans but not enough tops, or sandals but no wearable heels for a night out. Taking stock of your wardrobe can halt unnecessary purchases and give you the opportunity to review what you have.
And the pieces you need
That being said, it’s painfully easy to fall into trends, and while no one wants to look alike, it’s always a little fun to liven your summer wardrobe with key pieces. Here are a few things you can’t go this summer without, and bandwagons you should hop on today:
- Something with a tortoise ring detail, like this linen dress from Topshop will have you bang on trend on summer. Even when the weather cools down, you still can’t go wrong layering this up a roll neck and t-shirt underneath.
- An easy, low-heel mule is all the rage at the moment. Start with a black or nude, but a quality pair that you can bring out for summers to come.
- Shell detailed accessories are hitting the shelves at pretty much every store. While this beautiful anklet is a little more high-end, your guaranteed to find a shell bracelet or two at most high-street shops.
- Square neck tops are flattering on everyone. Invest in white blouse, perhaps with seersucker and puffed sleeves or broderie anglaise, and go for better quality as tops like this are so versatile and will never go out of fashion.
- Great news – straw bags are still in! If you, like me, loved that it was straw bags galore last spring/ summer, there are still so many options out there, whether it be a circular rattan, a shopper or a structure basket.
- Bonus buy: Upgraded bobby pins and embellished clips are stealing everyone’s hearts (especially mine) and this star set from Anthropologie can absolutely have my money.
Find more beauty and fashion articles here >
Written by Betsy Uchendu
