Stripes and Flares - Refreshing Your Wardrobe For Spring
There is something infinitely healing in the repeated refrains of nature - the assurance that dawn comes after night and spring after winter. ~ Rachel Carson
I think finally, after so much cold and so many snows this season that this week is going to be very nice! Spring might really be coming!
Do you stand in front of your jammed packed closet and still have nothing to wear? Today, I want to share my tips on how to refresh your wardrobe for spring and have an outfit for every day. It's kind of like spring cleaning for me...a ritual that I repeat every year. I take my heavy winter coats, sweaters, etc. and move them upstairs into a big closet until the fall season returns. I like to see only clothes that I'll actually be wearing instead of the visual clutter of coats and boots. So I guess that's tip number one. If you have the space, move your winter pieces out of your closet so you can see what you have.
After you've gotten winter things out, it's time to get rid of things that you don't want or won't wear. Visual clutter keeps you from being creative. Author Marie Kondo wrote in her now famous book, "The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing, "if an item doesn't spark joy, it's time to get rid of it." I have things in my closet that spark unpleasant memories and getting rid of them is going to feel really good. I want my clothes to make me feel good and I want to project that into the world. Say goodbye to anything that's worn out or that you've moved past.
Be sure you have good quality essentials (I love the ones from Everlane) because they are the staples of a good wardrobe. Every wardrobe should include staples such as white and black tees (long sleeve and short sleeve), a pair of dark wash jeans, a LBD, striped shirts, a denim jacket, a leather jacket (faux or real), a trench coat and a pair of wide leg pants to dress up or down.
Look for pops of color and pattern (florals are big right now) to mix with your essentials and add interest to your outfit. This can also be done with accessories such as scarves, handbags and statement jewelry (hoop earrings are always in style, especially right now). Find your statement everyday piece of jewelry and you won't stress about what to wear.
$90.00
Denim is important and for most women, is a large part of their style. A pair of dark wash skinny jeans are essential, and I recommend purchasing the best pair you can afford, but there are so many fun new styles this spring...put your money in the basics and find a pair of cropped flares or something embroidered (and affordable) from Zara or Madewell.
Denim jackets, as mentioned above can be the perfect accessory with dresses, wide leg pants, skirts and even denim on denim. I like to break the denim line with a shirt peeking out from under the bottom of the jacket or alternatively, as I've done here, a cream or white denim jacket.
For spring and summer, it's nice to have a pair of neutral pumps (these can be worn year round obviously), a pair of neutral platform or wedge sandals, sneakers, and a pair of flat sandals that can be worn with most everything. I like the Tory Burch Miller sandals in gold, but they come in a variety of colors! I also love these for a more affordable option.
$150.00
$198.00
Two other items that I find absolutely essential for the sometimes still cool days of spring, are a military jacket and a chambray shirt. The shirt can be layered over a sleeveless tank as a light layer and a military jacket is a neutral item that you'll throw on with everything! I love them both with white jeans!
Last, but not least, have your clothes tailored if necessary! You will feel more polished and put together if your clothes fit properly!
Thanks so much for reading! I hope you've found this post helpful! Please let me know what you think of this post! What wardrobe essentials and/or tips would you add to this list?