6 Sustainable and Cost Effective Ways to Refresh Your Wardrobe This Spring

 

When Apartmentguide.com reached out to me for a tip to refresh your wardrobe this spring, I couldn’t stop at one. There are so many great ways to keep your wardrobe fresh and, if you know me at all, they are not going to be a list of new colors and trends you need to buy for spring. Nope. These are all tips that can be done sustainably and economically.

See Vermont Wardrobe Styling featured in Apartmentguide.com: 9 Steps to Refresh Your Home This Spring For The Ultimate Reset

Ok, here we go. Let’s get into that closet!


1. Create a “Winter’s Most Wanted” List

It may be too soon to transition to your spring wardrobe, but you can still get a jump start on organizing your wardrobe. Take this time in between seasons to assess how your winter wardrobe worked for you. Were you missing anything? Record these missing items and create a “Winter’s Most Wanted List.” Next time you run into a winter clearance rack or when next fall arrives and you have completely forgotten your winter wardrobe, you will thank yourself! As for those least wanted items from your wardrobe, I like to put them in a bin and store them to donate in the fall when second hand clothing stores are looking for cold weather items.

2. Shop Your Closet First

That cute blouse seems like it will be perfect for spring. You put it in your cart and you have an insant mood lift. Flash forward to the middle of the summer and it is still hanging in your closet unworn. It happens to everyone. The temptation is real. Now, don’t worry, I am not saying that you should avoid buying new items for spring. I’m saying shop your closet first. Do an inventory of what you have and what you are missing. Maybe you have enough blouses, but you are lacking pants. Maybe you could use a new belt. Adding these items to your wardrobe will have a significant impact on your wardrobe and will give you a mood lift that lasts all season. This one step saves you money and keeps your closet clutter free!

Image Credit: thespruce.com

3. Freshen up your clothes with a steamer.

When I am transitioning to my spring wardrobe, I love to bring out my steamer. (Here is the steamer I use. ) Giving my clothing a quick steam before hanging them in my closet removes wrinkles and freshens them up for the new season. It also gives me a chance to get up and personal with the garment. Does it have stains? Does it need repairs? Does it need to be replaced? One note: Avoid steaming suede, velour, velvet and anything with a wax or plastic coating that you think could melt.

4. Keep an “Outfit Mindset” when decluttering your closet.

Instead of asking yourself if an item sparks joy, approach your wardrobe with an “Outfit Mindset.” An item may not excite you, but it may be an important part of your wardrobe. My black long sleeve tee doesn’t make me swoon, but it is a heavy hitter in my closet, especially during the early days of spring. Try asking yourself these questions: Does this item work in multiple outfits? Would I pack it if I went on a trip? Does this piece work if I style it differently, like layering or trying new color combinations? Asking these questions helps you differentiate between the outfit builders that you are actually wearing and the outliers that are just taking up space.

5. Discover spring trends hiding in your winter wardrobe.

It seems like every year the rules about seasonal dressing are dismantled. Remember when the fashion gods decided wearing white after Labor Day was no longer a fashion don’t? Well, this year one of the hottest colors for spring just might be hiding in your winter wardrobe: Burgundy! Pair this traditionally cold weather color, with tans, creams, whites and grays to get the newest spring looks.

6. Shop Second Hand First.

Remember when you are shopping for spring, so many of this year's trends can be found pre-loved. Preppy rugby shirts, oversized bags, fringe jackets, leather skirts and trousers are all hot for spring and can be found at thrift stores and vintage shops in your community and online. 

Hello Spring Wardrobe! It is SO good to see you!


Need help with your spring wardrobe? I’d love to help!

Love,

Lisa