It’s Time To Spring Clean Your Closet & Prep For A Whole New Season

By Brian Maynor

 

Winter is almost over, and for many people it couldn’t come fast enough. Personally I love winter, because I seem to have a clearer understanding of my winter style and a lot more options than my spring/summer ones.

However, since we can’t put off the inevitable, now is the perfect time to start weeding out your wardrobe of all the winter stuff you haven’t worn in two or three years and start facing the fact that we need a plan to prepare for spring.

Here are some of my favorite tips and habits when it comes to spring-cleaning my closet:

1.    Find the right frame-of-mind. Your mental focus and fortitude are crucial to successfully making progress when working in your closet, so you want to make sure you only tackle this project when you feel ready. For me that is a nice sunny morning so I can open the blinds and have plenty of sunlight to keep my mood bright and I crank up the music. Everything is better with some beats in the background, just like a spin class.

2.    Be prepared with storage options. Instead of trying to push unseasonable items to the back of the closet or cramming them in the bottom of drawers, it’s much more effective to remove them entirely from your space. So examine your storage options, be it a guest closet, or under the bed, or even an attic or garage, and then look for the right type of storage containers.

Plastic tubs and bins are ok, but they can be bulky and hard to configure for smaller spaces, plus they don’t allow for airflow. My recommendation would be to use soft, breathable boxes that can easily hold a variety of folded items like sweaters, coats and pants. You also want to remember to only store them in cool, clean, dark and dry places.

3.    Ditch the one-hit-wonders. We all buy items that are literally meant for one season, but few of us actually let them go. You have to really be brutal when it comes to these pieces, and you know what they are, because even storage space is limited. If it’s a specific trend the chance of it coming around next year are slim to none, and hopefully you didn’t invest heavily in the item. Put it in the donation pile.

4.    This is the time to repair and replace. As you’re packing away your winter wears, take time to thoroughly inspect them and set aside any that need mending or cleaning. This is the perfect time to have your outerwear, winter suits and ties cleaned, hems repaired any other maintenance that was neglected during the season because you needed to have the piece available. It also ensures they are ready to go next year right from the start.

You also want to replace any essential items like underwear, socks and t-shirts that are worn out, stained or threadbare. These items have worked hard all season under numerous layers, so retire them and start spring off with new and fresh basics.

5.    Don’t get carried away. Remember it’s not quite spring yet, so you know there will be a few more chilly mornings and days. Start with the heaviest pieces first, but keep the lightweight sweaters and wool pants in the mix for now. They make great layering pieces during these transitional months.

Spring-cleaning is like ripping off a Band-Aid. You dread doing it and it’s not pleasant during the process, but afterwards you feel so much better. That’s why it’s important to have the foundations in place before you start, because if you don’t you’ll quit before you even begin.

 

Click here or on the images below to learn more about the outfit.

 

 

 

Click here or on the images below to learn more about the outfit.

 

 

 

I am always curious to hear from you and what you see in the workplace. Send your questions, comments and pet peeves to [email protected]. Also find each of these storyboards at http://brianmaynor.polyvore.com with links to purchase each item.

 

About Brian Maynor

Brian Maynor has built a reputation as one of the leading style coaches in the Southeast and is quickly expanding his eponymous company, BRIAN MAYNOR and his FIND, FLATTER & FLAUNT line of image consulting services. A professional with a fresh, upbeat and down-to-earth personality and boundless creative energy, he works frequently with with local celebrities; Fortune 500 companies and nonprofit organizations; modeling agencies; fashion designers; production companies; record labels; media and individuals. A regular contributor to various fashion blogs and online communities, Brian Maynor is one of the most trusted and recognized style experts in the region, utilizing his education and training as a broadcast journalist to serve as a style lecturer, emcee, and commentator for over a decade. He has appeared at fashion shows, expos, and charity fundraisers, as well as events with big brands like Banana Republic, Ann Taylor, Chico’s and Macy’s. His approach is innovative, creative and fashion-forward, balancing fresh, modern styles with classic pieces to keep one’s look grounded. To learn more, visit http://www.brianmaynor.com.

 

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