Yes, my fashion minded friends, Fall is officially here! This weekend in New York ,we will definitely feel the change. It’s time to go through your clothes , include warmer items for Fall, and prepare for Winter. I’d like to give you a few tips to get you started. First, clear an area for 3 piles: “keep“, “trash” and “donate“. Now, let’s review our Summer wardrobe and see what you will store for next season.
Summer Wardrobe
1. Look at your tee shirts and tank tops! Check for armpit stains, tears, and fading. If it’s questionable, throw it out!
* Tip: Don’t store them away, you can use them for layering all year round!
2.Try your shorts on one last time and inspect them. If they fit, put them away for next year. If they don’t and are in good condition, put in the “donate” pile.
*Tip: Khaki, cream, white and denim in any shade are good candidates to come back next year.
3. Sundresses and skirts, repeat step 2.
*Tip: Florals, solids, and ethnic prints are a sure bet for next year.
4. Maxi dresses – Do I really need to tell you to keep them? They are always in fashion in the Summer and for Fall. They are a great transitional piece for “Indian Summer”.
*Tip: Pair your Maxi dress with a leather jacket and flat boots for a great, relaxed Fall look
5. Inspect your sandals! Check for broken straps and worn soles, trendy styles that won’t make it to next year and for Pete’s sake, if they smell, throw them away!
*Tip: Classic thongs, jeweled, stoned and neutral leathers are always in vogue.
*Storage Tip: Put your out of season clothes in clear plastic bins with secure lids like this one from the Target
Now, let’s look at last season’s Fall pieces and see if they are relevant this time around. My go to guide for everything off the runway is Style.com. Their trend report is awesome! You should always review the runway and make it “Yourway”. Vogue.com has fantastic finds for Fall for under $100 so, there’s no excuse that you don’t have guidance for what’s current. Review your budget, make a list, take pictures with you and start shopping. If the task seems daunting or you don’t have time, you have your own personal stylist at your finger tips. Give me a call to set up an appointment! There’s a package for everyone and every budget!
Fall Wardrobe
1. Try everything on. If it doesn’t fit, put in your “donate” pile. If it does fit, inspect it to see if it needs any repairs. If so, take them to the cleaners or repair it yourself, if it’s worth the money. If it’s damaged, put in the “trash” pile.
*Tip: This is a great way to learn simple hand sewing alteration methods.
2. Inspect your booties and boots. Check for damage and see if it’s repairable. Check buckles and zippers. Make sure they are still “in style”.
*Tip: Having shoes and boots resoled will provide a longer life for your favorite shoes. A good polish makes them look brand new. Don’t forget the stain protector!
3. Pull out your leather jackets and check for damage and have them cleaned.
*Tip: Give your leather jackets a good leather conditioning. It doesn’t cost a lot for a bottle and a little goes a long way!
4. Take out your winter coats and try them on. See if they fit and if they need repair. Have it cleaned.
*Tip: Checking your Winter coats early is a good precautionary measure so you are ready when the temperature drops unexpectedly!
Finally, if you can, try a great closet organizer so you can see your clothes, admire them, and be able to get to them easily. I love the Closet Maid Shelftrack System. I love it because it’s so simple! You just install 1 track on the wall and the rest of the components hang from it! Check it out for more details.
I think that’s enough to get you started over the weekend. Let me know how you made out. I’d love to hear from you. If you have other suggestions or traditions for changing over your closet, tell me.
~Gone shopping…Be back soon!
Sadia Seymour: Fashion Stylist 