The weather has been unseasonably cool in the Bay Area this Spring- so my usual Spring closet switchover has been pushed back. What usually takes place around April 1st was more like May 5th this year. But I’ve gotten more organized about the process over the years, and while my usual lessons still hold, I’ve got a few new tips to share.
Invest in supplies for the long term
Now that my closet is “lean and mean”, I can get smart about how much storage and other closet staples I need. And that means I can invest in high quality items that will last for years and year. Here are a few of the things I picked up this year. And hot tip- check out Amazon Warehouse. You can save a bunch on items that have been returned and repackaged.
Strangely, my velvet hangers seem to be disappearing (thanks Sophie!) So it’s time to invest in some new ones. Now I have a decent idea of the amount I will need (I just can’t see myself increasing my quantity of clothing anytime soon). So I can buy just enough, with a few to spare.
Large plastic storage bins for sweaters
Plastic bins are one of those things that I always underestimate how many I will need. I thought I would need 2- guess what, I needed 3. But I had anticipated this and had that “extra” one ready to go. When doing a Spring closet switchover, it’s always less painful to be ready with supplies in advance.
I used to have one of those huge steamers, but that just doesn’t make sense these days. I’m only using it very occasionally. But it’s easier and faster to use than an iron. So consider picking one up- and it’s a great item to check out in the Warehouse section. You can save quite a bit.
Fill in those gaps
Supply chain issues don’t seem to be going away anytime soon. So once I’ve got my closet sorted during my Spring closet switchover, I make a list of things that need replacing. These days- the list is not very exciting! Underwear, socks, and sports bras. Maybe some tee shirts.
These are great- very high quality and slip right on under my Converse sneakers. It’s worth washing these in a little laundry bag, otherwise they do tend to go missing.
Smartwool PhD outdoor light micro three pack of socks
More socks! These are great and last for years. But they do need a refresh every once in a while.
On Running Cloudflow running shoes
And a splurge! I needed some black sneakers for all the vacation walking I’ll be doing this summer. I took my time on research and landed on these sneakers. They are super comfortable and will look good with pants, skirts and shorts.
Consider resale
I’ve been reading in the fashion business blogs that resellers like The RealReal are desperate for inventory. I’ve noticed this when I pop into The RealReal app- the promotions seem to be particularly lucrative right now. So it’s a great time to really take a hard look at what you’ve got and clean it out. By now, you probably have a good idea of what your post-COVID life looks like. For example, I am 99% sure that I will not be wearing those cute sheath dresses and wedge heels. Those can go. And I have way too many work totes for the amount of time I’ll be spending in the office.
I think it’s a combination of age, post-pandemic lifestyle changes, and just plain old new priorities that has me re-evaluating my handbags, jewelry and clothes. I’m a new me. And you might be too! So take the opportunity of this Spring closet switchover to think about who the new you is too.
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