Slightly surreal to think that winter is almost here and we have to replace our cute and lightweight cardigan with thick and heavy winter coats. However, that’s exactly what you have to do in order to properly prepare and organize your winter wardrobe.

Over the past couple of weeks, I’ve been slowly transitioning some pieces in and out of my closet, because the has been all over the place. One day it can be cold and windy, but sunny and hot by late afternoon. I guess that’s why they call it ‘flu season’.

Anyway, this weekend I plan to completely pack away all my summer and early fall-friendly clothes and pull out the rest of my late fall and winter (i.e. heavier) clothing. So, I here’s how I decide what stays and goes when organizing my winter wardrobe.

COLORS & PRINTS

Personally, I believe that you can wear any color any time you please. However, there are just some colors and prints that are more chic and complimentary of cooler months. Other than the obvious neutrals of black, white, and grey; deep jewel tones such as burgundy, purple, and teal are very becoming in the winter.

There are so many types of prints that are associated with fall and winter wardrobes, including plaids, animal prints, and dark floral.

STASH vs. STOCK

STASH – Items that you wear mostly in the spring and summer should get put up, such as cut-off denim short, billowy dresses, and thin tees. These are items in your wardrobe that need to get stashed away until spring rolls around. Here are some other items that you should put remove from your winter wardrobe:

• Shorts – SIDENOTE: leather shorts are okay, but when paired with thick, opaque tights.
• Extremely distressed denim – A slit here or there in a dark rinse denim is okay, but those comfy and overly cut-up jeans that were perfect for hot summer days will not be great in the snow storm. So, let them go hibernate for the winter.
• Thin, light-weight fabric – Sheer and gauzy fabrics are great for extra protection for your skin on sunny days, but the need for them are pretty much obsolete.
• Sandals – Obviously.

STOCK – Items that are great for colder temperatures and great for layering should remained stocked in your fall/winter wardrobe, including thicker cardigans, and opaque tights, and heavier knit scarves. Also:

• Leather – Faux or real, leather is a heavy material that’s great for added warmth and style.
• Suede – Suede is a great transition fabric, because it’s provides a nice amount of extra warmth. However, it’s not as heavy as leather, which makes it great for fall and winter.
• Heavy Knits – Can you really have a legit winter wardrobe without at least one heavy duty cable-knit item?
• Silk – Rich silk is perfect material that’s soft and not too heavy.

STORAGE

When it comes to your winter items, you can store them the same as you would your spring summer by hanging them in your closet, with the exception of heavy knits and sweaters. If you hang your sweaters on a hanger, they will get stretch out and lose their shape. Instead, opt to store your sweaters by folding them and placing them on shelves in your closet or dresser drawers. For more tips on storing your sweaters, check out my previous post on how to take care of sweaters.

Coats might seem like a no brainer: “Hang them up, duh”. However, when hanging up your outwear, pay attention to the type of hanger you are using. Never use a thin hanger to hang up your coats, because the hanger can cause the shoulder of your coat to bend and damage that area. Instead, use thick hangers with rounded edges. Also, if possible, always hang your coat up in a closet with plenty of space so your coats don’t get cramped with other items and lose it’s shape and possible get damaged by other items. That’s why coat closets exist! 🙂

 

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