4 Tips For Seasonally Changing Your Closet: Tips To Having Your Closet Be Functional, Sustainable, And Fun
As the temperature changes, many of us get excited about the Possibilities of changing up our wardrobe and what we wear daily to more seasonal clothes. However, knowing what clothes should stay or be transitioned out can be tricky, especially in climates like California (EGL headquarters), where the seasons don't often provide severity in differing changes.
The other obstacle that has been highlighted is the issue of sustainability concerning our wardrobes which many of us fumble with in relation when knowing what to wear, especially when your closet doesn't suit your needs anymore. So to help you navigate wardrobe or closet changes in a more sustainable way, we have sorted through some of our favorite tips and sustainable brands we love to help you steer into a wardrobe you love and clothes that will last you.
Organize
Getting a clear picture of what is in your closet and drawers is critical in getting a clear picture of what you have. This task can seem daunting at first, but that is also a clue to how you may feel about your wardrobe as a whole. Looking at all your clothing items also can be fun because we have all had that item that got lost behind a drawer or mashed up behind some other clothes. Seeing your clothes all together can help you find ways to restyle a piece in another way. For example, we love the trend of a spaghetti strap maxi dress typically worn in summer shift into winter by being paired with a heavy knit sweater and sinched in at the waist with a belt. By reshopping and styling your closet, you can not only find newer pairings for your clothes, but you can also store away what you are not going to use for the season. Seasonally storing away some clothes allows you to see what you have and varying ways of styling creatively.
When and If you decide that some clothes are ready to be passed on online consignment shops are an easy way to make money off your clothes without having to personally sell them. ThredUp and The Real Real two places that we like to peruse around and sell items on, there are so many sites to choose from but these two make it super easy.
Know Your Wardrobe Issue
Having organized all clothing items will help you see what your wardrobes needs are. Try to expand on ordinary clothes complaints many of have. Statements like "I have nothing to wear"; notice if there are particular times, places, occasions, seasons when you feel you have nothing to wear. Another often-used statement we have all probably said from time to time is, "I don't like my clothes." Again what is it that you do not like about your clothes? Is the fit, style, color palette, size, material, lack of particular pieces, not a fit for your lifestyle, wanting more structured or tailored pieces? Narrowing down your needs will help you not needlessly buy clothes that might only add to the volume of what you have in your closet and not your overall wardrobe.
Being honest with ourselves is also crucial in this scenario too depending on the faze of life we are in, our needs and sizes shift. So if certain clothes are just not fitting correctly, it can be of great relief to acknowledge that and feel more freedom in clothes that fit your body. Remember clothes are supposed to fit you, not you fitting the clothes. Where are you spending most of your time during the day? What clothes are required for you to feel comfortable, at ease, and functional throughout your day? Do you need more tailored yet comfy clothes that can go from the office to after-school kid's sports practice? Or are you working at home wanting comfortable outfits that don't require any afterthought as you go from zoom call to an evening workout session? Knowing what your daily routine requires will help you once again buy items that you need and want.
Having items of similar style can take the guesswork or creative thinking out of what to wear daily. In addition, having repeat clothing items or styles can be incredibly helpful when we have days filled with packed schedules.
Skip Overly Trendy Items
Overly trendy items are a primary culprit when it comes to clothes ending up in landfills. Yes, a significant component in this area is fast fashion and with the rapid turnover in trends. While expressing oneself through fashion is a beautiful way to bring artistry to one's day, there are ways to do it more sustainably. For example, if you are eyeing a particular piece for an event, can you borrow the item from a friend or rent it? Since there is such a high turnover in trends in fast fashion and fashion in general, many looks are recycled from previous eras, is it possible to find something similar that is vintage or used. Many places will also rent out vintage looks, making it less of an investment and won't clog up your precious closet space.
Finding quality purchases
Now, this can sometimes translate into expensive items. Yet, this doesn't have to be the case. A great tell of a well-made garment usually can be seen from the inside out. Look at the seams; how well are they sewn, and around pockets and zippers are the seams correctly lining up? Zippers and pockets, how well are they sewn, do the zippers and buttons on these areas work smoothly? As crucial in having well-made clothes is how well we care for our clothes.
Tips For Clothes Repair And Upkeep
Fabric Shavers are a great way to keep sweaters fresh-looking over the years as balling up of fabric threads are a normal part of wear. Even other garments like outerwear and workout clothes can pill, yet shaving off the pills can help the clothes keep looking fresher.
Repair and Taylor Clothes that you love. We are fans of buying classic pieces that stand the test of time and never go out of style, while being versatile so that clothes can be worn in various ways. And as our bodies naturally fluctuate in size, having clothes like jackets, dresses, and pants tailored can usually be a cost-effective way to feel comfortable and loving your clothes without necessarily buying new pieces. Also, when it gets to be that time when the sole on your favorite boots or heels wears out, try to replace the sole instead of automatically buying new shoes. Again, replacing a part can be a cheaper option than replacing it with a new pair of shoes. Shoe repair shops can generally repair the worn-out handles or straps on your favorite purse too.
Youtube and Google are great resources well for everything, but if you have an odd stain from a bizarre type of oil, there are countless accounts, websites, videos, etc., that have wonderfully creative solutions. These videos have saved us from having to get rid of a favorite pair of jeans and a sweater.
Shopping
As online shopping only continues to grow, websites and apps which you can buy second hand or from local slow fashion shops have increased in options. We also find that while we prefer to shop in person, looking up what material garments are made of is more easily done online. Looking up a brand's business missions and production processes is also found more easily with online shopping.
Making educated and thought-out purchases is obviously easier when shopping online, instead of the impulse purchases we have made over the years when shopping in person. and now with so many amazing consignment shops online it has never been Easier to shop pre-loved items that are the size, brand, and style that you need.
Shopping RECOMMENDATIONS
Sustainable Brands We Love
