Spring is here and everyone is ready to pull out the summer wardrobe anxious to enjoy the warmer weather. But in Northern Minnesota, we don’t always enjoy that luxury and consistent weather is sometimes unheard of. Ideally in most climates, you are able to pack away a seasons clothing when changing out your wardrobe, but in our climate the key is to have a combination for all types of weather available. That creates an organizing challenge in our closets, finding room for clothes from all seasons.
I’ve also found when organizing closets for clients, women tend to hang on to clothing that they wish they could fit in and others for when their normal size is feeling a little snug. No matter what your choice for a wardrobe, I encourage clients to keep only what they love and what makes them feel good about themselves.
I recently cleaned out my closet, surprised at how much was just that; clothing that doesn’t currently fit. Clothing is expensive, so I don’t want to give it away, and honestly my weight goes up and down, but why keep all those things that don’t fit mixed in with items that do? To be continually reminded what size I am not? So I began sorting my clothing by size and fit, placing items too big or too small on different color hangers and my everyday clothing on plain white hangers.
I then placed my cold climate clothes like my heavy sweatshirts and sweaters to the back side of my closet, and brought out more of the warm weather layering pieces like tanks and tees front and center. I prefer finding outfits by color but some of our clients prefer by sleeve length. And pants are organized by wear — jeans, casual, slacks, skirts. It seems overwhelming and very technical, but beneficial when considering space and maintenance.
I often encourage women to gather their supportive girl friends or family members together and put on a “fashion show” to determine what pieces of their wardrobe no longer flatter their figure or just aren’t self-esteem builders. I personally hate putting together outfits. I don’t consider myself fashionable either, but one thing I do know is whether something is comfortable and makes me feel good about myself. When I “shop” my closet, I only keep those things that I want to wear. (If laundry is done) I typically have a number of items I feel like wearing. In my opinion, it is better to have choices of items to wear rather than not wanting to wear anything you have.
Just remember, keep it simple, keep a few layering pieces available for those unseasonably cool days on the lake as well as a few sleeveless shirts for those warmer days.
Enjoy the approaching warmer weather and be prepared. Have fun and just be you. As always…
Don’t just survive life. Thrive!
Bergstrom is an organizing specialist.
