If you’re starting to regard your winter closet with contempt (ugh, weatherproof boots again?!) it can be tempting to race out and shop at the first signs of spring. Oo, the Bermuda shorts, the polo tees, the sultry slips – and what about all that color?! But wait! Before you spend your hard earned wonga on a whole new wardrobe, consider what you already have. The spring wear you stored last year may offer an abundance of oldie-but-goodie options. That’s why this blog is dedicated to “shopping” your closet - finding those 2019 gems that will still look fashionable, flattering and fabulous in 2020. Best of all, they don’t cost a thing!

“BUY” rising trends

Maybe you were a trend-setter last year and got on the puff-sleeve/paper-bag/polo train early. Keep riding that style wave my fashion-forward friend! I just found a tiered, pleated polka dot skirt in storage. Polka dots! Tiers! Pleats! Three hot trends (thanks Not Jess Fashion) on one old item! Or maybe you’ve been holding onto something that’s come back into style. Who What Wear just pronounced the maxi knit dress a “spring dress trend everyone should try.” So, the stretchy style that’s been languishing at the back of our closets can come back into rotation - or whatever in-aqain equivalent you have.

jacket - smythe, skirt - alex mill, shirt - paul & joe sister, belt - veronica beard, boots - frye

It’s the same thing with current colors. Faded denim, flame scarlet, Biscay green, coral pink and saffron are among the hot hues for spring / summer 2020, according to Who What Wear. Find one of those in your spring collection and you’re so a la mode, darling (not in the ice cream sense).

“SELL” trends that only suit other people

Every season, new trends come out to tempt us. And sometimes they’re almost impossible to resist -even when we know they’re a bad idea! If you’ve been seduced by styles that don’t suit you, now is the time to let them go. While shopping my closet last night, I found a pair of paper-bag shorts that are SO spring 2020. However, my legs are no more suited to short shorts this year than they were last. No wonder they still have the price tag attached! You can sell such good quality / condition clothes through a consignment store. They’ll go to a home where they’ll be more loved. And you’ll get cash instead of a guilty conscience.

“BUY” great basics

At the other end of the sartorial spectrum are timeless classics – the trench coats, Breton tops and slip dresses of this world. If you have versions of these that fit and flatter you, well done! You can welcome them back to your wardrobe. Find a piece that is well-cut but not cutting-edge? Consider whether it could be styled in a fresh way. For example, a long shirt that you wore untucked over skinnies may gain a new lease on life tucked into a high-waisted skirt or pants. Ditto a classic V-neck sweater. Or, you could use an of-the-moment accessory, like a wide belt, to update your look.

“SELL” ex-great basics

Basic shouldn’t feel boring. We all have those items that were great basics once - and are now tired, worn, damaged, ill-fitting or banal basics. Release them to the donate/recycle pile! Ditto, items where you have multiple pieces that all serve the same purpose. Owning five pairs of plain black pants for work, especially if a couple of them are outdated / unflattering / unworthy clutters your closet. And if you try a piece on and think, “I feel like I should like this because it ticks all the boxes but still leaves me cold,” trust your gut and consign or Goodwill it. Your intuition knows there’s something amiss!

“BUY” trending denim

Denim is in a constant state of evolution, with jeans having got longer and wider of late. Straight, flare, boot-cut and wide-leg styles are still going strong. 80s paper-bag, front-seam and Bermuda short styles are newer entries. Still, no matter how much critics try to pronounce the skinny dead, designers are still putting them out (in high-waist version) because, apparently, we just can’t let them go! If you’re in doubt about whether your denim is in or out, go to a retailer you trust on trends (I like Shopbop.com) and check their “new in” section.

“SELL” dated denim

Some styles are having a sabbatical, so you may wish to give them a holiday from your closet too. Despite all the hoopla about low-waisted styles coming back a few months ago, retailers have kept waists consistently high. You may want to store low waists along with the likes of sprayed-on skinnies. Style aside, now’s a great time to sell or donate cuts that are unflattering or uncomfortable on you – no matter what the fashion world says. Jeans are supposed to be relaxed - not the pant equivalent of a corset!

“BUY” indispensables

dress - helmut lang, jacket - smythe, boots - iro

If you’re not sure how you would handle a holiday / weekend / work trip without a certain item, it’s probably worth hanging onto (or replacing if it doesn’t meet the fits me / flatters me / delights me standard). I have a knit midi dress whose versatility makes it indispensable for business travel. Even though I only wear it when on the road, I’m keeping it at the ready for those trips. The same could apply for packable pants, hiking sandals (the genuinely functional ones) or a tee and jeans you wouldn’t mind painting the house in.

“SELL” things that don’t suit your life

After having kids, I held onto a strapless Tory Burch sundress for years. It was lovely – and rather an investment. But I never wore it because the fear of a wardrobe malfunction while I was carrying or running after a child was too great! If you have items that are no longer fit for purpose, send them to a new home. This is especially true of sentimental items and gifts. Certified pro organizer, Kat Ong, puts it this way. “We must be vigilant about anything that comes into our homes – whether it’s given to us or we purchase it. Decide: is this something I need, love and will use? If not, pass it on.”

I hope these tips have been helpful and you end up with some pieces you love for spring! What trends are you most excited about for the season ahead? Do let us know with a comment!