HOW TO DO A WARDROBE SWITCHOVER

With warmer weather on the way, why not utilise the time indoors to do a wardrobe switchover? Follow our Brand Stylist, Maddy Moxham's steps to identify what you need for summer, and how to store winter pieces with care, so you're ready for the season ahead.

As the seasons change so does your wardrobe, a whiet clothes rail with a varity of navy blue, yellow and white clothes.

STEP 1. EMPTY YOUR WARDROBE

While this may seem daunting, it's actually really helpful to look at an empty wardrobe like a blank canvas. The trick is to pile clothes onto your bed into identifiable categories, such as shirts, jersey tops and trousers so they're easy to sort through.

STEP 2. DECIDE WHAT YOU NEED

Start by putting winter coats, tall boots and chunky jumpers that you love in another room (but leave lighter knits for chilly days). Then, consider the basics: versatile tops that are good for layering and jeans you're still likely to wear. Return these along with your favourite summer dresses, shorts and linen pieces to your wardrobe.

A stack of different shade of denim sit on a blue plinth

A rail of summer appropriate clothes in on tren gincham check and pale blue linen

STEP 3. REVIEW WHAT REMAINS

If you're like me, you'll be left with what I call 'Undecidables'. Often I realise I no longer need these pieces or I've rarely worn them! So if they're nearly-new, I set them aside to be donated to a charity; knowing they'll go to someone who will really appreciate them.

protect your knitwear, luxury fabrics like cashmere need extra care.

STEP 4. PROTECT YOUR KNITWEAR

Before putting your winter knitwear away, take extra care with pieces made from natural fibres like cashmere or wool. I like to remove any piling so they look like new and then I store them in airtight zip-lock bags to keep pesky moths out. Cedar blocks in drawers will work just as well!

STEP 5. POLISH FOOTWEAR

It's quite a satisfying job to give your boots a good polish before storing them. So when winter comes around again, it's like finding a brand new pair! For boots made from exceptionally soft leather, I place balled up newspaper inside to help them keep their shape.

Store away your favourite winter pieces ready for later in the year.

STEP 6. CONSIDER STORAGE

Rather than cramming everything you own back into your wardrobe, look at storing your winter pieces somewhere else. You don't need another closet, you could store them in under-bed containers, or pack them in unused suitcases that could be kept in the loft or garage.

Swap your accessories,a woven sun hat will be useful in the summer months.

STEP 7: REPEAT WITH ACCESSORIES

Apply the same approach to accessories. Store away knitted scarves and gloves, and replace them with sunglasses, sun hats and woven bags.

LASTLY... DONATING TO CHARITY

Those stylish pieces you set aside could be just what the charity, Smart Works, is looking for. They dress and coach unemployed women to succeed in interviews, and always need high-quality, work appropriate clothing. While they can't take donations right now, they'll be pleased to receive them when they reopen.

Find out how you can donate to Smart Works at
smartworks.org/get-involved