Edit Yourself – Starting With Your Wardrobe

By:  Lexi Smith

Last week the weather was so beautiful and I was inspired to change out winter clothes for spring and summer.  So, now you know who to blame for the unpleasant change in temperatures and the non-stop rain we have currently.  I sincerely apologize.  At least I didn’t put in my screens – which would have prompted snow.  In the meantime, as the weather continues to be unpredictable, I’m struggling to find clothes that can take me from a chilly morning through temperature increases in the afternoon, and dramatic drops by evening.  Here are some thoughts:

• Layering is essential right now.  I typically start off with a silk tee, a blouse or shirt, and a blazer or cardigan.  With the fashion trends, I can also add a light weight scarf to complete the look.
• Pants are my staple during the early spring months – mostly because I don’t know how else to cover my legs.  Opaque tights are a bit much, while traditional pantyhose seem dated – and it’s just too cold to go bare. Right now the trend with trousers is wide legs – which I love!
• Trench coats are all the rage – and I use mine like a blazer.  I have a short trench that is great to layer with a light weight sweater.

While I was coordinating these in-between winter/spring and spring/summer looks, I edited my wardrobe significantly.  I could tell last season that I was itching for a style up-date – and I decided now was the time to do it.

I create three piles:  Give/Sell; Trash; Keep

Give/Sell – anything that does not fit.  Do not save it in hopes that it will once again fit.  Even if that day comes – it will be out of style – or your style will have changed.  You can give it away to a charitable organization and get a tax credit, or sell it on consignment and add to your mad money stash.  Doing either of these will make you feel much better than keeping something that doesn’t fit – and makes you feel guilty for adding on a couple of extra pounds!

Trash – anything that is damaged.  Do not – I don’t care how much you paid for it – give away damaged clothes.  Examine your give pile carefully.  If it isn’t in gently worn shape – pitch it.

Keep – only those items that look great on you – and make you feel great.  Most importantly – you need to feel great in your clothes.  If you don’t – you won’t feel good about yourself.  We all have our bad luck outfit – the one that just doesn’t help our self-esteem.  No need to keep it anymore.  If it doesn’t fit you physically or emotionally – time to let it go.

If you have some things in your piles that fall into – “I don’t know” – call a trusted friend to help you make the decision.

Now add something from this list of spring and summer trends for a style boost.

• Light weight scarves in bright colors
• Classic trench in neutral
• A boyfriend blazer in black or tan
• Denim – anything and in any color
• Printed tops (the bolder the better)
• Maxi dress
• Wedge heels
• Wide leg trousers
• Big floppy hat (think 1970s)
• An unstructured purse

Lexi Smith is a lifestyle guru for the woman seeking positive change.  She is owner and creative director of Being Fabulous!, a consultation and personal shopping service designed to help clients achieve a higher quality of life by finding their own signature style.