Is the End in Sight?

The end of winter that is! After what has been a long, cold and dull winter I will be so glad welcome the arrival of spring. There are, of course, already signs of spring – snowdrops, crocuses and daffodils. The days are also getting lighter. The Spring Equinox is on 20 March so in another month’s time, it will be even lighter. Until then let’s aim to cope with the end of winter in style!

There are some things we can do in our wardrobe to help. Here are some suggestions:

• Firstly, by the end of winter our boots/shoes will have taken a battering with the weather and constant wearing. Make time to clean them thoroughly and polish them and get them re-soled and heeled if necessary. If they are really worn out from several years of wearing, then set them aside and wear another pair that are in better condition.

• How about our knitwear? You may have had your jumpers and cardigans a few years so have a good look at them and if they are showing signs of being out of shape, have holes or are looking tired, then set those aside also and only wear the ones which look good.

• Have a close inspection of your jeans and trousers, which you may have lived in all winter long. Any jeans that are faded, have become too stiff or you no longer feel good in can be bagged up for charity. Trousers can become stretched out and baggy and no longer smart looking and skirts, if you wear them a lot, may start to get out of shape too. We deserve to feel good in our clothes so don’t keep those items that have passed their sell by date, even if it means having fewer items in your wardrobe.

• Coats, of course, take the brunt of the bad weather. Are you still happy with your winter coat(s)? You may need to keep wearing it in really cold weather at the moment but if it has seen better days, then vow to invest in another coat for next winter. 

• Hats, gloves and scarves – again you will probably need these for a little while longer but, for next year, try and match at least two of these items (e.g. red scarf and hat or red hat and gloves) rather than have different colours for each. 

Make a List

This time of year is a good time to start planning your spring/summer wardrobe. Get all your spring and summer clothes and shoes out and see what you have got that will go together. Try outfit ideas on the bed or on a hanging rail if you have one. If there are any gaps in your wardrobe, then make a list of what you need. For example, you may need some new jeans if yours didn’t make the cut from winter. Or you might need a pair of white trainers that will go with lots of items in your wardrobe.

Sorting out your clothes in this way before the spring comes is very cathartic and will ensure that you always look and feel good in what you wear.

Yes, the end of winter is in sight and we can now get through the next few weeks stylishly and look forward to warmer days ahead.