Fall has officially arrived, but has anyone told Mother Nature?
This weekend I was excited to go watch both of my grandsons play flag football. The morning temperatures started out in the high 40’s but by afternoon it was forecasted to be in the mid 70’s.
So what’s a Gammy to wear?
Layers of course. I needed to stay warm while watching the boys play, but I also wanted to be able to peel off a layer or two as the temps climbed. Hey, don’t get me wrong, most of my fall wardrobe is still packed away. I’ve got my denim jackets and long-sleeved T-shirts available, but the rest of my fall clothes are waiting for me in storage. And while the weather is trying to decide which season we’re in, I’m making plans to get into those storage bins gradually.
I’m Not Just Switching Seasons
When I finally start pulling out my fall clothes, I plan to look at each piece before putting it in my closet. Yes, each piece!
Does it still fit me? Do I still like it? Can I build outfits with it from what I already own? And maybe a bigger question: does it suit the life I’m living today?
I’ve learned that there’s a difference between clothes that still fit and clothes that still work for me.
I may have a great sweater that I haven’t worn in two years. There’s nothing wrong with it. But if I keep passing it over, that’s something I need to think on: Why is it never quite the right thing to wear? I need to think about the color, the fit and if I even still enjoy wearing it as much as I used to.
I’d rather figure that out now than give it another season of valuable closet space. And while I’m at it, I plan to do the same thing with my summer clothes as I pack them away.
Some Things Aren’t Going Anywhere
Now, there’s one thing I already know is not up for debate when I open those storage bins. My collection of turtlenecks. I mean REAL turtlenecks. The ones that actually hug my neck. I know some women can’t stand having anything that close to their necks, but I’m just the opposite.
I tend to run colder than most people. Give me a good turtleneck when the temps drop, and I’m a happy camper. I have a nice collection of them, and I wear them year after year. Those puppies are staying. End of discussion.
Summer Isn’t Getting a Free Pass Either.
Closet changeover time is where I think we sometimes miss an opportunity.
We’re so busy getting excited about the clothes we’re bringing INTO our closets that we forget to take a good look at what we’re packing AWAY.
I’m going to pay close attention to the pieces I wore most often this past summer. What made me reach for them over and over? And again, I’ll be thinking about fit, color, fabric, condition and do I still like this piece.
Oh, and there are the clothes I barely touched— I already have a few pieces in mind. Before packing them away, I want to figure out whether they deserve another season in my storage bins.
I’m also going to be looking for clothes that may need a little attention. A missing button, a loose hem or a little stain that needs treating.
I’d much rather handle those things now than kicking myself when I see them next June.
First, I’m Going Shopping. In My Own Closet.
One thing I’m NOT planning to do is rush out and buy a whole new fall wardrobe.
I want to see what I already have.
I could find new ways to wear a favorite sweater. Maybe there’s a pair of pants I haven’t worn much that’ll work beautifully with something else. Or I’ll discover that I’m missing one item in particular that would work with several other pieces.
That’s info I can use BEFORE I start shopping.
And since I’ve been encouraging you to schedule Closet Play Dates over on my social media, I will be sure to follow my own advice.
I’ll be trying on combinations, experimenting with layers and seeing what happens when I put things together differently.
Who knows? There may be some interesting discoveries waiting in those storage bins.
There’s No Deadline for This
You know, sometimes I think we go into our seasonal closet changes as if everything has to happen in one afternoon.
Out with summer. In with fall. Done.
But honestly, I’m not interested in creating another chore for myself.
The weather is reminding me that the seasons don’t change overnight. I’m applying that to my closet too.
I’ll start with the things I need now and work my way through the rest as the temperatures change.
And if I discover something that no longer works for me, I can decide whether to donate it, sell it, or have it altered.
I don’t have to make every decision in one day.
Want to Join Me?
Since I’m getting ready to begin my own closet changeover, I thought this would be a good time to share something I’ve been working on.
I created a Fall Closet Changeover Guide to help you sort through what you’re bringing out of storage AND what you’re putting away.
It’s designed to help you take a closer look at what you own, identify what still works and make thoughtful decisions before deciding to buy anything new.
Click here to GET YOUR FREE FALL CLOSET CHANGEOVER GUIDE
You can work through it at your own pace. If you’re feeling up to it, you can take it all on at once. If you want to slow things down, do one drawer, one shelf or one clothing category at a time.
As for me, I’ll be starting with my tops, then moving on to the bottoms, paying attention to what I’m bringing out of storage AND what I’m packing away. I know somewhere in those storage bins, my turtlenecks are waiting.
Those are definitely coming back into my closet. The rest?
We’ll see.
What about you? What’s something you’re really looking forward to wearing this fall?