I’m gearing up for another six months of the French Wardrobe Challenge and after cleaning out my closet, it’s evident that I need a game plan before the new season kicks off. Without having a plan in place, I’m prone to add too many impulsive purchases that don’t do much for my closet. So, I’m approaching the new season like a collector who is curating the perfect wardrobe. I spent a lot of time this weekend thinking about this and came up with four steps that helped me focus on exactly what I’d like to add this year.
Narrowing down your color palette for spring and summer is going to help for two reason: it streamlines purchases and guarantees they’ll work well together. To do this, I evaluated my Pinterest page. The majority of my recent wish list pins were in five colors: mint, navy, blush, black, white and sky blue. These colors work together beautifully and while I may add in a wildcard color every so often (like my red DVF purse), this is a great starting point to begin planning my purchases.
Next up: your list of essentials. This should include the neutral basics necessary to round out your seasonal wardrobe. At this point, don’t worry about finding the perfect item. Just make a quick list of the items that you’re missing or need to replace—and continue to add to this list when you discover holes in your closet. Keep in mind, though, these are your priority purchases for the upcoming season. Mine includes:
- a grey sweater that’s both work and weekend appropriate
- a white dress (or two)
- striped long sleeve t-shirts (mine are getting worn out from too much love)
- a loose, sleeveless blouse in a silky material (not necessarily striped)
- chino shorts in white and navy
- a black leather satchel
- a spring jacket (not pictured)
Now we’re on to the fun part: putting together your seasonal wish list. Again, don’t worry too much about finding the perfect item right now—you have all season for that—just make a list or a collage of the standout items you’d love to incorporate into your wardrobe while keeping your color palette in mind. Look back at the SS2014 runway collections, scour the new arrivals at your favorite retailers and analyze your Pinterest style board. What shapes and styles are you drawn to? Are there any prints you’d love to own? Ready to try a particular trend? I’m keeping an eye out for:
- a pair of versatile statement earrings that are also lightweight enough to wear daily
- a striped fit and flare day dress
- another printed day dress (not pictured, but I like this and this)
- the leather lace belt that was featured in Kate Spade’s spring presentation
- the scarf print from Tory Burch’s spring collection in either a dress or a shirt
- unique pearl jewelry—real or faux (I like this ring)
- sunglasses
- a black silk cami (although this should really be under the basics section)
- striped and/or d’orsay flats
- a pastel full skirt
- printed shorts
- a tropical statement necklace
- block heel sandals
I think this is going to be the hardest part for me. It’s too easy to get wrapped up in the euphoria of a new purchase, but I need to be ruthless with my evaluation. For example, my wish list includes a full skirt in a pastel color. I picked out a pink one for my collage, but I actually already own a mint one (you can see it here). It already works with my color scheme, it still fits and I enjoy wearing it. So, do I honestly need another? Probably not. This isn’t meant to talk yourself out of new items, but it is a way to make sure those potential purchases are items that really could elevate your wardrobe.
So, what’s on your must-have list for spring and summer? Do you plan your purchases for the new season? I could use any tips you have!