How to Conduct a Seasonal Wardrobe Review
(From Warm to Cold Weather)
Changing seasons is the perfect opportunity to review your wardrobe, streamline your storage, and prepare your clothes for the months ahead. As a personal stylist, I guide my clients through this process to make it efficient, practical, and stress-free, while ensuring their wardrobe remains functional and inspiring.
When we switch from warm to cold weather, it’s not just about pulling out coats and boots, it’s about being intentional about what stays, what gets stored, and what can be released to make space for the season ahead.
Step 1: Pull Everything Out
Start by taking out all your seasonal items:
Warm-weather clothing (tops, dresses, skirts, shoes, accessories)
Layering pieces (jackets, cardigans, light scarves)
Shoes and bags
Lay everything out so you can see your wardrobe as a whole. This allows you to assess what you actually wear and what you can let go of.
Step 2: Assess Each Item
Go through each piece and ask yourself:
Did I wear it this season?
Does it fit and flatter me now?
Does it align with my style and mix easily with other items?
Is it in good condition?
Items that weren’t worn this season are candidates to edit out. Storing unused clothing only takes up space and makes it harder to see what you actually love and wear.
Step 3: Edit Mindfully
Sort items into three categories:
Keep – Essentials for the next season and items you love wearing.
Donate / Sell – Pieces in good condition that you haven’t worn and won’t need this season.
Recycle / Repair – Worn-out, damaged, or stained pieces. Repair if possible; recycle if not.
For the “keep” pile, consider if anything needs minor alterations before being stored or reused next season. Small tweaks can make old favourites feel like new.
Step 4: Make a Seasonal Shopping List
While reviewing, take note of gaps in your wardrobe:
Pieces you wished you had this season.
Items that need replacing due to wear or damage.
This creates a clear, intentional shopping list, whether you plan to shop sales, thrift, or invest in quality staples. Having a list keeps purchases purposeful, prevents impulse buying, and ensures your wardrobe evolves strategically each season.
Step 5: Prepare Clothes for Storage
Proper storage ensures your clothes stay fresh, clean, and moth-free:
Clean everything first – Wash or dry-clean items before storing. Dirt, oils, or stains attract moths.
Choose storage wisely – Use breathable containers like cotton storage bags or fabric bins; avoid plastic bags for long-term storage.
Protect from moths – Cedar blocks, lavender sachets, or breathable moth balls work well; refresh them periodically.
Fold or hang appropriately – Heavy knits should be folded; coats and jackets can be hung in sturdy garment bags.
Store in a cool, dry place – Avoid damp basements or direct sunlight, which can damage fibers and fade colours.
Step 6: Organise for Easy Access
Arrange by category (tops, bottoms, outerwear, shoes, accessories) and colour.
Store seasonal items you won’t need for months in a dedicated area, clearly labelled, for easy rotation next season.
Keep a few transitional pieces accessible, like lightweight sweaters, jackets, or scarves, for unpredictable weather.
Step 7: Maintain Your Seasonal Review Habit
Repeat this process twice a year (warm-to-cold, cold-to-warm).
Be honest about what you wear and what you don’t. If you didn’t reach for it this season, it’s likely not essential.
Use the hanger trick: hang clothes backward, flip as you wear them; unworn items at season’s end are candidates to release.
Follow the “1 in, 1 out” principle when introducing new seasonal items.
Final Thoughts
A seasonal wardrobe review isn’t just about storage: it’s about clarity, functionality, and enjoying your clothes again. Editing thoughtfully and storing carefully ensures your wardrobe feels fresh and ready for each new season.
✨ If the idea of a seasonal wardrobe review feels overwhelming, I offer one-to-one wardrobe review sessions. Together, we’ll edit, reorganise, and create a wardrobe that’s functional, stylish, and ready for whatever the season brings.