Keeping in the Closet

Dear Anne-Franc.
A simple starting question is about sorting wardrobe, winter to spring. Doing a clearing out the old stuff too. Maybe so simple it’s obvious. Any special tips, for finding the gems in the closet and what to keep out from winter wardrobe? I do not have tons of space!
New York

I am a serial clothes hoarder, so this question is a great way of me sifting through my mind's wardrobe while thinking of tricks and tips for you, so thanks!

Let's start with the basic obvious. The first things you need to put away in preparation for the changing season and weather warm up is:

-Coats and Jackets

-Socks and Tights (We call these tootsie coverers Tights, you call em Stockings)

-Big Knits

-Long Sleeved Tees

Go through your wardrobe, draws, scattered clothes hooks and any other hidden storage areas and pull out all of these items. Putting away all your jackets and woollen knits may leave you with a chill, but I can predict that these will not be featuring during your New York Spring/Summer. The lightweight look of long sleeved tops might draw you into keeping them around... Don't be fooled, sweaty arms and pits need to be taken into consideration here- loose the long sleeves. Same for socks and tights; tights are a definite no-no for this time of year, do not hold back your Pretty Polly legs by mummifying them, prepare your draws with footloose style! Light wear socks can stay but items created with a NY winter in mind: No Way!

Note: If you own any spring vests replace your empty clothes hooks with these now.

Considering your limited space I would suggest investing in some Vac Storage Bags (you can get these at Amazon), these bags are not in anyway pleasing to the eye, but they offer space to fit in your out of season garments and once all is packed you use a vacuum to suck out all the air so that your items are squashed down into their tiniest possible capacity. A great space saver! If not a couple suitcases are always reliable storers of storage.

Say goodbye to unsightly pile ups!

OK, now let’s wander over to less obvious unseasonal items:

Sweaters/Cardigans:
Spring and Summer is a sweltering time in the city, however, giving up all security blankets would be foolish. Roof top parties and outdoor events require a little bit of something warm. So get ALL your jumpers/sweaters and line them up in front of you (keeping cardi's and sweaters separate). Immediately place all heavily knitted and thick cashmere numbers on the "see you in fall" pile.

With all these remaining items standing to attention, start narrowing down your cardigans by pulling out the following essentials:
-One Black/Navy Blue
-One Cream/Beige
-One Fun Favourite, such as a patterned or sparkly number
Ensure that this selection includes 1 long and 1 shorter length, if not add which ever length is missing.

Next, sorting through the sweaters:
-1 light weight comfy sweat
-1 oversized number for lounging around the house
-1 hoodie? In case you feel a health kick urge
Sweaters are definitely not a Spring/Summer necessity, so if you are not a big fan- put them all in the "see you in fall" pile. Although, snuggling up in a huge sweater is a fabulous pastime whatever the weather!

Your Spring/Summer wardrobe should now consist of 3 (or 4) cardigans and 2 (or 3) sweaters. Let's start the pile up!

Jeans
Unless you are an avid jean rocker you do not need a million pairs for the coming seasons. I recall sticky NY summers where my denim clad legs were literally swarming in moisture, I am sure you do too. Hold onto your bestest pair and if you have any fun colored or patterned numbers hold onto these as they will come in useful for the remainder of spring. I am suggesting 1 or 2 pairs of colored/patterned at the most... not a rainbow of denim!

Leggings
Comfortable and lightweight, if you love leggings then you are going to want to hold onto a few pairs. If they are particularly thick, knitted or leather- discard. For all others limit yourself to a maximum of 5 pairs.

Shorts
Ahhh shorts are in their prime during this time of year. Gather yours up and take a long hard look... think...
- Are you comfortable?
- Have I worn you?
- Will I wear you?
- Will I self-expose if I wear you (practise various movements, stretches and sitting positions)

Try and limit your collection to five pairs... For example:
1. Denim
2. Tailored
3. High-Waisted (at least two pairs)
4. Colored/Patterned design

Skirts/Dresses
This selection needs to focus on warm weather: Items that you wear over tights in winter do not need to be here. Look out for strappy-straps and light weight fabrics- synthetics will make you sweat so keep an eye out for cotton items. With dresses you are gonna need day and night items. Pick out a mix of 4 favourite dresses. Combine bold colored, patterned and neutral.

For skirts think: Versatility. Pull out the items that you will get the most use out of. A plain colored skirt can be a key player for a whole realm of outfits. A fun patterned design that features striking colors can also be mixed, matched and clashed too. Limit yourself to 4.

T-shirts and Vests
Hello Spring/Summer essentials! These are going to be your highest featured clothing items. These can fold down small so you can hold onto a few. I would say:
8 Vest Tops (Tanks=US)
8 T-shirts
Pick only those that fit well and make sure that you have a balanced array of plain and patterned designs. If you tend to always fall back on White T's or Striped Vests, ensure that your selection reflects this.

Extras:
Bikini's- Lounging on the park and long beach a given. (Max 3)
Playsuits/Jumpsuits: If you are a fan of these all in ones, give them some space. (Max 4)

I realise that my winter clear out is being approached with militance but bare with me... Now, you have watered down your wardrobe, refill your closet and draws and see how much space is left. Bare in mind possible purchases (you are covering a minimum 6 month span) and then if it seems like you have some remaining space, return to your "see you in fall" pile and if you are lusting over a few items extract them- Limit yourself to 4 of these.

The great thing about storing away all your Winter/Fall items is that by firmly removing them you can look forward to meeting them all again, where they will have been missed and will look fresh!

Wow, I never meant for this to go on so long and I still feel that I have loads I want to say!! I hope that this has been useful, enjoy your NY SS11, Je suis très jaloux!