Spring-summer is a very long fashion season in most of Australia.
This means that for most of us, most of our wardrobe is devoted to clothes that are geared towards our daily life in those warmer months.
It also means that it’s more of a challenge to keep things fresh throughout the season … because it can feel that we’re wearing the same clothes every day.
Spring arrives officially next week so I thought I’d get a jump on the season and help you get organised for the warmer weather so that your spring wardrobe works for you.
None of the tips below are new to you if you’re a regular around here but often we all need a little reminder or two – myself included.
I guarantee if you get on track now you’ll feel fabulous from the get go and sail stylishly into the season ahead.
Let’s get stuck in, shall we?
10 steps to getting your spring wardrobe sorted
1. Get your wardrobe in order. I’m aiming to edit my wardrobe this weekend. I’ll switch out the heavy winter pieces for trans-seasonal pieces that I need to re-acquaint myself with as it’s warmed up here pretty quickly. I won’t quite move in the high summer pieces to my wardrobe just yet but this will be an easy add when it really heats up. I’m fortunate to have a spare wardrobe where I can move the opposite season clothes to. Out of sight and clutter-free is always optimal. You want to see in front of you exactly what you have available to wear. And everything hanging there needs to make you feel fabulous. Not feeling the fab with a garment? Be gone with it. My wardrobe editing tips are here.
2. Make a list of the missing basics. I let you in on my secret to always having something to wear here. It really does start with having your basics sorted. These are the wardrobe building blocks that you need to allocate your shopping budget to before being seduced by the show ponies. Buy well and basics will see you through any work or play situation. They’ll be there for you long after that sequinned top has past its use-by-date. Oh, who am I kidding? Sequins are a wardrobe basic, yes?
1. Bohemian Traders dress $149 | 2. Metalicus slip dress $49.95 | 3. Charli Bird scarf $69.95 | 5. Sussan bag $59.95 | 6. Zoe Kratzmann sandals $290 (Here’s a photo of me wearing a variation of this outfit)
3. Get clear on what your spring wardrobe needs to do for you. This is all about understanding what you need the majority of your wardrobe to do. Are you an office worker Monday to Friday? Are you a stay-or-work-at-home mum? What are the main activities you do each week that require you to dress the part? For me, working from home means that for most of the week it’s all about the smart casual. I need pieces that will be comfortable to wear at home but also presentable for a client meeting or the school run. It means I work those basics and invest in jackets and outer layers that can dress up my comfy casual in minutes.
1. Belle Bird dress $99.95 @ Birdsnest | 2. Bird Keepers blazer $89.95 @ Birdsnest | 3. Witchery scarf $49.95 | 4. Katies bag $49.95 | 5. Gabor heels $239 @ Styletread
4. Check your calendar. Spring and summer can be a particularly busy time socially and for travel. Major events like weddings, birthdays, holidays and conferences will mostly likely already be booked in. Planning your occasion wardrobe now will help take the stress out of putting an outfit or travel capsule together closer to the time. Planning will mean you’re less likely to panic-shop and more likely to think about what you already have in your wardrobe and working that into possible outfits first. Should you want to treat yourself to something new, getting clear on what that outfit looks like in your mind is a great way to start the process and ensure you find something that you’ll like.
1. Sacha Drake dress $399 | 2. Olga Berg fascinator $89.95 @ Myer | 3. Mimco bangle $69.95 | 4. Witchery clutch $89.95 | 5. Nine West heels $159.95
5. Get your head around the spring-summer 2015 trends. You’ll find a cheat sheet for the main trends in this post. It’s never essential to be slave to all – or any – fashion trends but I find it does help to incorporate a little of the current season’s trends into your wardrobe to keep your overall look fresh. I love the ’70s trend but not as a wholesale package. Instead, I’ll embrace certain aspects like tan accessories and bold shapes and make them work with my own style.
6. Understand the styles that suit your personality. What I like to wear might not be what you like to wear and guess what? That’s VERY ok. It would be a boring world if we all dressed the same. Wear what shows off YOUR personality to the world. Wear what makes YOU sparkle from the inside out. Sure, it’s great to get inspiration from around you but take that inspiration and make it your own.
7. Take time to do a recce of the shops – online works for this too. It’s still footy season so Friday nights are couch nights at our place with Mr SY firmly in position in front of the TV. I utilise this time wisely, sitting next to him (oh the romance!) browsing my favourite stores for new arrivals to get an overall picture of what’s out there and what possibly would be a fit for my seasonal wardrobe plan. Early on in the season I also like to carve out a couple of hours for bricks and mortar browsing. No kids or other distractions, just “me” time to wander and “research”.
8. Sign up for your favourite stores’ email lists and loyalty programs. Some of my key purchases of late have happened because of a store email landing in my inbox at just the right time. No matter how often you check in a store – online or in person – you can still miss some of the best new releases and snap sales. It really does pay (save you money!) to join store loyalty programs for stores in which you frequently shop. For more fashion budgeting tips, check out this article I was interviewed for.
9. Shoes are key to a seasonal update. Nothing freshens up an existing outfit from your current wardrobe more than a shoe in a new-season style. This season look for platforms, gladiator styles with laces, block heels, espadrille slip-ons, slides and sandals with detail to bring your spring outfits into 2015. Take this opportunity to look at your existing shoe collection and see if any need to be let go. It is only the most classic of shoe styles that retain wardrobe longevity – anything bought based on a trend will not look the part if that trend was 10 years ago.
10. Mix it up each day. It is so damn easy to get into a rut with what you wear every day. Trust me, that’s why I started the #everydaystyle challenge almost two years ago. I was in a massive rut. It was so easy to put on the same style of clothes every day. Sure, I put effort in when it came to events or occasions but for my normal work/school mum duties, I just grabbed the first thing in front of me in my wardrobe. I’m not saying this is a bad thing. I’m saying that it didn’t work for me. It didn’t give me the confidence boost I look to my clothes to give me each day. Once I started prioritising myself, pre-planning what I was wearing, and sharing those outfits on Instagram and Facebook, I purposely mixed things up – a dress one day; shorts or jeans the next. It’s nothing that you’d find in the pages of a high fashion magazine but it’s a daily habit that now keeps me accountable to myself. I’m worth it – and so are you. (If you’d like to further challenge yourself in the spring wardrobe department, join in with @Kimbalikes and #SpringFling)
Now you might want to hold off on your spring wardrobe shopping until next week (#justsaying). Tuesday, September 1 sees the launch of the Styling You Spring Shop. It’s only open until the end of September and we’re excited to share with you the capsule spring wardrobe we’ve put together. Plus, as extra inspiration for you, we’ve also photographed all the clothes on young working mum Peta from Trainee Mama. Here’s a sneak peek.
And remember … if you’d like to be in the running to win a $100 gift card to spend in the Styling You Spring Shop, enter my 2015 reader survey HERE.
So tell me, are you spring wardrobe ready? Planning a wardrobe edit for the next couple of weeks?
* This post contains some affiliate sales links. If you click through and buy some of these products I may receive a small commission. Full disclosure policy here.
Comments 48
At least you’ll be stocked and ready to go Tracy! Sounds like a beautiful colour palette you have organised.
At least you’ll be stocked and ready to go Tracy! Sounds like a beautiful colour palette you have organised.
Love the suggestions. That fascinator! And the black and white dress! Love them. I have a few dressy occasions coming up, so am hoping Melbourne is not too far behind with this whole nicer weather thing this year, because I’m itching to wear some pretty summer frocks!
I cannot wait to see you in those summer frocks!!
Thanks for the great post! Bring on Spring… so ready for some sunshine!! Would love to hear your thoughts on dressing for maternity since I’m currently 4 months pregnant and on the hunt for some new pieces for the season. I’m a jewellery designer so at least I can still get my fashion fix through my jewellery – no matter my size 🙂 http://www.lovepeach.com.au
Here are some great ideas for you Lucy https://www.stylingyou.com.au/2014/07/what-to-wear-when-you-are-pregnant/
Here are some great ideas for you Lucy https://www.stylingyou.com.au/2014/07/what-to-wear-when-you-are-pregnant/
Here are some great ideas for you Lucy https://www.stylingyou.com.au/2014/07/what-to-wear-when-you-are-pregnant/
I couldn’t agree more with tip #8 Nikki 🙂
I signed up for emails for a store that I’ve never purchased from but had always admired for their day dresses and last week my new addition arrived and I got it for over $100 off the retail price, including shipping!!!
Yes, they only take a quick glance to see if there’s something of interest!
Excited to see what’s in store in your shop Nikki. Awesome idea to have Peta in your clothes too.
I am LOVING that Spring/Summer is on it’s way! YESSSSSSS!!
Cx
Peta has added an awesome alternative to seeing just me in the clothes. We had such a fun time shooting it!
I am looking forward to spring! Love this time of year, just something awesome about it! I am also bored of my winter clothes, wearing so many layers etc. And I have some basics that were totally worn out and I donated so I have an excuse to update my wardrobe. And well as you said sequins are technically basics so I might need a few sparkly pieces too.
Glad you’re on board with my sequinned basics!! x
Glad you’re on board with my sequinned basics!! x
Can’t wait for your spring shop Nikki. I’m so bored with my winter wardrobe and can’t wait to get your pieces in there…I know you’ll have done all the hard work for us choosing pieces that work a million ways. Congrats on your recent and very well deserved awards and recognition; you certainly deserve it ☺️
Oh thanks so much Sharon – I hope you like what I’ve put together. There will be lots of combinations on show too to make it easy for you. x
I have my wishlist- just need to wait for pay day!
A wishlist is very good planning Lauren!
I was only thinking of you this morning when I realised it would be September NEXT WEEK! You must be beside yourself? My parents are in Spain right now!!
I think they will too Anna … you must be getting excited?!
Oh you could definitely do with some warm air from up here Jen … hope you are going ok? xx
Oh you could definitely do with some warm air from up here Jen … hope you are going ok? xx
The edit is key Gabrielle … you will probably surprise yourself what’s there and what’s versatile for the season ahead. Plan out some outfits with what you already have and you’ll not be tempted to bust your budget.
Oh you could definitely do with some warm air from up here Jen … hope you are going ok? xx
Thanks for the great post Nikki! While I dont have a lot of spare cash to shop around this Spring, I definitely need to go through my wardrobe and create a Spring edit. Love the denim Bohemian Traders dress – I’m already trying to think of a way I can sneak this into my wardrobe! xx http://diariesofabride.blogspot.com.au/
Thanks for the great post Nikki! While I dont have a lot of spare cash to shop around this Spring, I definitely need to go through my wardrobe and create a Spring edit. Love the denim Bohemian Traders dress – I’m already trying to think of a way I can sneak this into my wardrobe! xx http://diariesofabride.blogspot.com.au/
Looking forward to the Styling You Spring shop release, so far I’m loving it all! x
Thanks so much – can’t wait to share it with you!
Studying this HARD before I hit the shops in Sydney this weekend. When one lives in the bush and is presented with the opportunity to shop in Sydney one must be prepared for said shop! Lol. This post came just at the right time! Thanks Nikki!
Oh yes, you do not want to be wandering around without a plan! Maximise your time and browse online first! Good luck!!
Oh yes, you do not want to be wandering around without a plan! Maximise your time and browse online first! Good luck!!
Oh yes, you do not want to be wandering around without a plan! Maximise your time and browse online first! Good luck!!
Great hints, yet again. Thanks Nikki! I have always found Spring/Summer so tricky but these ideas and examples have got my mind racing!! Can’t wait to see more of the Styling You Spring shop – fab! xxx
Oh awesome Kim … I find spring/summer tricky as it goes on so long and I get bored … and you can’t layer like in winter! x
Oh awesome Kim … I find spring/summer tricky as it goes on so long and I get bored … and you can’t layer like in winter! x
Oh awesome Kim … I find spring/summer tricky as it goes on so long and I get bored … and you can’t layer like in winter! x
Yes I must do a spring wardrobe edit Nikki,I did buy a light pair of jeans to ease into the season even though Spring hasn’t really hit here yet,but they will add another element to what I have already!
I can’t wait to see what you have in the stylingyou shop Nikki I’m sure everything will be gorgeous And great tips thank you Xx
I hope you like what’s in the shop Lisa! And good work on the light pair of jeans … spring will creep up on you, I know it!
Loving that first outfit especially – such a fresh Spring look and those shoes, to die for! x
They are amazing shoes – love everything Zoe K does. x
They are amazing shoes – love everything Zoe K does. x
Can’t wait to see what is in the Styling You Spring Shop
Thanks Karen – I can’t wait to share!
Thanks Karen – I can’t wait to share!
How exciting, spring is nearly here! This weekend I am planning a big tidy up of my (our) wardrobe, rip it all out and start again. Just hoping we have a sunny weekend 🙂
I think we have rain forecast here but I can feel that we’ve said goodbye to winter … if I do it this weekend or next then I’ll be sorted! Good luck with yours!
I hope we do too Kathryn … mind you if it’s rainy I won’t be tempted to put off this job!