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How to Winterize Your Wardrobe

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It’s January in Kansas! This means we are in the thick of winter wardrobing. By now, you have hopefully switched your closet from fall to winter. But if you haven’t, here are the rules for what to store until spring arrives.

What to store:
Anything with linen in the fabrication
Gingham and other summer or pre-fall prints
Cotton eyelet lace, lightweight cotton woven, or cotton sweater knits.
Super light-wash denim with rips or holes
Any open-toe shoes
Your trusty jean jacket (don’t worry, you will see her soon!)

What to bring into your wardrobe rotation:
Wool and cashmere sweaters
All the cardigans
Leather jackets
Cozy scarves and hats
Corduroy pants
Wool trousers and blazers
Turtlenecks
All the boots and booties

Storing items when they are out of season is a great way to see what you have in your closet that you can wear now. But storage is storage and some of your items may need a little freshening up. Follow these care instructions for winter clothing in your closet.

Pull out all your sweaters and give them some love by using a sweater stone or sweater shaver to de-pill. If your sweater is heavier, such as wool, the sweater stone is the way to go. If you have more fine knits such as cashmere or merino wool, a sweater shaver is your best option.

Toss those sweaters in the dryer with a wool dryer ball. These all-natural balls will reduce drying time and help with the static electricity we all love. Dryer balls can be used in place of a dryer sheet for any of your laundry. Fun tip: add a few drops of your favorite essential oil to your dryer ball for fresh laundry with a light scent.

Have some cedar blocks hiding or hanging somewhere in your closet. It’s cold outside, so some of the critters want to come inside and cozy up in your gorgeous cashmere sweater, leaving sad little holes. Save yourself some money and a trip to a weaver by keeping cedar blocks in your closet!

Have you ever seen someone wearing a beautiful sweater that has points at the shoulders? Quick tip: those points are not supposed to be there. If your sweater is a looser knit and heavier weight, fold it on a shelf or over a hanger to prevent those dreadful pointers.

Are your boots thrown haphazardly all over the floor of your closet? Keep them organized and keep your leather and suede looking nice by using boot shapers. You can find boot shapers online in various styles. You can DIY them as well! Roll up old catalogs or magazines or cut foam pool noodles to fit and stick inside your tall boots. 

Last but not least, don’t forget to create your very own winter closet survival kit! Keep this kit on hand to help your winter wardrobe stay polished until spring time! Quick tip: Find travel size options for your kit to keep in your car or to take with you when you travel. Include Static Guard, a lint roller, suede or leather protectant spray, a suede brush, a sweater shaver and a sweater stone. You will thank me later!

Abby Wood is a wardrobe stylist and style blogger in Kansas City, and her education in design plus retail experience make her an expert in fit, fabric, style and trends. Her professional experience in fashion began with an apprenticeship with a bridal designer, shifted to creating and showing her  own line, moving up to management and training at a retail level and now professional styling as an independent consultant. Abby loves to help individuals develop and evolve their own sense of style. 

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