6 Steps To Get Your Closet Winter Ready (& How To Keep Your Pieces In Great Shape)

For years I would be shocked every time the weather got colder. Even though it happens every single year, and at the same time, it would still surprise me. This usually meant getting caught in the cold (literally) because I was convinced I could wear sandals at least one more day, or running late in the morning because I was scrambling to find my gloves. Please tell me I'm not alone?

It became so much easier when I was living in LA because I only needed to prepare winter stuff when I was heading back east for the holidays. Once we moved to Oregon and we spent that first winter in -10 degrees, I decided I was done with my cold weather scramble. Like the other parts of my closet and style journey, I made a plan and decided I was going to create enough systems to make sure I would always be prepared for when the temps drop. 

Now that I’ve got this part down, let’s make sure you do too. It’s my responsibility as a stylist to make sure that you have a prepped and organized closet so you can quickly find a cute outfit when it’s freezing and all you want to do is get back in bed, k? There will be links to download a printable version of the checklist and guide below, as well as links to all of the products I use to maintain my winter items.

That first chilly morning can be such a welcomed cozy moment - unless your favorite sweater smells musty and you can't find the boots you want. That's where preparation comes in. It helps to do it a week or two before the weather really changes, and I’ve found the sweet spot is usually early October. Of course that will change depending on where you live, so pick a date that works for you.

Here’s a rundown of how to prep your closet:

1. Put away summer options. 

Bathing suits, shorts, and any pieces that are strictly for summer should be stored away for next season or your next vacation. Take note of what you didn’t wear this summer and decide if any pieces will be sold or donated. Make room for all the bulky items that fall & winter bring with it.

2. Weatherproof your leather goods.

Leather and suede products need protecting, and that protection needs a dry time. Condition your boots and give them 24-48 hours (or whatever amount of time your product calls for) to be fully dry before wearing them outside.

3. Launder knits

If your chunky sweaters and coats have been packed away for the last few months, they need to be taken out and laundered. Check the labels and either wash on delicate/handwash or take them on a trip to the cleaners.

4. Find your accessories

Gloves, hats, scarves, tights, etc. Make sure they are laundered, and find a convenient place to store them for easy access.

5. Make repairs

Depill any unruly knits, make sure your tights are run-free, check sweaters and scarves for pulls or holes, and bring them to a seamstress for repairs if needed. Take note of anything that needs replacing and add it to your shopping list.

6. Reorganize your closet and add in the seasonal pieces

The last step is to add in the winter pieces and reorganize if needed. Sweaters and heavier knits should be folded, not hung and make sure to designate a space for your coats and cold weather accessories.

Now that you’re organized, let’s nail down your winter style. 

Try on some options and see if you can come up with any new outfits, and make a list of the pieces you want to add to your wardrobe to amplify what you already own. Think back to last fall/winter and try to remember if there was anything you felt you were missing or wanted more of in your wardrobe.

Spend some time on Pinterest or Instagram to get style inspiration for the coming season. When you see an outfit or article of clothing that you like, save them to a folder. Once you have 20-30 saves, go through and look for themes. What are you drawn to this year? What colors, patterns, fabrics are repeating? What shapes or styles are you gravitating towards this season? What outfit formulas are you saving? Now go see what you can recreate using what you already own, and then write down anything you’d like to add to your wardrobe to amplify the existing pieces. 

Once you make a list of what you'd like to add into your wardrobe, be intentional about shopping. If you're shopping online, make sure to read reviews on sizing and return policies. If you're shopping in person, make sure you love it and will actually wear it before you bring it home. Always check your off season storage to make sure you're not buying something you already own (you'd be surprised at how often this happens). 

If you get any new pieces, spend some time trying on outfits and see how many combinations you can come up with. My rule of thumb is that I should be able to make at least three outfits with anything new coming into my wardrobe, unless it's a special occasion piece. Take photos of the outfits you love and add them to an album on your phone as your own personal look book so you always have an outfit to fall back on. If you do this in the fall and spring every year, your closet will run like a well oiled machine.

Let’s go over how to keep your clothes in great shape and winter ready.

Items to have on hand:

• Dryer sheets to combat static cling. Rub the dryer sheet on the inside of the fabric to remove static.

• Sweater comb or electric sweater shaver to remove lint and pilling

• Wool + Cashmere spray. Great for keeping knits, coats, hats fresh in between laundering, and it’s a natural moth repellent.

• Gentle laundry detergent

• Mesh bags for washing delicates - thin scarves, tights, lingerie, etc.

• Weatherproof spray

• Leather conditioner. Most conditioners need to dry for at least 24 hours, so plan accordingly. Condition leather boots every 3-6 months.

Tips for keeping items in their best shape:

• Pay attention to care instructions on each piece.

• Take care of stains immediately.

• Do not hang thick sweaters. It can cause the fabrics to stretch, and can create indents from the hanger. Keep them folded to help retain their shape.

• Do not keep your coats in a stuffed closet; give them room so the fabric can breathe.

• If your leather goods get wet, dry them by blotting, not wiping, as soon as possible.

• Utilize boot inserts to help boots keep their shape. If you don’t have any, rolled thick socks will also work.

• Always launder clothes before storing them.

You can grab a printable version of the closet turnover checklist here and the winter care guide here, and below are links to all of the items I use to keep my clothes in great shape. Enjoy!