Closet Care Through the Seasons: A Textile Specialist’s Approach
I gave my closet a good seasonal refresh yesterday, and it made me think—there are so many ways to do this (and plenty of blog posts out there about it), but I wanted to share what works for me. Not to show off my system, but to encourage you to be intentional about your clothing and offer a little inspiration as we enter spring.
As a textile care professional, I’ve found that keeping my closet in rhythm with the seasons makes it easier to care for my garments—and enjoy them more, too. I do seasonal swaps four times a year:
🧥 March (early spring)
👗 June (high summer)
🧶 Late September (fall layers)
🎄 Right after Thanksgiving (winter and holiday wear)
In between those times, if I add something new (which is often new-to-me from a secondhand shop), I try to let go of something else—whether it’s no longer my style, doesn’t fit right, or has simply served its purpose. That one-in, one-out rhythm helps me avoid clutter and keeps my wardrobe full of pieces I love.
🧵 What I’ve Learned About Myself (and My Closet)
At this stage in life, I’ve become pretty clear on my personal style and my favorite colors. About 80% of my wardrobe is built around:
Blues and greys
Soft pinks and corals
Creamy whites
But I also keep a few outlier pieces—because let’s be honest: some days, I want to wear red, and I need to keep a black dress on hand for more somber occasions.
I only keep neutral shoes, which makes getting dressed easier, but I do have a fun rotation of handbags and small purses that I swap out often to keep things fresh.
👚 A Few Tips to Make Closet Swaps More Meaningful
If you’re looking to be more intentional with your wardrobe this year, here are a few things I’ve found helpful during a seasonal changeover:
1. Inspect as You Rotate
As you move pieces out of your closet, take a moment to check them for:
Missing buttons
Loose hems
Stains or odors
This is the perfect time to repair, clean, or press those items before storing them for the season. A little effort now can make a big difference when you pull them back out later.
2. Let Go with Purpose
Some pieces just won’t make the cut anymore—and that’s okay.
Ask yourself:
Does it still fit me and my life?
Do I still feel good in it?
Did I wear it this season?
If not, consider donating or selling the item while it’s still in good shape. It may be just what someone else is looking for.
3. Celebrate What You Love
Keep and care for what you love. When your wardrobe reflects your style and your life, it becomes easier to dress with confidence, joy, and ease.
Whether your approach is minimalist, color-coded, capsule-style, or simply “do what works,” I hope this encourages you to treat your clothes with care and intention. Your wardrobe is a part of your story—and when cared for thoughtfully, it can serve you beautifully through every season.
Need help cleaning or preserving your favorite pieces before packing them away? We’re here for that.
– Tami
Owner & Textile Specialist, Great Lakes Clothing Care