How to Make More Outfits Out of What You Have
I’ve created a checklist for you of what you need to have on hand for Spring and Summer in order to create outfits for every occasion. Age doesn’t matter because all of these items are classic and basic pieces. They will make it easy for you to make more outfits out of what you have. To make them fun as well as useful, check out what is trending. Wearing something new and modern makes you look young.
Maybe you already have all or most of these essentials. If not, April is the time of year when spring clothing is on sale. So it’s a good time to fill in gaps in your warm-weather wardrobe, or upgrade things that are wearing out (or wearing out their welcome).
I’m not one for paring my clothes down into a capsule wardrobe because I love to have options for creating something a little different every day. But I do believe in having all the basics you’ll need to provide the main structure for a wide array of outfit possibilities.
If you have all the necessities, you won’t ever have to feel like you don’t have anything to wear. Basic clothes in neutral colors form the framework for adding variety and embellishment. Bonus points if you have chosen one neutral as a base for your wardrobe. Extra bonus points if it’s a neutral that looks best on you!
Warm-Season Fabrics to Keep You Cool
But first, a word about warm-season fabrics. Modern materials are often made of cotton/polyester/spandex blends, so that will work for all seasons. Jersey pieces are also good for all seasons, because they are light enough for summer and can be used in winter for layering.
Here is a general list of what fabrics to change over to for spring —
Substitute:
- cotton twill or linen for tweed and gabardine
- cotton sweaters and t-shirt jersey for wool sweaters
- silky fabrics and thin rayon or cotton jersey for wool jersey
- light and airy gauze for thick, heavy materials
- thin cotton or blends of cotton and rayon, etc., for winter-weight blouses
Basic Spring/Summer Wardrobe Checklist:
This is the bare bones list of what you absolutely must have to cover all occasions. Once you have these items, you can build from there, adding whatever you love and updating your style.
This is like a packing list, only you’re packing your closet for the trip of your day-to-day life!
_____ A Jacket or Blazer, a Skirt and Pants as a suit or in contrasting neutrals: in a good-quality linen or nice suiting fabric. These pieces will take you anywhere, put together as a suit for business/day events or separately with your other clothes.
______ White Pants: in an all-season fabric or linen or cotton/cotton-blend, this will go with just about anything. It can be any shade of white (off-white, cream, ecru, etc.)
_____ A Black or White Dress: in a simple style without a lot of trim or detail, versatile enough for daytime or evening. Jerseys, silk, silk-like blends, and cotton knits are good for summer and warm climates.
_____ 2 Blouses: One crisp, white blouse (or a silky, jersey or thin cotton material); and a casual blouse in a print, plaid or solid accent color.
_____ Dressy Blouse: in a shimmering or sheer fabric and in a neutral color.
_____ Sweater: in a short-sleeve cool knit and a basic color.
_____ Cocktail pants, skirt, or dress: in a basic color and a dressy, versatile fabric, such as a silky jersey to go with your dressy blouse.
_____ Casual pants or skirt: denim or any casual material.
_____ T-shirts: a short-sleeve t-shirt, a long-sleeve tee, a camisole, a tank top and a strapless top (optional).
_____ Lounging Clothes: comfortable jeans, shorts, etc.
_____ A casual coat: a trench coat, leather jacket, or rain slicker.
_____ A Light jacket: a jean jacket, parka or utility jacket.
_____ An evening wrap: a light trench coat or a suit jacket in a light-colored neutral will work for casual evenings; and for dressing up you can use a kimono, a cape or a pretty shawl.
_______ Belts: toned to your day and evening shoes. For summer, add a natural-color canvas belt; a belt of rope, braided hemp or straw; a slash of color toned to your sandal colors.
_______ Scarves: silky, gauzy or thin knit; it should be soft and easy to tie.
Shoes:
_____ Espadrille: canvas and rope-soled
_____ Flat sandal: in a nude or natural color leather; you can also add red, white and a metallic if you want to round out your options
_____ Moccasin: in a nude color
_____ Tennis Shoes: in plain white canvas
_____ Sneakers: for sports and exercise
Handbags:
_____ Shoulder tote/briefcase: in cream or beige canvas and tan leather, or all canvas
_____ Purse: in canvas and leather, or a pale tan to match day sandal
_____ Straw bag: with leather straps
_____ Evening bag: a pale color leather or red leather small bag, depending on your evening shoe colors
_____ Casual evening bag: a small straw envelope bag
Is this list helpful to you in checking to make sure that you have the basics needed for spring and summer? Would you like me to post another checklist when cold weather rolls around? Let me know in the comments below!
Like this post? You might also want to read:
- “How to Clean Out Your Closet for Spring in 6 Easy Steps“
- “How to Really Enjoy the Transition to Spring“
- “How to Wear the 9 Most Popular Accessories of All Time“
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Angie
These tips are really awesome! I will surely use some of these ideas. Thank you!
StyleSprinter Blog by Katya Bychkova
Thanks for the encouragement, Katya! I hope this helps you to add pieces to your wardrobe this spring that will make lots more outfits.