WINTER WARDROBE CARE

Before You Pack Away Your Winter Wardrobe… Give It Some Love!

Well, winter is nearly behind us and the warmer weather is finally arriving.

Which means it’s time to start thinking about putting away those heavy coats, woolly jumpers, scarves and boots that have worked so hard for us over the last few months.

But before you throw everything into a tub and shove it to the back of the wardrobe, STOP!

There’s nothing worse than getting your favourite winter coat out next year only to discover a mark you didn’t notice, a missing button, a jumper covered in bobbles or boots that have seen better days.

And believe me, future you will thank you for spending a little time looking after them now.

I’m a big believer in looking after the clothes we already own. I love mixing old with new, and some of my favourite pieces have been in my wardrobe for years. Good quality clothing can last for a very long time if we give it a little love.

So, let’s get those winter favourites ready for their summer sleep!

First things first, check the care label

I know, I know… we don’t always want to read the care label!

But before you wash, soak, spray or iron anything, check it first. Especially when it comes to wool, cashmere, leather, suede and those beautiful tailored coats that you don't want to ruin.

Some garments can be gently washed at home, while others really do need a trip to the dry cleaner. And if it’s a favourite piece or something you’ve invested good money in, don’t take a chance.

Your beautiful winter coat deserves some attention

A good winter coat is an investment, so please don't just throw it over a chair and forget about it!

During winter follow these steps to help keep your coat in top condition for next year.

• Give your coat a chance to air after wearing it, particularly if you've been caught in the rain.
• Hang it on a good, strong hanger that supports the shoulders and keeps the shape of the coat.
• Have a look at the collar and cuffs too. These are areas that can pick up makeup, perfume, body oils and general dirt without us even noticing.
• A clothes brush is fantastic for removing dust, fluff and little bits that collect on your coat.
• If it needs more than a brush and a gentle clean, get it professionally cleaned before you pack it away. You don't want to discover that stain next winter!

Now for those woolly jumpers

This is where I see lots of mistakes.

Please don't hang your heavy woolen jumpers!

The weight of the garment can pull the shoulders out of shape and leave those horrible hanger bumps. Fold them instead.

And please ,no rough treatment!

• If you're washing wool at home, always check the care label first and use a detergent suitable for wool.
• Don't rub, twist or wring your beautiful knitwear. 
• Gently wash it, roll it in a towel to remove excess water, reshape it and lay it flat to dry,
• Keep it away from direct heat. I know we all want things to dry quickly, but putting your favourite wool jumper right next to a heater isn't the answer!

What about those little bobbles?

Don't throw out a perfectly good jumper because it has started to pill.

A simple fabric comb or depiller can make an amazing difference. I often find that a little bit of TLC can make an older garment look almost new again.

And that's what I love about fashion, sometimes we don't need something new at all. We just need to look after what we've already got.

Don't forget your PUFFER JACKETS

Puffer jackets are another winter favourite that can take a beating.

• Have a look around the collar, cuffs and under the arms. These areas can become marked without us really noticing.
• If your jacket can be washed at home, follow the care instructions carefully and make sure it is completely dry before putting it away.
• You definitely don't want to open the storage box next winter to be greeted by a musty smell!

And what about your BOOTS?

Our boots probably work harder than almost anything else in our winter wardrobe. Rain, puddles, mud, wet footpaths… they put up with a lot!

So before they go away for the summer, give them some attention.

• For leather boots, wipe away any dirt and moisture and allow them to dry naturally.
• Never put wet leather boots directly in front of a heater.
• Once they're dry, use a suitable leather cleaner and conditioner if needed.
• And don't just throw them into the bottom of the wardrobe.
• Use tissue paper or boot shapers inside them to help maintain their shape.

If you have suede or nubuck boots, remember that they need different products and care from leather.

And if you've invested in a beautiful pair of boots, it might be worth having them professionally cleaned or repaired before storing them.

A new sole or heel can give a much-loved pair of boots a whole new lease of life.

Don't put off those little repairs

This is something I always encourage my clients to do.

Don't put it off!

• That missing button you've been meaning to replace for six months? Do it now.
• The loose hem? Get it fixed.
• The coat that needs a little alteration? Put it on your list.
• The boots that need new heels? Take them to the shoe repairer.

Because if you put these things away without fixing them, there's a very good chance you'll pull them out next winter and think:

"Oh yes… I still haven't fixed that!"

We've all done it!

Before anything goes into storage, CLEAN IT!

This is probably the most important part of packing away your winter wardrobe.

Even if something looks clean, it may still have body oils, perfume, makeup, food or other marks on it that you can't see.

Over time, these can cause discolouration, smells and even attract unwanted little visitors.

So, before you pack everything away:

✔️ Clean or dry-clean your garments as required.

✔️ Make sure everything is completely dry.

✔️ Fold your knitwear rather than hanging it.

✔️ Repair missing buttons, loose hems and other little problems.

✔️ Give your boots a clean and condition leather where appropriate.

✔️ Use clean storage tubs or breathable garment bags.

✔️ Label your storage so you know what's inside.

And please don't squash your beautiful woollens into an airtight plastic bag. Natural fibres like wool need to breathe.

While you're doing it… have a wardrobe edit!

And here's where I would take it one step further. This is the perfect time to have a little wardrobe clear-out. As you're handling each piece, ask yourself:

• Did I wear this winter?
• Do I still love it?
• Does it fit me now?
• Does it make me feel good when I wear it?
• Does it need repairing or altering?

And perhaps most importantly…  Will I actually wear it next winter?

You might discover a beautiful coat hiding at the back of the wardrobe that you'd completely forgotten about.

Or you might find three jumpers that you never wear.

You may discover something needs altering, something needs repairing, something can be donated , or perhaps you've simply fallen out of love with it.

And that's okay too.

Your wardrobe doesn't always need something new

One of my favourite things about styling is showing women what they already have in their wardrobe.

Sometimes we think we need to go shopping when what we really need is to look at our clothes with fresh eyes.

• That old skirt might look completely different with a new top.
• Your favourite coat might need nothing more than a good clean.
• Those boots you've had for years might just need a new heel.
• And that jumper you've stopped wearing might come back to life with the right outfit.

Fashion isn't always about buying more. It's about making what you have work for you.

So before you pack away your winter wardrobe, give your clothes a little love, fix those little jobs you've been putting off and have a good look at what you've actually got.

Then next winter, when you open that wardrobe or storage box, everything will be clean, cared for, organised and ready to wear.

And believe me, getting dressed will be so much easier!

Happy wardrobe editing!