The Big Spring Clearout

If, like me, you can’t open your cupboard without something falling out, the idea of a clearout constitutes a mini heart attack. With the sun coming out and temperatures firmly into double digits, it’s officially spring and definitely time to sort out your wardrobe and get ready to bare some skin. We’re only a hop, skip and a bikini wax away from summer, so now’s the time to conquer your wardrobe like Beyonce attacks those high notes.

We should be grateful, really, that we have this problem in the first place; in many areas of the world, weather is consistent throughout the year and changes very little. By having four distinct seasons, Britain is lucky. The flip side of this is that we have to buy more clothes to be seasonally appropriate, but this is why our fashion industry is so renowned; how British designers keep functional seasonal clothing exciting is a mystery to me.

But back to the task at hand; how exactly do you tackle your wardrobe and get yourself spring-ready? It’s not an easy task to be sure and the first thing to do is get yourself in the right frame of mind. Set aside at least an hour, make a herculean-sized pot of coffee, high-bun your hair and Spotify some motivational music. I recommend Whitney Houston, Def Leppard or Britney Spears. Only now are you ready to take on your greatest annual challenge. Deep breath, here we go.

Firstly clear out anything black. Spring and summer is all about Colour – with a capital C – and black has no place here. AT ALL. The same goes for dark browns and greys; lighter shades can prove very useful. Anything black needs to be pushed to the back of your wardrobe.

If you haven’t worn it for a year, bin it. Make like Gatsby and throw them dramatically over your shoulder into a box marked ‘charity shop.’

Can’t decide? Try it on. I don’t know about you, but there are things I bought this time last year that I wouldn’t be seen dead in today (hareem pants, anyone?) Similarly, your weight/height/attitude may have changed, so items that were acceptable a year ago may need to be banned from your wardrobe. A year in Nashville led to my wardrobe looking like a plaid bomb had exploded in there. Dark days indeed.

The next step is to sort everything into categories. This is self-explanatory – trousers/shirts/jackets are just some suggestions. If you know you have an internship or beach holiday lined up, it’s a good idea to allocate separate categories. If you have winter clothes – a woolly jumper, warm coat or gloves – that you aren’t going to wear until October, put an empty suitcase to good use and get rid of them. Put them alongside the black clothes. They are obsolete for the next six months, unless you’re going to the Arctic Circle.

Update your wardrobe with some new-season essentials. Here’s the fun part. Adding one or two new pieces will rejuvenate your wardrobe is refreshing and exciting – with a purchase of a new sundress, you’ll be itching even more for that first full day of glorious sunshine. Here are a few suggestions for an instant update;

Bright trousers and shorts: An absolute staple of my summer wardrobe that adds an instant punch to any outfit. This year my favourites are cobalt blue or light red and Gap have some super comfy ones. Wear with a simple white t-shirt and navy blue blazer.

Sandals with those thick straps: These are EVERYWHERE, from the catwalk to New Look, so getting your feet in some won’t be a problem. & Other Stories have some great heeled pairs, whilst ASOS do pretty flats with contrasting toe/ankle straps.

A crisp white shirt: It sounds ridiculous to be writing this – doesn’t everyone have an easy white shirt to throw on? It’s not so much a summer essential as a LIFE essential. The white shirt will carry you from interview room to dinner table with simple elegance and casual ease. Embellishments on cuffs or collars are always welcome. Available from all good clothes retailers.

A bright statement jacket: Not a big secret this one. If you live in jeans or don’t particularly want to draw attention to your lower half, colour on top is a good way to go. Zara always have a couple of smart pieces, whilst Topshop often tap into a more pastel vibe.

Something Perspex: The new plastic/Perspex movement on the catwalk is a bit confusing; designers are asking you to pay hundreds, if not thousands, for something essentially made of plastic. The Chanel box bag is a particularly dubious one. However, in jewellery, shoes or accessories, this can be a discreet but effective fashion update.

Congratulations, your wardrobe is cleansed and ready to face the great British summer! Now all we need is sun, strawberries and a bottle of Pimm’s.