3 Simple Ways To Identify Seasonless Pieces Within Your Wardrobe

Tania Tonello is a fashion stylist, personal shopper, and regular contributor to STYLE Canada based in Downtown Toronto. On #WardobeWednesdays, she gives you fun yet practical tips and tricks to mastering the art of dressing and expressing yourself in a functional, economical, and more sustainable way. You can read her first instalment here. 

While self-isolation is keeping people locked inside their homes, a great deal of closet organizing and purging is taking place. And if you’ve jumped on the Marie Kondo-ing bandwagon early this spring, pause (!) before packing away your winter wardrobe and consider whether or not any of its pieces can be styled differently in the months ahead. Why can’t your ‘cute autumn or winter dress’ also be your ‘cute summer dress’? The good news is, it can be both. Depending on fabric, colour, and style, you can rock your favourite clothing items year round.

Here’s three simple ways to identify seasonless pieces within your wardrobe.

1. Examine Fabric

When selecting a seasonal wardrobe piece, ensure the item’s fabric composition is “all-season” friendly. Sporting linen during the winter or wool in the summer may not be the most sensible or comfortable choice. Instead, opt for lighter and breathable fabrics such as cotton, silk, and polyester. These will allow you to pack on the layers during colder months and keep you cool on hot summer days.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B8rmSrwHhGh/

2. Choose Colour

Colour is the most versatile factor when identifying seasonless pieces. Gone are the days of saving bright-coloured garments exclusively for the spring and summer. Wearing a vibrant yellow knit during the autumn or winter is a breath of fresh air, whereas wearing maroon during the summer runs the risk of looking heavy. Fortunately, primary colours like red and blue are welcome year round.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B910wZfhUmM/

3. Style Versatilely

Select pieces that look incredible when layered or worn solo. Can you roll up the sleeves of a ‘winter’ dress or pop a turtleneck under a ‘summer’ dress? Consider a piece of clothing’s all-season potential rather than what it offers at the time you find it in store.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B96-cdAHvWG/

Reasons To Love Seasonless Pieces:

• You get more bang for your buck – Your cost per wear will decrease significantly for pieces that can be worn 365 days a year.
• You save lots of time – Folding, packing, and storing off-season apparel is a time-consuming process versus keeping everything in your closet year round.
• You can use your imagination – Making items relevant and fresh throughout the seasons can be fun! Play with hosiery, layers, and accessories to discover various styling options for every staple piece you own. Get creative.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B8jgwlPJQZa/