How to switch your wardrobe between seasons

There’s something satisfying about the seasonal wardrobe switch. Summer dresses and linen shirts go away, cosy knits and coats come back, and your wardrobe suddenly feels new again without buying a thing.

It can also feel like a big job. The trick is to break it into small steps and make a few decisions along the way, so the clothes you bring back next season are ones you’re happy to see.

When to do it

There’s no fixed date. The right moment depends on where you live and how your weather behaves.

A few signs it’s time:

You’ve reached for a jumper several mornings in a row
Your summer pieces are mostly sitting untouched
The forecast for the next few weeks looks settled in its new pattern

If you live somewhere with long, mild transitions, you don’t need to do it all at once. Many people find it easier to switch in two stages: a partial swap as the weather starts to turn, and a full one once the new season has properly arrived.

Pick a quiet afternoon or a weekend morning. Put on some music, open a window, and give yourself time.

Take everything out of season

Start by gathering every piece from the season you’re putting away. Look in your wardrobe, drawers, the laundry basket, the back of chairs, and anywhere else clothes like to hide.

Laying it all out in one place helps you see what you actually own, which is often different from what you think you own.

Sort as you go

Before anything goes into storage, go through each piece. Make four piles:

Keep: you wore it, you love it, and it fits well
Repair or clean: a loose button, a fallen hem, a stain you’ve been meaning to deal with
Pass on: it’s in good condition but no longer right for you
Unsure: you need a little more time to decide

Be kind to yourself in this step. Bodies change across seasons and years, and that’s completely normal. If something no longer fits comfortably, it isn’t a failure. It’s simply a piece that’s ready for someone else. If you love it, a tailor may be able to alter it.

A few questions that make decisions easier:

Did I wear this at all this season?
Do I feel good when I wear it?
Would I buy it again today?

Anything in the unsure pile can go into a separate bag. If you don’t miss it by next season, you have your answer.

Clean before storing

This is the step most people skip, and it matters. Clothes that look clean can still carry body oils, deodorant marks or tiny food spots that become more visible and harder to remove after months in a box. They can also attract moths.

Wash or dry clean everything according to its care label
Make sure every piece is completely dry before it goes away
Treat stains now rather than next year
Empty all pockets
Clean shoes and let them air before storing

Our clothing care guide has more detail on washing and caring for different fabrics.

Storage tips that protect your clothes

Good storage means your clothes come back looking as good as when they went in.

Use breathable containers. Fabric storage boxes or cotton bags let air circulate. Sealed plastic can trap moisture.
Fold knitwear, don’t hang it. Hanging stretches knits out of shape over time.
Hang structured pieces. Coats, blazers and tailored dresses keep their shape better on sturdy hangers.
Add natural moth deterrents such as cedar blocks or lavender sachets, especially for wool and cashmere.
Choose a cool, dry, dark spot. Avoid lofts that get very hot, or damp basements.
Label your boxes so you know what’s inside without unpacking everything.
Stuff bags and shoes with tissue paper to help them hold their shape.

If space is tight, under-bed boxes, the top shelf of a wardrobe, or vacuum bags for bulky items like duvets (not delicate knits) can all help.

Keep transitional pieces out

Some clothes work all year round, and they shouldn’t disappear into storage. These are the pieces that bridge the seasons:

Light jackets, denim jackets and trench coats
Fine-knit jumpers and cardigans
Long-sleeved T-shirts and simple shirts
Jeans and straight or wide-leg trousers
Midi skirts that work with bare legs or tights
Loafers, trainers and ankle boots
Scarves in lighter fabrics

Keeping these out gives you flexibility for those unpredictable in-between days. Our post on dressing for changing weather covers layering for exactly those moments.

Bring the new season back in

Now for the fun part. Unpack your stored clothes, give them a shake, and let them air for a day if they’ve been boxed for a while. Steam or press anything that has creased.

As you put things back, do a quick check:

Does everything still fit and feel good?
Is anything damaged or in need of repair?
Are there gaps you’ve noticed, such as a warm coat or a pair of waterproof boots?

Make a short list of anything you genuinely need, rather than shopping on impulse. Before winter, our winter capsule numbers can show you whether you’re really short of anything.

Refresh your outfits with what returns

Clothes you haven’t seen for months can feel almost new. Use that freshness to try combinations you haven’t worn before.

Mix seasons. Wear a summer slip skirt with a chunky knit and boots, or layer a sleeveless dress over a fine roll neck.
Play with colour. Pair returning knitwear with pieces you’ve worn all year in new ways. A warm rust or deep green knit can look completely different next to denim, cream or grey.
Rethink accessories. A belt, a scarf or a different bag can change how familiar pieces feel.
Put your favourites at the front. What you can see is what you’ll wear.

Try putting together a handful of outfits in the first week so busy mornings feel easier.

Making the switch easier next time

Each switch is a chance to learn what you actually wear. With Amalook, our upcoming wardrobe app, you’ll be able to add clothes from photos, see colour and style insights about what you really reach for, and plan outfits on a calendar with the weather in mind if you choose to share your approximate location. You can read more about how Amalook works.

Written by the Pleyada team in Paphos, Cyprus. Questions or ideas? Write to hello@pleyada.tech.