| Ask Mary Lou |
Each month, Mary Lou answers (and we post!) a fashion question from one of our site visitors. If you have something you want to know to help pull together your wardrobe with style and confidence, ask away!
We also announce that the monthly question and answer is available to read in our free Dressing Well "Tip of the Month!" You may want to subscribe if you haven't already done so.
Bookmark this page and return back soon to see if your question has been answered or check our question archives!
For March 2010:
Q: I live in the Northeast where it may continue to be cold for a while. What steps can I take now to get my closets ready for spring? I’m psychologically done with winter!
A: Early spring is a great time to review and make adjustments to your outerwear collection. Here are six easy steps to get you started:
- Coat Closet First. Visit your coat closet first and start packing your heaviest winter coats away. Be sure to check the pockets and, if necessary, remove pins from any lapels before putting them away. I once had a client who reclaimed over $100 by cleaning out her coat pockets!
- Partner with Your Drycleaner. Consider taking your heaviest coats to the dry cleaner now to free up room and psychologically get you in the mood for spring. Most cleaners will store items free of charge for the cost of the dry cleaning.
- Lighten Up. If you are not quite ready to part with all of your wool coats this early, consider adding a lightweight wool scarf in a vibrant color to brighten your look.
- Gather Winter Shoes & Boots. Pile all the shoes that you wear in both winter and spring that have been soiled by the wear and tear of winter into a handy tote and make it a point to drop it off at the cobbler for repairs and polishing. In a month or two when you put on your spring fashions, you’ll be glad you took the time to clean up your shoes. There is nothing worse than shoes that have salt and snow stains all over them in April and May!
- Review your Spring Coat Collection. Trench coats are great when transitioning from winter to spring. Trench coats with a lining can be particularly handy to help you chase away any remaining chill in the days ahead. Many of our clients have long parted with some of their heavy wool coats, preferring to wear a lined trench on most winter as well as spring and fall days.
- Use Scarves. Silk and rayon scarves generally look the best with trench coats. Wool scarves tend to be too heavy. Use the colors in these scarves strategically to connect your coat to the outfit you are wearing underneath.
