How to Transition Your Closet From Spring to Summer

Seasonal changes typically involve a difference in activities that make it necessary to reorganize your home and closet. While the transition from spring to summer isn’t as dramatic as winter to spring, there are still some adjustments to be made as you prepare for the hottest months of the year. Summer closets have a lot of advantages.

Popular summer pieces like cotton dresses don't take up a lot of space, making it easy to find what you’re looking for when you’re in a pinch. But to make your summer closet the most optimal space for hot weather fun, here are a few tips.

Tuck Away Remaining Cold-Weather Items

While you may have needed a light sweater or two for the spring, you can now confidently pack away your cold-weather items. If you live in a temperate climate, the weather won’t fluctuate for some time, so you won’t need these pieces on hand for a while. Of course, it’s still advisable to keep at least one emergency cardigan or light pullover in case you go somewhere that has the air conditioner turned down low, like a restaurant or movie theater.

Naturally, storing the rest of your thick sweaters, boots, and knit cardigans opens up a lot of space in your closet. For maximum storage potential, invest in some vacuum seal bags that can protect your winter clothing from pests and odors.

Organize your Swimsuits

If your summer involves beach trips, lazy pool days, and boating, then you need an entourage of swimsuits to keep you in fashion. There are different styles of swimwear to meet different social settings, so keep your various swimsuits in one place for quick retrieval. If you prefer swim separates, use one small drawer to store your tops and another for your bottoms.

Designate a place in your closet to hang your swim cover-ups that can also double as regular dresses on a non-swimming day. For your convenience, keep a small compartment of summer essentials like sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, and water shoes in your closet that allows you to pack your beach bag quickly.

Bring Your Frequently Worn Clothing Front and Center

Summer is a great time for lightweight cotton shirts, comfortable clothing, and endless style creativity. But the foundation of your closet should be the essential tops and bottoms that you wear for work and leisure.

Organize your professional and casual wardrobe by designating a section of your hanging clothes for professional tops, slacks, and other business casual clothing like men's polo shirts. Then, use the other section of your closet to make your casual tops like camisoles and t-shirts easily accessible. Dresses, shorts, and skirts are also great items to store this way.

Keep Your Jeans Light

Summer is still a great time to wear jeans, but be careful to not overheat in them. Pick jeans made of lightweight denim or opt for capri pants or shorts. However, keep a pair or two of regular-length jeans on hand for a cooler end-of-summer night. They are also useful for times when you know you’re going to spend an extended period indoors, such as at a convention, mall trip, or movie. Jean shorts are the easy go-to bottom for practically any summer outing. They are especially suited for casual settings, like barbecues and days at the park. By having a variety of denim at your disposal, you can plan great outfits that serve your needs.

Dressing for Work

Staying professional during the dog days of summer can be tough, but when you keep your summer business casual items at hand’s reach in your closet, you won’t need to break a sweat at your next meeting. Switch out any button-down shirts made of flannel or thick materials and opt for lightweight women's blouses, short sleeves, and breathable materials.

It's also important to check the material of the shirts and bottoms you buy before committing them to your summer wardrobe. While your wool blend sport coat looks great on you, it can make you too hot to focus when the temperatures climb high. Instead, find a blazer or coat of the same cut but with all-season materials to promote air circulation and comfort during the summer.