Spring closet clean outs & how to refresh with purpose
Words by Alice Hartwell
The first blossoms of spring evoke a pull towards change, no matter how small, in every aspect of our lives. The concept of starting anew is both hopeful and energizing, and within these seasonal cleanouts, we typically seek a new lease of life within our closets.
This is an open invitation to rethink your approach to daily dressing, starting with an organized, considered and conscious closet. It’s out with the old, but not necessarily in with the new.
The psychology of closet cleanouts
Why is our annual wardrobe tidy so very satisfying? Experts feel the power of an organized, decluttered and sensical closet goes way beyond just aesthetics. There’s a reason you feel a greater sense of mental clarity when not wading through a sea of unused and, frankly, unloved clothes. Purging your closet space allows for greater focus when curating outfits, helping align you with a more authentic personal style, while simultaneously offering reconnection with forgotten pieces.
*Reflect with dāl *
What feelings arise when you declutter your wardrobe? How does this affect your approach to daily dressing?
3 paths to streamline your style (and wardrobe) this spring
1. color theory
At the heart of any rotational closet, are pieces that both compliment and reflect our individual essence. Color theory considers a person’s physical traits, including hair color and skin tone, to harmoniously style them in shades that flatter their unique assets. These palettes are known as seasons, so aptly as we move into spring, consider discovering yours to simplify your clearout.
*Reflect with dāl* Which colors do you feel most confident wearing? Which shades light you up, both physically and emotionally?
2. Sandwich dressing
Spring is a stylistic “in-between”, with fluctuating temperatures making outfit planning tricker. Sandwich dressing offers a versatile and minimalist route to transitioning your closet and everyday style from winter to spring. It’s rooted in 3 key pillars, the proverbial bread and filling - pairing your top and bottom layers with a different shade that falls in the middle.
The dāl sandwich - shades of black (shoes and the Modal Rib Knit Cardigan) sandwiching in a muted, natural tone (the Linen Wide Leg Pants)
3. Capsule closeting
If you experience overwhelm and style stagnancy from an overwhelming closet, you may want to consider capsuling down - it’s better for the environment and your headspace. These capsules, similar to how we launch our seasonal collections here at dāl, focus on a limited number of versatile, multifunctional pieces that seamlessly complement each other.
In a quiet moment, seek more of our advice on capsule dressing through our latest story.
*Reflect with dāl*
What items in your closet come to mind when creating a spring capsule, and importantly, why?
With gratitude and love,
Dana & the dāl team