There’s something about the shift in seasons that makes everyone want to reset a bit. Not just in routine, but also in their closets. When the weather starts changing, do you find yourself standing in front of your closet thinking, “Wait ... what do I even wear this time of year?” One day it’s warm and sunny, the next it’s chilly and overcast, and suddenly getting dressed feels like a puzzle.
But here’s the good news: transitioning your wardrobe doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With just a few simple steps (and maybe a little closet clean-out), you can get your outfits ready for whatever the new season throws your way, without stress and starting from scratch.
Do a Quick Closet Clean-out
Speaking of closet clean-outs, let’s start there. Before you start layering up for the new season, take a little time to check in with what’s already hanging in your closet. It doesn’t have to be a full Saturday-long overhaul (unless you want it to be), but even a quick clean-out can make a big difference. Ask yourself a few simple questions: Did I wear this at all last season? Does it still fit the way I want it to? Do I even like it anymore? If the answer’s no, then it’s probably time to donate it.
The truth is, our lives change from season to season, and our wardrobes should reflect that. Maybe a top you loved last year doesn’t feel like you anymore, or those jeans just never actually made it out of the drawer. That’s okay. The goal here isn’t perfection, it’s creating a closet full of pieces that make getting dressed easier, not more stressful.
Here’s a quick list to help guide your clean-out:
- Keep: The things you wore on repeat and still love.
- Toss or donate: Anything that doesn’t fit, feels worn out or just isn’t your style anymore.
- Store: Off-season items that you’ll want again later (like heavier coats or sandals).
- Try on: Anything you’re unsure about—sometimes just putting it on again helps you decide.
- Make a note: Any basics you’re missing or pieces you want to replace this season.
It’s amazing how much lighter and more inspired you’ll feel with a little less clutter and a little more clarity. Plus, you’ll know exactly what you’re working with before you start bringing in new seasonal pieces.
Pull Forward Your Transitional Staples
Once your closet is cleaned out, it’s time for one of our favorite steps: the wardrobe refresh. This is where you rotate your closet and pull those “in-between” pieces to the front. These are things that aren’t strictly winter or summer, but can do a little of both. Transitional clothing is key when you’re figuring out how to organize winter and summer clothes without feeling like you need two entirely separate wardrobes.
Think midi dresses you can wear with boots now and sandals later, or lightweight sweaters and layering tees that can be styled on their own or tucked under jackets. These are your seasonal wardrobe essentials. They’re the go-to items that carry you from cold mornings to warmer afternoons without multiple outfit changes. If you’ve ever stood in your room trying to piece together winter-to-spring outfits, these are the pieces that will save you.
Here are a few items to pull forward during a seasonal switch:
- Sleeved midi dresses (like Sweet Salt’s Josie Dress) – perfect for layering with tights now and bare legs later.
- Cardigans and denim jackets – ideal for chillier mornings.
- Knit skirts or stretchy pencil skirts – comfy, flattering and easy to dress up or down.
- Layering tees and half tees – modest, practical and a must for changing temps.
- Neutral flats or ankle boots – they work across seasons and with nearly everything.
Learning how to organize your closet for the seasons doesn’t mean shoving everything into bins. It’s more about rotating wardrobe pieces, so what you need is easy to find. And honestly, building a year-round capsule wardrobe starts here: with versatile, modest staples that work hard no matter the weather.
This kind of closet shift doesn’t have to be a full overhaul. Just by pulling your transitional season clothes forward, you’ll start to see more outfit options open up.
Invest in Reliable Layering Pieces
If there’s one category that you can rely on all year long, it’s layering basics. These are the quiet MVPs of any wardrobe. The ones that make all the spring transition outfits and winter-to-spring outfits actually work. And the best part? They don’t shout for attention, but they’re doing the heavy lifting when it comes to comfort, modesty and versatility.
When you're figuring out how to organize your closet or rotate your closet for a new season, layering pieces should always be part of the conversation. They’re the bridge between seasons, letting you wear what you already own in new ways. Need to make a sleeveless dress work for early spring? Throw on a cap-sleeve or half-tee underneath. Want to wear a lightweight blouse on a chilly morning? Add a neutral cardigan and you’re good to go.
Here are a few seasonal wardrobe essentials that are good to keep within arm’s reach:
- Layering tees in every sleeve length—cami, cap, short and half sleeves.
- Half tees, for when you want coverage without the extra bulk.
- Slips, to give lightweight dresses a little more structure and modesty.
- Neutral cardigans, because they go with everything.
Sweet Salt’s layering tees are a go-to because they check all the boxes. They’re modest, soft and available in many sleeve lengths. Whether you’re building a year-round capsule wardrobe or just doing a quick wardrobe refresh, having these reliable basics in your closet makes everything easier.
Mix & Match Old Favorites
One of our favorite parts of a wardrobe refresh is finding new ways to wear pieces you already love. It’s like shopping in your own closet, but without spending a dime. When the seasons start to shift, you can always take a few extra minutes to see how you can rework some of your warm-weather items with cooler-weather staples. A summer dress with boots and a denim jacket? Instant spring transition outfit. A lightweight blouse layered under a cardigan? Perfect for unpredictable weather.
The key to a smooth seasonal wardrobe shift isn’t always buying new things. It’s more about learning how to make the most of what you’ve got. This is especially helpful if you're working on how to build a capsule wardrobe or trying to make a year-round capsule wardrobe feel fresh without overcomplicating it. The more you experiment with layering and pairing, the easier it becomes to rotate your closet with each season.
So before you box up half your wardrobe, pause and ask: Can you style this in a new way for the season ahead? More often than not, the answer is yes, and it makes organizing your closet feel a whole lot less intimidating.
Check for Gaps and Make a Short List
As you go through your closet and start to rotate your clothes for the season, you’ll probably notice a few gaps. Maybe you’re missing a cozy cardigan or could use a new layering top in a fresh color. This is the perfect time to take note of what’s missing in your wardrobe, so you can be more intentional with your shopping.
Keep it simple and think about how to fill in the gaps with pieces that will make your wardrobe feel fresh and functional. This isn’t about starting from scratch, it’s about rounding out your collection so your closet works harder for you.
A seasonal wardrobe refresh doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By rotating your closet, focusing on versatile pieces and filling in any gaps, you can create a functional, year-round wardrobe.