How to Update Your Summer Wardrobe

So you've got a closet full of sassy summer clothes and nothing to wear? Sounds like your warm weather wardrobe could stand some tweaking. With a little editing and some carefully chosen additions, you'll be ready to greet summer in style.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Men's Shorts
• dresses and skirts
• Women's Shorts
• Men's Casual Tops
• Women's Casual Tops

1. Take all of your summer attire and lay it out on your bed, sorting the items by shorts, capris, sundresses, tops, tanks, and so forth. Make a donation pile of items you didn't wear last summer or anything that's too big, too small or too worn out.
2. Consider your stock of basic bottoms. Whether you build your look around khaki shorts, print capris, flowing skirts or denim cut-offs, make a list of what you have and what you need.
3. Gather your tops and begin a mix-and-match process with the bottoms, noting where you may need a print top for solid pants or a solid top for a print skirt. Also, consider if you're lacking a particular style that you like or find flattering: halter tops, shells, sleeveless blouses or tanks.
4. Note the number of casual and summer dresses you have. Remember that you can dress a simple sheath dress up or down, and you can add a lightweight sweater to a sexy slip dress to beat any evening chill.
5. Remember to examine your swimsuit. Make sure it still fits well and is in good condition. If not, make the addition to your shopping list.
6. Go shopping. Head to your favorite stores and fill in the holes. Look for the styles you need and think about where you might add new colors and fabrics.
7. Consider how your shoes look with your updated wardrobe and determine if you could use a new pair of strappy sandals, thongs or flats. If you notice a lot of one shade throughout your wardrobe - say red, marine blue or tangerine - think about buying shoes in that color.

Tips & Warnings

• Spring and summer pieces hit the stores as early as February and March. If you wait until late May, June and July, you may realize some tremendous savings, although your selection may be limited.
• Donate your discards to a women's shelter, your church or another social service organization.
• Buy trendy items with caution. A snakeskin strapless dress or turquoise fringed minidress may look cool on the hanger, but it can set you back a pretty penny and may see only limited wearing.