Spring/Summer 2022 Q&A
Happy Spring! With this crazy weather, who can be sure, but I have to believe it’s just around the corner. And speaking of, it also does feel like normal life is getting there too, at least for some (though I know the fight with Covid is not over). Some of my clients are going back into the office, dressing for a big wedding, while others are planning for their first big vacation in over two years. And yes, some are downsizing or finally getting around to cleaning out their closets. I’m so thankful to be busy helping clients to refresh their lives with these myriad projects, so it feels like a good time to also dust off and refresh answers to some of the recent questions I’ve been getting. And of course will share some great new trends as well. Thank you all!
Ask Suzanne
(It’s been a while since I’ve done a Q&A, but definitely feel so much of this is relevant for now.)
Question 1. Shopping angst: Why can’t I find my size in stores? There doesn’t even seem to be much to buy?
I feel the same way! There is still low supply in stores and online in many places, and sizes do seem to go quickly. Honestly, I’ve been doing more shopping online for clients these days and having them return what doesn’t work. Then they or I can go back and search online for “new items” somewhat frequently. If you have a favorite store, go and shop early in the season and you’ll have more luck too. I’ve also done some Poshmark browsing, which can be nice if you know your size and fit for the brand (since there are no returns).
Question 2. Back to the office: What should I wear in the business world nowadays? My body (and social norms) are just not the same.
For most, the answers lie in spending time to assess your new style and wardrobe priorities. While it’s still about what image you want to present in the world, I do think there is more wiggle room for individual style, comfort and maybe even less pressure to keep up with fashion trends. Think easy knit pieces that have classic, professional shapes, but you still want to focus on what works for your body and your overall look – and really comb through clothes from before the pandemic first to see what still might work (see next question!).
Question 3: Closet decluttering: How do I know what to keep, donate, alter or toss? What should I do with items that don’t fit (bigger or smaller)?
I’ve been doing a lot of this with my clients these days, as I am a big proponent of closet decluttering to give you more freedom and have a closet you love with clothes you actually wear!
To do this yourself, you’ll need a critical eye, a full length mirror, and a brutally honest few hours. Also, wear good underclothes because you will be trying items on to see how you look and feel. As a result, you should have a stable of clothes that are your workhorses. You should know what those are and feel GREAT in them because you will wear them, and mix-and-match them, A LOT. Otherwise …
- For a clothing item you haven’t worn in a while: If you love it, it fits and is in good condition, keep it and maybe put it in an out of the way spot in your wardrobe. If you don’t love it, or put it on a few times as a “maybe” and then go with another choice, it’s time to pass it on. When in doubt, put these items in a bag out of the way. If you retrieve an item within 30 days, it goes back in the closet. Otherwise, you have a nice donation bag in a month!
- Clothes that are too small: For one or two sizes down, I’d suggest keeping a few items that you truly love or that are classic and higher quality. Put them in a box out of the way and mark it with the size for future reference. As time goes by, you can certainly pare those items down as you feel comfortable or as styles change.
- Clothes that are too big: You might want to donate these clothes, and that’s a great choice. I tend to be more kind to myself in that regard, and for my clients, suggest they put items in good shape, quality and style in a marked-by-size bin. I’ve had a few clients really thank me for that advice in hindsight. You can also alter items to fit if you really love something. I’ve done that with some skirts and dresses with good results.
Question 4. I’m going on my first big trip in 2 years. Any good suggestions aside from staying safe?
Everyone seems to be off on vacation! On my recent trip to Charleston I used my favorite formula for warm weather dressing – one dress per day plus comfy updated Birkenstocks for lots of walking. A jean and rain jacket were essential. Easy black tops and leggings went from hiking to dinner by adding a lightweight leopard scarf and my favorite broken-in blue jean jacket. From sporty to chic in a flash!
I do have quite a few other travel tips, but I’ll just pull out a few of the big ones. Feel free to email or text me for more!
- Decide what shoes make your feet happy and build your outfits out from that choice. When doing a lot of walking, make sure fashion doesn’t get in the way of exploring! Also, for air travel make sure to wear your heaviest shoes.
- Write up (and I have one I can share) a travel spreadsheet to list out the outfits you want to wear by day or by type of activity. I have gotten quite a few requests for this sheet from many clients!
- I know we all like choices, but when packing for air travel, I try to pack must-haves only and stick to a simple color scheme where everything matches. Basics with good accessories seems to work well and may give you some room to shop and bring back a few things! (PS – for car travel, I tend to completely overpack!!!)
So now let’s plan for all these fun Spring/Summer events by incorporating a few warm-weather Fashion trends:
Flowy pants. Soft, cropped wide pants are a new look for Spring. I’d recommend wearing them no more than two inches higher than your ankle. These pair well with a short, slightly cropped T-shirt or tank which can be worn out or half tucked, or even a tie-front top (not too long). I tend to avoid long, flowy tops over these pants to ensure you have some structure to your shape.
These look great with a chunky or simple sandals and maybe avoid things like kitten heels. I’ve seen some cute linen/rayon versions at Old Navy which makes them an affordable trendy item!
Eyelet, lace and crochet patterns – are big on tops and dresses right now. These fabrications add interest and femininity while keeping you cool and breezy for warm temperatures.
Also, Very Peri is the new “it” color of the year, so you can kill two fashion birds with one stone and pick something up in this very wearable, “looks good on most people” color!
Pearl “core”: Pearl jewelry and embellishments on clothing, shoes and handbags are all very popular now. Try adding your pearl choker to a favorite gold or silver necklace or look for a modern version of pearl styling. I like pearls as a way to elevate casual looks that create a contrast to what is expected. For example, a simple faux pearl chain can replace a regular chain or strap on a pearl-studded crossbody for a new look.
Prints. Big bold prints on dresses and tops are everywhere. A rule of thumb – try not to wear a print where the largest design component is bigger than your hand…but if you love something, I’d say go for it! Look for items with easy silhouettes and that work for your shape. Generally speaking, my favorite prints are dark background florals, skinny stripes, black and white graphic prints, and of course animal prints in most varieties (especially leopard).
Last but not least…the Coastal Grandma
This is a modern take on cozy, breezy classics, and NOT solely for older folks at all (it actually started on TikTok I believe). Think linen, chunky cardigans, big totes and sandals. The keynote image is Diane Keaton’s character in Something’s Gotta Give. This trend is more about seeking joy in the little things in life (fresh flowers on the counter, a new recipe to try) and having a put-together presence. You do not need to be on a beach in a coastal town to get on this bandwagon, but I do love this look and the feelings it invokes.