Suddenly everything in my closet looks heavy and wintry to me. I am still cold and even plan to do some more skiing in the next couple of weeks so I haven’t exactly let go of winter yet. I go through this every year. It is less difficult for me to transition into fall clothes than it is spring clothes. I’m sure the fact that I am a pasty color right now doesn’t help. Usually I have an extra few pounds to lose that have clung to my body in an effort to keep me warm during long New England winters. Fortunately that is not the case this year but I am still a bit reluctant. Just the same, I can’t stress how important it is to take a tour through your closet(s) before the warm weather arrives and slowly prepare yourself for unveiling the ivory limbs.

Right now the stores and shopping websites are filled with light, colorful, airy lures, perfectly merchandised to send you diving for the credit card like a hungry seagull. What we will do just for a change of scenery. Before you buy another pair of Gap khakis, do a little detective work to see if you already have a pair hiding in another of your closets or in a storage box marked “summer clothes”. First of all, I am not one of those people who breaks out the sandals, shorts and sleeveless tops the first time the temps hit 70 degrees. That’s called pushing the seasons. Flip flops and bare trees just don’t mix for me. Anyhow, before taking to the streets or cyber malls, remember: to everything there is a season and a time for every purchase under heaven……..(as if this mantra really works.)

Here’s how to make the transition gradually. The first step toward spring will be to remove the clothes from your closet that scream winter. That would include anything with fur on it, velvets, and glittery holiday looks. While your at it, arrange your clothing according to type and color and pull out everything that didn’t make it to your body this year. This is a good time to pack away the Uggs (ugh) and quilted winter snow boots. Warm, pullover sweaters can be replaced with lighter weight cardigans and jackets. Some clever layering will get you through those days when the thermometer dips back down to bone chilling temps. Heavy knit scarves can be packed away in favor of wovens and silks. Heavy leather bags can be replaced with lighter, colorful canvas totes (note: I don’t mean Vera Bradley bags.) Now, go through those other closets and find some of the items that you put away in the late fall. They are usually good transitional pieces. While perusing your off-season closet(s) make note of the colors you wore last spring and summer. Will they work again this year or will they be interesting with some of the items you have been seeing in the fashion spreads this season? Enjoy the transition to spring by breathing new life into some of your old stand-by’s. Rely on your own creativity for new combinations before running to the mall to buy the mannequin’s look. Play up your individual style.

There will be time to break out the summer clothes little by little ….unless you are planning to travel to a warm climate. Every week or two, add something to your closet from last year’s collection and sprinkle in some new pieces to camouflage the layers of self-tanner you’ve been applying. As it gets warmer, take out more long sleeve items and replace them with tanks and cammies. While you’re at it, make room for the straw hats and belts, swimsuits, and cover-ups. Then, wallah! When it is warm enough to bare your arms and legs and pretty little pedicure, you will have made a smooth transition and can shop for something much more exciting than another pair of khaki’s that you didn’t need.