How to update your wardrobe for each season.

If I had a dollar for every time I’d gazed helplessly into my wardrobe, frantically trying to find something – anything – to throw on, I’d make Gina Rinehart look like a beggar.

“I’m almost in my thirties, how can I still have nothing to wear?” I think to myself while giving a filthy look to the jackigan (the love child of a jacket and a cardigan – please don’t judge) I bought last season.

The key to ending my seasonal style panic? Making my existing pieces work harder and investing in timeless, quality pieces I can wear season after season after season. If you follow a “keep”, “buy” and “donate” strategy, I promise you and your wardrobe will live happily ever after.

Autumn.

Keep: Flat ankle boots.

Yes, boots with a heel always feel that little bit more chic, but don’t discard your beloved ankle booties just yet. Paired with a long maxi dress in a ‘70s print (yep, this decade has made a very groovy return) or simply with jeans, they always deserve closet real estate.

Buy: A turtleneck knit.

Often too hot to wear a coat, yet not warm enough to warrant stepping out without some form of cosiness, autumn is tricky fashion-wise. But I have a solution – the sleeved turtleneck knit. It’s chic and can be thrown over your work pants and or your jeans. Yep, this item has the ability trick your outfit into being autumn-appropriate. Clever.

Donate: That ill-fitting blazer.

You know, the one you keep year in, year out, despite it being bulky in all the wrong places. Do the right thing; send it to a wardrobe that’ll love it more than you ever could.

Winter.

Keep: Your bright chunky knit scarf.

You cannot look past the dual ability of the winter scarf. On one hand, it’s cosy and warm. On the other, it’s the perfect opportunity to add COLOUR to a season dominated by grey, grey, grey and more grey.

Buy: Classic suit in textured fabric.

As anyone keeping an eye on runways and red carpet will have spied, suits are back. And as anyone who struggles to know what to throw on when they’re faced with a busy morning knows, a classic suit pant and jacket you can throw together is an absolute godsend. Keep it modern by opting for a fresh colour or texture and throw on some ‘70s inspired earrings (disco, anyone?) to complete the look.

Donate: Faux leather leggings.

I don’t think any further explanation is needed here, correct?

Spring.

Keep: Your graphic or printed T-shirt.

T-shirts. You can never have too many. A good quality, well-fitted tee, whether it’s white, striped, neutral or patterned, is like the building block of your wardrobe. And while they might not sparkle or stand out like your louder garments, they’re a lot more versatile.

Buy: The shift dress with a pop of colour.

My answer to those bleurgh days where you can’t bear to wear anything tight or impractical: The shift dress with in a colour or pattern that makes you want to fist pump. It’s flattering, office/bar/wedding/party/brunch appropriate and the best bit? You can go out for a massive, delicious dinner and not need to even think about sucking in. Win win.

Donate: Platform sandals.

Look, they were fun in a Scary-Spice-Meets-The-Noughties kind of way. But as a woman with size 10 feet, I can now see that chunky platforms don’t have my best interests at heart.

Summer.

Keep: Your black cosi.

There’s a common denominator in those beach snaps the likes of Jesinta Campbell and Jessica Gomes post on Instagram. And that common denominator is a black bikini. Other prints and styles come and go, but your noir bikini will be faithful until its bitter, chlorinated end.

Buy: A very colourful kaftan or beachy boho dress. 

“But Edwina,” I hear you gasping. “Didn’t you just say we should buy neutrals because they don’t date, and now you want us to invest in multi-colour?” Dear friends, summer is the season where we ditch the rulebook. In fact, I recommend tossing it far, far out to sea. Summer is a time to relax, not take life too seriously and embrace colour. Preferably in the form of a relaxed boho dress that’s lightweight, bright, and can take you from the beach to bellinis with minimal fuss.

Donate: Those too-revealing denim shorts.

OK, this might just be me, but I’ve been hanging onto the denim shorts I crafted out of old jeans when I was 18.

Needless to say, they’re getting a little threadbare and aren’t leaving much to the imagination. I don’t need to be on the panel of Fashion Police to realise this is not a good look. Forget donating these, I think they’re destined for the tip… along with my jackigan.

What will you be keeping, buying and donating this year?