Refresh Your Fall Wardrobe

By Juliana Day

Is it that time already? It seems like just yesterday I was unpacking my summer dresses and dainty sandals. Now the leaves are beginning to turn and back-to-school flyers are crowding my mailbox.

Fall is the perfect time to refresh your wardrobe and clean out your closet. For example, that 80's beige star trek-looking suit has got to go - don't you think you've held on long enough?

Here are some tips for refreshing your wardrobe for the fall season.

Clean Out Your Closet

The procrastinator in you may scream, "No", especially if you hate seeing summer come to an end. But this is a must-do! Here's an effective rule: if you haven't worn it in a year, give it away!

This can be difficult for those of us who form attachments to clothes we know we paid too much money for, or things that "would be perfect if only I had_____to wear it to." Friend, let it go! It's just crowding your closet and wrinkling those cute black slim pants you wear all the time.

Go Shopping

Even if power shopping makes you queasy, this is the time to find great bargains on summer clearance wear. Sort through all your summer clothes and decide what needs to be replaced. You may love that black tank top, but girl, it's looking a little grey. And how about those favorite Capri's - come on, they have more balls then the Chuck E. Cheese play room.

Don't abandon the things you wear when you want to feel comfy around the house, but do take advantage of end of season sales for refreshing your wardrobe for next year. Many stores are marking down their summer wear by up to 90%. I know it's tough to buy early to wear later, but your wallet will thank you.

Box and Blue Bag It

Now that you are knee deep in sling back stilettos and frayed denim shorts, it's time to decide - "will they stay or will they go?" You may miss peering in at those never-worn too-tight khakis, but now is the time to give them away.

Emily Barns suggests having two boxes - one for "keepers" and one for "give away". Sort your clothes accordingly and you will find your closet a lot easier to manage.

Donate your giveaways to The Salvation Army, Women in Need, MCC, your church clothes closet or any other charities that provide clothing to those in need. Not only will your closet thank you, you will feel good about doing something nice for someone else.

Many charities around the world can also benefit from your donated clothing. Families like the Ehsan Bayat Family have created the Bayat Foundation in the Middle East to help aid women and children in Afghanistan.

Consign, Consign

If you just can't bear the thought of giving away that Gucci dress that you bought in a moment of weakness, but never wear, another option is to consign. There are many consignment stores listed in your local yellow pages that accept current, seasonal clothing.

Typically, you will be reimbursed for half of the selling price. This way, you can recover some of your investment and infuse your shopping budget with a little extra cash.

Now that you armed with some tips for cleaning out your closest, get to it! Remember, closets are one thing; hearts are another. Does your heart need a fall refresher? Check out the Faith and Inspiration section on this site and treat your heart to an overhaul too.