Caroline's Monthly Message: Renew your closet

Winter still has us firmly in its icy grip, but the first rays of spring are certainly on the horizon. For weeks now, I’ve enthusiastically thrown open my closet, seeking the thrill of creating new outfits. And up until now, I’ve had to choose from the items already at my disposal. So the mission is to make new from the old.

We’ve naturally got plenty of online options, but with the shops closed, we’re having to do without the sensation of seeing (and trying on) the first spring collections. And for a fashion lover, that is quite a mean punishment. There’s nothing better than using your first new item of the season to create a completely fresh range of outfits. Perhaps by adding a new colour to your wardrobe. I’m personally really looking forward to some heavenly light-blue, particularly bold, androgynous items. Light-blue sneakers, a light-blue oversized jacket, and jogging bottoms. It’s a longing driven by a desire for lightness, space and freedom of movement. To be honest, the blue jacket is already hanging in my closet, and is combined with an old pair of jeans from Japan, light-coloured jogging bottoms, an indigo cotton boilersuit and soon, off-white leather shorts. Old and new combine to create something new. 

"Take a fresh look at what you’ve already got in your closet, and combine it with the new spring collection. Share this information with your customers, so that they are also inspired."

The woeful lockdown of recent months has left our retailers with masses of stock, and consumers have also cut their fashion spending. After all, being stuck inside means there’s little call for a new pair of high heels. I can imagine that retailers are also making a virtue of necessity. Jogging bottoms, for example, are currently the must-have fashion item, and are set to remain important – also once the coronavirus restrictions are eased. So take a fresh look at what you’ve already got in your closet, and combine it with the new spring collection. Be honest, share this information with your customers, so that they are also inspired. Come summer, jogging bottoms can be combined with heels, or sandals. An oversized jacket, fitted top underneath, replaced by more revealing options later in the season. Bold and alluring.

It goes without saying that we’re dying to get back into the shops to experience fashion, try on clothes, and be inspired. It will be nothing short of liberation! I for one can’t wait, and in the meantime, I’m using my own wardrobe to play with pairings, colour combinations and surprising silhouettes.

Think of the heavenly light blue, keep the faith!

Best,

Caroline Krouwels