What To Do When You Hate All Your Clothes (Winter Edition)

So it’s March. It’s still cold. You’re broke. You open your closet and your heart sinks. What’s a gal to do?

“I hate everything I own,” one of you wrote me. And I feel you. New York’s been in the grip of a winter that’s reminiscent of Groundhog Day. It seems ludicrous that I ever looked forward to wool and down. Sweaters are pilled, tights are stretched, boots are salt-stained and scuffed. The spring clothes hitting blogs and stores mock the weather and my empty wallet. But all is not lost. Here are a few ideas to get you through the Long Winter.

Get things fixed up. First things first. Take those clothes to the dry-cleaner, get your shoes shined and your heels repaired. You’ll feel a lot better, trust me.
Clean out your closet. You may find clothes you forgot about! At the very least, you may see your clothes with new eyes. And your closet will be clean.
Change up your coat. After it’s cleaned, that is. Try a wide leather belt with your coat: you may be surprised at how well it works. Add a brooch to the lapel. I recently had 4″ chopped off my winter coat; it feels like a new garment. Yes, I may regret this in a year.
Do a clothing swap. I’m a big fan of the “temporary swap” when you and your friends loan each other clothes just to add a little novelty to your wardrobe. Plus, it’ll be fun.
Break into the summer clothes. There are few things cuter than a flowered dress with a heavy, belted cardigan. And sandals with tights can be chic and fun. Ditto shorts and stockings, maybe with a pair of boots.
If the lure of novelty is just too great, slake it with something small: a pair of fresh tights, a new pair of underwear, a cheap necklace.
And…if worse comes to worse, the sales are on. But try to stick to something versatile: a big cardigan, a blazer, a scarf — items that will really revivify your winter stash.

And what are you doing to get through the final, drawn-out days? Getting creative? Getting resigned? Shelling out?