The Light Compass
Understanding how daylight shifts throughout the year helps guide your wardrobe choices. As sunlight intensity changes, so should your color palette and fabric weights.
The compass represents the relationship between available light and your wardrobe needs. During extended daylight hours, lighter fabrics and brighter colors feel appropriate. As darkness lengthens, deeper tones and heavier materials provide both physical and psychological comfort.
Seasonal Rotation Guide
Midsummer: The White Nights
During June and July, when the sun barely sets, your wardrobe should reflect the brightness. Lightweight linens, breathable cottons, and pale colors work well. This is the time for your lightest pieces—flowing dresses, thin cardigans, and airy fabrics that allow your skin to breathe during long, warm days.
Storage tip: Heavy woolens can be carefully cleaned and stored in breathable cotton bags with cedar blocks to prevent moths. Ensure items are completely dry before storing to prevent mildew.
Autumn Transition: The Golden Hours
As daylight begins to shorten in September and October, introduce mid-weight pieces. Merino wool base layers become essential, and you'll start reaching for your mid-layer sweaters. Earth tones and deeper colors complement the changing landscape and diminishing light.
This is the ideal time to assess your wardrobe, identifying pieces that need repair or replacement before the full cold sets in. Rotate summer items to storage while keeping transitional pieces accessible.
Winter: The Polar Night
From November through February, darkness dominates. Your heaviest pieces come into play—thick wool coats, cashmere layers, and weather-resistant shells. Darker colors feel natural during this period, and your three-layer system becomes essential daily practice.
Maintain your winter pieces carefully. Natural fibers benefit from airing out between wears rather than frequent washing. Use gentle cleaning methods to preserve fiber integrity.
Spring Awakening: Returning Light
As March and April bring increasing daylight, gradually reintroduce lighter pieces. You'll still need your layers, but can begin removing the heaviest outer shells. Pastel tones and medium-weight fabrics bridge the gap between winter warmth and summer lightness.
Spring is an excellent time for wardrobe maintenance. Clean and repair items before storing winter pieces, ensuring everything is ready for the next cycle.
Storage Principles
Clean Before Storing
Always ensure items are completely clean and dry before placing them in storage. Even invisible stains can attract pests or cause discoloration over time.
Breathable Containers
Use cotton bags or cardboard boxes rather than plastic containers. Natural fibers need to breathe, and plastic can trap moisture that leads to mildew.
Pest Prevention
Cedar blocks or lavender sachets help deter moths naturally. Avoid mothballs, which can damage fibers and leave unpleasant odors.