We have all been there — scrolling through our feeds flooded with posts and articles telling us what to buy this season (guilty as charged: I write them too). Let’s be honest: picking up new pieces is fun and exciting, but no one really talks about what comes next. How do you care for all these fashion finds so they last for years? Let’s take a practical turn and figure it out!

P.S. But first check out my tips on what to look for when shopping for clothes and accessories.

I’ll never get tired of saying that the first thing you should do before buying anything is to check the composition and care labels. It is also the first thing I do again once my new wardrobe inmate arrives home. It might feel like overkill, but this little habit will save you a ton of headaches and heartbreak later. So, examine those tags with the same dedication you’d use to help your bestie compile a file on their latest crush.

If those care symbols seem like ancient hieroglyphs to you, go ahead and download a cheat sheet to your phone. Don’t be lazy — double-check them before doing laundry and take the instructions seriously. If your favourite sweater says "no tumble drying," don’t tempt fate — unless, of course, you want it to shrink so much it won’t even fit your cat.

Take a moment to get familiar with the fabrics in your wardrobe, because different textiles need different treatments. It is helpful to know general rules like hand-washing silk in cool water, or knowing that wool and denim sometimes just need some airing out to freshen up. 

Once you know your wardrobe’s needs, it is time to assemble the ultimate care kit. Don’t wait until disaster strikes — be prepared for any possible scenario. Here is what I always have on hand.

Yes, in plural! Because one detergent doesn’t work for everything. I have separate ones for whites, darks and colours, plus a delicate wash for wool, silk and cashmere. 

Sometimes, a general wash is not enough (especially when you are as clumsy as I am), so here comes the emergency stain-removing team: powders or gels for home, sticks for travel (Japanese ones are my favourite — every product I have tried has been an unforgiving stain killer!), and wet wipes with special cleaning liquid for on-the-go emergencies.

Just be sure to read the packaging and instructions: some products (especially those based on oxygen) might not be safe for certain coloured or dark fabrics.

Not only does a steamer treat your clothes more gently than an iron, but it also refreshes them and helps restore their shape. I have two: a stationary one with a big water reservoir for everyday use, and a compact portable one for travel.

To keep your clothes in top shape, you’ll need a few simple tools. I can’t live without a fabric shaver to keep my sweaters pill-free, and a lint roller or brush to tackle fuzz. Laundry bags are another must — they protect delicate fabrics in the wash. And don’t forget a small sewing kit for quick fixes, like loose buttons or minor tears.

Now that your clothes are clean and polished, it is essential to store them correctly. Fold your wool items to maintain their shape, and use the right hangers for different garments: non-slip velvet ones for silks, wide-shoulder hangers for coats and jackets, and clip hangers for skirts and pants.

Shoes are a whole different story, but they deserve just as much attention. While you might need a cobbler for heel raps replacement and serious repairs, general upkeep is something you can handle yourself. Once you start giving your shoes a seasonal spa day, it is getting surprisingly easy — and even relaxing!

You will need products to clean, protect, and store your footwear. Start by reviewing what you have and picking materials-appropriate products. Cleaning is straightforward: a gentle leather cleaner works well on sneakers too. Just don’t forget a soft brush and microfiber cloth!

If you want to keep it simple, grab a shoe care set from a reputable brand. I personally love Crep Protect and Ecco.

Suede is where things get a bit tricky. For this material, you’ll need a special suede eraser. In most cases, that’ll do the trick, but for tougher stains, a dedicated suede cleaner may be necessary.

After cleaning, moisturize your leather shoes with cream or wax (you can even use a coloured one to refresh the shade). Don’t forget to apply a protective spray to shield them from rain and harsh chemicals. This is a smart move for your sneakers, too!

Once everything is clean and air-dried, pop some wooden shoe trees inside your shoes and store them in cotton bags or special boxes to keep them dust-free. When it is time to wear them again, use a shoehorn to preserve their shape.

And voila — your wardrobe is as good as new!