Feeling Uninspired about Spring/Summer shopping.... - YouLookFab Forum

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Feeling Uninspired about Spring/Summer shopping....

Staysfit

Veteran

I am feeling very uninspired so far about Spring/Summer shopping. I am not loving anything enough to make a purchase. My bank account is happy, but my closet is not, and when the weather gets warmer, I am going to melt in the heat! (I'm pretty much replacing my entire wardrobe because I am switching from soft autumn colors to light summer colors) I didn't have any trouble with Fall/Winter. I find that I am not helped by my pins on Pinterest either, the looks are mostly too formal, or complicated compared to what I normally wear. Anyone else having this problem? Suggestions please!???

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23 replies

Latest reply was from shedev

K.M.

Veteran

My problem is that, since I live in the Midwest, Spring is still so far away in time. I just received some Spring catalogues in the mail and although the looks are pretty, they don't entice me because it is still so cold here! And what I most want is to add a bit more variety to my Winter wardrobe so I can perk up for the next few months. Meaning, my Winter purchases are still so unresolved, there's no mental space for Spring!

Tanya

Veteran

Hmm, I am not doing almost any spring-summer shopping either, but for completely different reasons.
Do you really need to replace your whole spring/summer wardrobe or only the colored items(as opposed to neutrals)? And then what is your lifestyle, and style descriptors if any? And the climate?
Not knowing any of that, throwing this on a wild guess: if I had to start with some shopping for spring, I would go for two pairs of jeans, a white and a light wash, cute comfy flat shoes (maybe slip on sneakers), a topper (trench or moto in a light color) and a bunch of tops: some knitwear, some woven (button downs, blouses), in shades of off-white, light blue and lilac (all the light summer colors). I would throw in some navy/ink in there for the right measure. So I guess a spring capsule of a sort that works for the desired level of dressiness..

always trying

Veteran

It is still early for spring, and not a whole lot on websites or in stores yet. Some searching on popular sites like nordstroms check out new arrivals. I run thru new arrivals every few days. I too am not finding much on pintererst yet.

Anonymous

Too early for me to think about spring/summer as well. I am enjoying my very cozy winter wardrobe.

Summer

Veteran

Me, too, Staysfit. I'm just not seeing the colours or styles that have my name on them. I think I'm going to sit tight for a while and see what (if anything) comes along. Frustrating, isn't it?

texstyle

(website)

Veteran

Well, we're having fits of cold then spring like weather so I've already been wearing some spring outfits lately. My main season is warm so my closet reflects a lot of sleeveless, tees, shorts already. I would like to find a light neutral asymmetrical tank, but otherwise I don't have much of a list. I've been trying to find the right black sandals but no luck so far. I found a couple of fun tees to try - one graphic and one sort of artfully distressed for lack of a better description. The truth is that I don't "need" a lot so I haven't been looking much.

Staysfit

Veteran

Tanya, I am going to need to replace most of my wardrobe. I assessed my current spring/summer items and have very few after purging those that no longer work. The big exception is jeans! (I have lots of jeans!) The majority of what I need are tops/toppers and dresses (I love to wear dresses and skirts when the weather gets warmer).

I created a tentative color palette that includes turquoise, citron, coral pink, cornflower blue, light aqua, mint, watermelon, and for neutrals light grey/white/denim. I figured that I could substitute a slightly different blue if needed, for example, I think sky blue is being shown more than aqua, so I might use that. The same is true for the other colors also, although, I was hoping to stay within the range I picked if possible. I love lavender and lilac, and if I can find them in a hue that isn't overly washed out or too dark, I would happily purchase an item in those shades, because they go with everything.

My style descriptors are: Soft, Calm, Fresh, Classic, Polished, and my style statement is Genuine Composed.

I am definitely more casual than anything else. Mostly jeans, and nice tops.

Here are a few items I found from J Crew in OK colors. My favorites are the skirt and the silk blouse. I am just not feeling like there is anything special about them.

Zip pencil skirt

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Classic silk blouse

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Metallic side-slit sweater

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Painter boatneck tee in stripe

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retailgirl

Veteran

I'm always thinking ahead to the next season. However, it's still so early. (We lived through a blizzard last week and today is snowy sleety here in New England) There are a few things that were wardrobe holes last spring summer that I'll be looking for, and a few replacement items but other than that I'll wait to see what my favorite retailers have to offer! There was nothing in talbots first spring catalog that tempted me and I saw a few things at Brooks brothers but they were similar to things I already have. I'm sure there will be plenty to chose from as the season unfolds, Staysfit! Don't worry.

Staysfit

Veteran

retailgirl, It looks like we have the blizzard here today! Not nearly as bad as what you had, 12-16 inches, and we are used to getting snow, so it will all be cleared by tomorrow. Yes, I think waiting will be the key here. I can keep saving and then I will have more to spend

K.M.

Veteran

Staysfit, how fun to have the prospect to replace an entire season's wardrobe! I hope one day my organization and budget will allow me to do something of the sort...

I actually quite like all the pieces you posted as your finds. I find the yellow skirt pretty special, and the lavender sweater too (I also like how it's styled in the photo). I'll be vicariously enjoying thoughts of Spring by following your finds here...

Anonymous

I must admit, I'm not really thinking too much about Spring at all at the moment, though I did order two bags last night. One bag was to replace one that was showing wear (only faux leather), the other was on deep sale and I got it just on a whim. Clothes wise, I haven't decided what if any items I want yet. Your finds look great Staysfit. I particularly like the zipper skirt. You wore winter white this Winter, didn't you? I could easily see you in an off-white breezy linen sweater too, but you know, I wouldn't worry too much yet as I guess more stock has to come into the stores yet. I'm sure something will get your juices flowing soon.

rachylou

Veteran

Since you are looking to do a big overhaul, and have a pretty defined set of parameters, is the issue that you aren't seeing anything specific that you want to go after?

It *is* still early yet. Winter things are still being cleared from the sales floor (I just got a coat for 1/8th the original price, which for me will make a good spring coat, since we have Indian Summers, meaning it's grey skies until harvest time).

Also it may be a case of needle in the haystack. It's easy to find something in a world full of things when you aren't looking for anything in particular. But boy is it hard to find one particular thing in a world full of things. So much stuff to have to go through!

UmmLila (Lisa)

Veteran

It's still very early. And if you settle for things that are not quite right now, the perfect thing may come along in late May or whenever there is some slightly warm weather in the Northeast.

unfrumped

Veteran

Sounds like you're on the right track to identify silhouettes and color palette.
Say you are looking for pencil skirt and refined knitwear in cotton or silk or linen and blends--then you are on target to look for special details and good fabrications. Or do you have the colors of jeans that would steer your colors toward the lighter summery ones, or would you look at some slim lightweight trousers as an alternative to jeans?
I do think more things will turn up. I used to think retail was way ahead of the weather seasons, but I have been surprised to see new summer things coming out still into August. When I was shopping for dresses for April and May weddings, for example, a big surge came out in May, which was too late. And new summer colors and light sweaters kept appearing.

CocoLion

(website)

Veteran

I was just in San Francisco where I got to do some bricks-and-mortar. I don't think the real Spring merchandise is out yet. And the weather certainly has been Spring-like enough to justify it (65 F today, up to 70 along the coast). This is warm even for California Winters.

So what I saw was the Resort merchandise. And lots of Winter merchandise, on Sale. Very little new Spring merchandise, even at places like Zara and H&M. Actually the Gap had the most Spring stuff of any fast fashion retailer.

I was hoping I could pick up some Vince Resort merchandise marked down but no such luck. Still full price.

Angie would know, but perhaps mid to late February is when the new stuff arrives. Even March. February is the worst retail month of the year, after all.

My advice is to wait a bit longer before you make a judgement on the selections.

Thistle

Veteran

I am no help. It is -3F with windchill at lunch today. Spring/Summer shopping hasn't even hit my radar

But then, my spring/summer season is so short I tend to buy late and on sale. I love to "wear it now", and as I won;t be seeing anything that resembles spring until late April at the earliest . . . it just makes me sad to see the lovlies sitting in my closet while I shlep through snow.

Anonymous

I just want to live in a warmer place! It is hard to think about Spring when it's still cold. Today it was exceptionally windy where I live. The only consolation was that I was inside. Not much consolation considering they still haven't gotten the heating system to work properly in my office. Maybe, if I'm lucky, they'll get it fixed before the spring thaw. But then when the weather turns warm, they'll crank up the A/C and my office will still feel like a meat locker. But I digress...

We were talking about Spring shopping, weren't we? I managed to find a few things that will work for Spring and Summer. Figuring out the color palette is the first thing I did. I'm elated about navy being so trendy right now, so I bought a few items in that color as well as in medium blue. I'm going to try light yellow and coral, both of which will go nicely with blue. I spent more on each item, but bought fewer clothes. Also, most of what I bought can be worn for work and on weekends, so hopefully I'll end up with a low CPW.

Sal

Veteran

Some seasons the clothes definitely speak to you more than others...I do like some of the J Crew pieces you posted though - I think that skirt is very cool.

Joyce B

Veteran

Spring and Summer don't seem real at this time of very cold weather and lots of snow. My only inspiration is to continue adding warm shoes with a good sole and warm clothes.
I think you will do a good job with replacing your warmer weather wardrobe, it's just hard to think of that right now.

Jjsloane

Veteran

I am Team Wear so I prefer to buy closer to when I actually have a chance to wear the item (unless it's a super deal at end of season). I have started a wishlist of items I"m on the hunt for but nothing has stood out just yet, but I don't normally think about it this early.

Joy

Veteran

In our state many stores and shops keep inventory to a bare minimum until after inventory for taxes, that way they don't have as much to be taxed on. More new things will be added in April and May.
You will be glad in the long run if you are very picky choosing your new things. In the meantime you may discover which colors you like best and some that, while technically in your pallet, are not "you" or are just ok. Have you decided on silouettes? Levels of casual and dressy? Etc.

Karie

(website)

Veteran

J. Crew has a couple of items I like and I've been meaning to get out to the store to try them on, but it's still soooo cold! I'd need to bring a space heater into the dressing room to try on that dress!

Regent blazer in chambray

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Firework floral dress

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Maddie pant in bi-stretch wool

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shedev

Veteran

Lots of commiseration here. In the past, I'd try really hard to lighten up for spring each year. Just because I was supposed to. After the new wore off, the happy just wasn't there. Some of the items were purged by the end of the summer. Then last year, my 3 favorite things were the Flora Mortis, a sleeveless HL button down, and a linen EF asymmetric top. All of these are a little nontraditional, and yeah, black. So I'm gonna stick with what makes me happy. It took me a couple years to get to get here and it will take me a couple more to find the pieces I need. But enough about me, My best advice is to not think in terms of having to replace everything. A few key pieces can hold you over for a bit. PPP. The pieces you need will find you in their own time. Also, it is really early in the season.