Please help me to prioritize (long)

I'm somewhat stuck at the moment and not quiet sure what to buy next. It would be great if you could help me to work out the most sensible order of purchasing! I'm on a student budget (although I've havd a good new job since October, so that's something), so I really need to prioritize and I'm not so good at that.

Here's the list I made of items I feel are needed the most:

1. Another classic cardigan in a neutral colour (short enough for all kinds of skirts)
#My three older cardigans are ready to be trashed, they look horrible. I just bought the longer green cardigan and the grey waterfall cardigan.

2. Two thin knit sweaters (v- or scoop-neck)
# I have two sweaters like this (light grey and pink) that are ready to be trashed.

3. Basic T-shirts and camis for layering with the cardigans and under sweaters.
# I desperately need some. I maybe have two or three that still look alright after a close-up inspection.

4. Another long sleeved blouse or button down.
#Plays into me wanting to wear more wovens.

5. Tops with short arms (or sleeveless) that are not made of T-shirt fabric.
# I have two longer short sleeved classic cut button downs to wear with pants and that's it.

6. A-line skirt in a neutral.
# Meant to be a replacement for my black velvet skirt that doesn't look so good anymore. I think I'll have to take this one to the cleaners and then retire it for dressing up only.

7. A new winter coat.
#Desperately needed, but I think I've given up on finding one this year.

8. A spring jacket/parka/coat.
# My old denim jacket was a cheap fill-in, I don't really like the wash anymore and it's a bit too tight now. I also have that thin purple pseudo wool coat and that was it.

9. Another pair of boots.
# I wear my black boots almost everyday and I'd love to have some lighter coloured boots as an alternative option. I've also thought about buying a pair of Docs, I like these (http://www.dmusastore.com/p-3157-1b60.aspx). But I'm not sure if I'm only liking them in theory and on others or if they would really work with my things and my style.

10. Another pair of shoes/oxfords to wear with jeans and skirts.
# I have the blue suede shoes you always see me wearing with my jeans and that's it. I like these in theory http://www.dmusastore.com/p-4020-1461-pw.aspx, but I'm open for all other options.

And for the spring:

10. A pair of everyday comfortable fab sandals to wear with shorts, skirts and dresses.
# I only have two pairs of ballet flats at the moment that aren't whole day walking shoes.

So here's my list of things I feel are needed the most at the moment. I have no idea were to start, what to ignore and what to buy exactly.

Does anybody have advice, ideas or links to share?

12 years ago

Sona

Veteran

what is your weather like now? average temperatures and the like. and what is it that you are desperately missing for your current weather wardrobe?

and what will be the weather be like in a few months? Again: what are the absolute msut needs for those temperatures with your current wardrobe holes?

This might help us give you a much better prioritized lsit.

Astrid

You're right, Sona, although this is very hard to foreknow. It's around 32°F now and we have lots of rain and windy weather. The winter still hasn't come. But it could still get much colder, last winter we had 5°F for almost two months (January and February). I have four seasons here and pretty much every weather imaginable. Most of the time it only gets really warm in late April or May with real spring weather in March and April and winter weather in January and February. But last year we had a very hot spring and a wet and cold summer, so you never now. It's basically all kind of temperatures between 5°F and 104°F, with unpredictable rainy days.

Jenava

(website)

The first thing I would do is draw a line between "wants" and "desperately needed"

Be realistic about what you have that works and what is a true hole. If you have at least one item in the category that works the I wouldn't consider that a hole. For instance, are you unable to wear some skirts and dresses due to lacking a short cardigan? If so, I would make that a priority. However, if you're able to wear these things and want the cardigan for versatility I would consider starting with something else.

It sounds like your oxford/ballet flat situation will get you through early spring, so I'd wait on those shoe purchases. With the boots, I'd wait for a major end of season sale to get the best price.

I might start with the knit sweater replacements (or short cardi) since it sounds like you need to completely re-vamp in that category. You could also consider a long sleeve woven instead of one of the knits. Next I might go with a replacement skirt since it sounds like you wear that a lot...and after that perhaps the boots, depending on timing and budget...

kellygirl

If it were me, I would purchase the current needs first--layering tees and thin sweaters. I find these invaluable for winter dressing. You can change them up with scarves/jewelry and layer under cardis and vests. I also think footwear is an easy way to change up basic outfits (but I'm a boot addict.) I love both of your boot/shoe selections. I think you could totally pull them off. Do you have a DM store where you could try them on in person? A neutral skirt would be another smart item to pick up--you could wear this now and through the spring. I'd wait for the spring stuff and get it when it starts warming up. Just my 2 cents.

bj1111

winter coat if you REALLY have no other option, then layering basics then thin knits. that should tide you until spring sales for winter goods...pick up thicker cardies or winter coat then (selection may not be optimal). at that time, you can start looking for spring goods. no point in getting a spring coat if winter hasn't come yet.

rachylou

I would go for 2, 3, and 8. I think that tackles the things that need to be replaced. After that, I'd revisit the list.

Although, I'd keep looking for a winter coat too. Coats are perpetually on my list, tho, so you might take that with a grain of salt ;>

Thanks, Jenava, you're right. I'd say the Cardi, sweaters and two or three layering tees and maybe the skirt are needs at the moment. I still have some alternatives in the other sections (even if i don't like some all that much - my old winter coat keeps me warm, that's the main thing) or they can wait a bit until it gets warmer. It's a good idea to replace one of the knit sweaters with a woven instead. I'd probably replace the neutral grey one and buy a woven instead of the pink one.

Thanks, Kelly. You're right about the layering thing, I have to do laundry fairly frequently at the moment to have enough tops to layer! I really love boots too and I like the idea of having a really sturdy pair with the Docs. We have a DM store in Berlin. I'm not sure they have all the styles, but I could definitely try some one to determine what size I'd need and what style Iooks best. I really think you're right about the skirt too.

Thanks, bj1111. I have a winter coat to keep me warm, but it's not really stylish. I've now worn it for four years and it's definitely not fitting me how it should (I weighed 20 pounds less when I bought it) . I searched for a new coat since October, but I didn't find anything. We actually already have the winter sales going on now, I bought the two new cardigans on sale. I already looked for a marked down coat last week, but had no luck.

Thanks Rachylou, I think 2 and 3 are really the most important, although I think the spring jacket can wait a little bit longer (maybe March?). I'll definitely keep looking for a winter coat, but I don't think I'm going to find one this late.

Angie

Fashion Stylist

I vote boots first! Then the knitwear. And keep your eyes peeled for that coat.

Thanks, Angie! What do you think about Docs for me?

My thumbs are up, Astrid! I have been wearing my Docs in the snow for three days in a row. They are just the best!

The 20 eyelets will be too tall for you, so try the 14 eyelets - in burgundy, maybe? Remember that you have to break Docs in before they feel like slippers.

Good to know! I have no problem with breaking shoes in, I've always had sturdy feet. I'll try the 14 eyelets then! Burgundy is great, although I like the grey ones above too.

Grey is fab too! Try both colours on those fab sturdy feet.

Louise

Yay for docs! I have the grey 20 eyelets and love them, they are so warm and comfy I wear them with dresses and skirts x

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