Questioning just how much to buy for Winter

Hi Ladies,

Here in Oz, we have been experiencing warm weather since Sept/Nov.
We are now in Autumn and while we have had some cool days, today was back up to 20 degrees and I found myself in white ankle jeans and sandals... again!

Autumn/Winter is my preferred season fashion wise but with Winter only weeks away, I am feeling I might just need to be a little conservative with my purchases as it's likely that winter clothing may only be required for a very short period - maybe 3 or 4 months (if I am lucky)

I have bought a few things specifically for Winter but they are hanging in my closet feeling a little unloved:( I just bought the jacket/coat in #1/2 and may have to turn the aircon on in the house and wear it at home lol

Is the weather weird like this everywhere? I have heard some of you in the Northern Hemisphere saying it's hasn't warmed up yet for you. Has it impacted your shopping?

xxx Deborah

This post has 2 photos. Photos uploaded by this member are only visible to other logged in members.

If you aren't a member, but would like to participate, please consider signing up. It only takes a minute and we'd love to have you.

7 years ago

rachylou

Veteran

That's such a beautiful coat!

Don't let me start talking about the weather. Winter went on forever this year and went straight to blistering hot...and they say back to rain again tomorrow...

Sally

Oh that coat with the hood is fabulous. I hope you get lots of good cold weather to wear it. Its still warm here in NZ but I have started wearing a jacket in the mornings and evenings. I also like winter because I like to wear blazers and jackets etc and I would have expected it to be colder by now. I think I have enough clothes for winter...it never gets really cold in Auckland like it does down south. My sister in Queensland is frustrated because she can't wear jeans and is sweltering in the heat that just continues.

Helen11

Certainly a long summer here, I'm a long way north of you, too. I am not planning to buy anything for winter, unless i find the perfect jacket for my "Melbourne " capsule.
Sally, it got below 20 C a few days ago so I had to put a jumper on! I think Auckland would be cold for me!

Ledonna N.

The coat is killer. It's hard to shop for the weather. Our winter was so mild here on Chicago. Then we would get a huge snow storm and a few days later back to sunny and hot. So weird.

Everyone is blaming El Nino. Spring has been just as challenging. Poor weather I liken it to a woman and her going into early onset menopause. Horrible.

Summer

Your coat is gorgeous, Deborah.

The weather in the UK is all over the place. Last weekend it was summer - short, sandals, sleeveless tops - but now it's back to winter
again with temperatures in the mid-teens.

My shopping seems to be the exact opposite of yours: I buy far more autumn/winter/early spring clothes, because that's what I'm wearing for most of the year. My smaller capsule of summer things gets worn for just a few weeks.

I think I need to move to your part of the world!

unfrumped

I dunno. Milder winter thus past season. Cooler summer last year.

I keep coming back to making myself be very picky and allowing full- price purchase if I find " the one" and not trying to stock up on things that are on sale, and not having too many dupes but look for those items that really make a difference. .
It's a good opportunity to do a winter wardrobe review ( if you won't burn up!) because I tend to forget just how many things I have and where the roadblocks are.

Staysfit

We are having a cool spring and a hot summer is predicted. Our winter was mild, almost no snow which is unusual because we supposedly had the most snowfall on the continent last year. I have made a number of spring/summer purchases, mostly creating a dress capsule for events. For winter I'm not planning many purchases.

Suz

(website)

Beautiful coat, Deborah! I hope you get to wear it.

We had a mild winter but a horrible cold spring; it is only barely beginning to warm up enough. This does affect my shopping, mainly in terms of when I do it. Angie always reminds us to shop early in the season and I know she is correct but it is just impossible for me to consider spring things in February when we will still have 3 more months of winter; I can't seem to foresee my needs well then. So I shop later for spring summer and am only doing it now.

I fear it doesn't stop me from buying more. Even though our spring/ summer / warm fall are short, they are my favourite season for dressing. I have much more fun and variety in my closet in the warmer months. Perhaps we need to change hemispheres? But I think it ultimately comes down to temperatures. Your winter is more like my autumn (a season I do enjoy dressing for); my summer is more like your spring or autumn (a season you don't mind dressing for).

In short, let's all move to southern California!

Brooklyn

I am thinking along similar lines to you Deborah. I already have quite a few new cool weather things bought over the last 6 months or so that I have not worn yet. Autumn is almost over and we haven't had a day below 20. I am going to focus on warm weather gear again come August.

JAileen

Great coat! If it gets cold even for only a couple months you need proper clothes.

Our seasons are pretty even, but it seems like summer is longest because I hate the heat (sorry, Angie). Our summers get very hot, regularly up to 100F (38C). Our winters are cold, but not as cold as the Canadians'. I love snow but we've had less and less over the years. We got higher than normal precipitation this year, thanks to El Nino. It was a good thing because we've been in a serious drought for the last four years. I think eventually our area ski resorts will have to close, or convert to mountain biking/tennis/golf. I bet they are making contingent plans right now.

We had to go to Texas a couple times this spring so I bought a lot of shorts and tops for hot humid weather. We were going to be doing physical work so comfort and practicality ruled. Here it was 87F (30C) yesterday so yes it's warmed up!

Angie

Fashion Stylist

Fun coat, Debs.

Climate change is very real. This is the THIRD Spring in Seattle that feels like Summer and I've been able to buy real Summer clothes.

So to answer your question, I'd stick to transitional items for your Winter as a safer bet.

Category