Wardrobe #s update and late summer report (long)

Update on this post about my ideal number of items and general wardrobe refreshment: As I wrote then, I had realized I needed more casual flats that weren't ballet flats, and I have purchased one pair and am on the lookout for a pair of oxfords for the fall. I have also picked up two pair of everyday sneakers and have my eye on a third pair at Zappos, which would entirely refresh my casual sneakers capsule, which was sorely needed. I've also gotten some short sleeve knit tops which was another area that desperately needed it.

Aesthetically I find my favorite colors shifting a bit, going more into neutrals, and less bright jewel tones. I am also continuing to move away from most prints and anything that feels really young or inexpensive. My new town is a bit more practical-feeling, less startup millionaires with status issues, so I'm feeling the desire to be a bit more casual these days; jeans and Vans with a nice top rather than a skirt and heels.

Before next summer, I'll need to find a new pair of flat black sandals, because the sole on my current pair is beginning to pull apart. Also, I never did find a neutral gladiator sandal, and made do with a Birk knockoff from Payless which will probably go in the trash when the season ends.

I did a quick flip through my stored-away fall and winter items yesterday and was generally meh about them, which could be dangerous. There were a lot of striped tees and bright colors, which I'm wanting less of these days. However, since we've moved to a slightly warmer area I need to reserve judgment on what items I may actually need for the winter. (Especially if we have another warmer than usual winter like we did last year. Hopefully not; hopefully it'll be long and rainy like we need.)

As far as budgeting and the seasons goes, I have started to buy a few items for early fall. I am chunking my budget by 'half-season' now, and allowing myself to use up to half of each season's budget ahead of the season, as per our recent conversation about when you buy new items.

If you've made it this far, thanks for reading. Suggestions are welcome, or comments about how you feel your summer (/winter) wardrobe worked out this year.

9 years ago

kellygirl

Veteran

Great assesment. I really need to do more thinking about my wardrobe. I feel like I'm on autopilot most of the time. I agree that it's good to wait on the fall stuff. The weather down here is pretty mild until it gets sort of chilly. You might crave a little color after wearing your summer stuff through September--it can be a long summer in the south bay. Smart to save half your budget to see what winter brings too.

My summer wardrobe worked out pretty well. I had a few new additions and did a lot of culling of stuff that was worn or never worn. If anything, my summer style is getting more casual. I almost feel like I'm losing ground in terms of style. I think yesterday's outfit hit an all time low on the fashion meter. T-shirt, white bermuda cut offs with belt and slip on sneaks. Other days are a little better but not much. I still aim for a little polish but I'm not sure that I always manage to achieve it.

I don't anticipate adding much for fall/winter. I have a feeling that I will be back in skinnies w/boots and BF jeans again--fluid knits on top. I don't really need anything but I'm sure I will find a few wants I'm a lot pickier these days too which is a good thing--makes me buy less.

cheryl

Great breakdown. Aside from a new swimsuit I didn't really buy anything new for summer and I managed just fine.

As far as fall/winter I recently purchased some harness boots that I have been wanting for a while now. I could use a pair of rain boots but otherwise I can't think of any real needs. I will buy a piece here and there as it crosses my path to keep myself feeling refreshed and to prevent boredom.

I'm not sure that my style is shifting at all but I am getting pickier about what I already own and am letting less than wonderful pieces go much easier than in the past.

Suz

(website)

Sounds like you're doing some good thinking and strategizing. Smart to reserve jugdement on last year's items until this year's season actually begins, unless they are worn out, of course.

I really enjoyed my summer wardrobe (which I am wearing until the bitter end, no change up yet here!!). But I fear I enjoyed it since half of it was new. Can I go on like that forever? I think not (although I might like to...)

Laura (rhubarbgirl)

I just realized that if I'm tracking budget by season I can also track how many items go into my wardrobe each season, and if I note what I cull, what goes out. That'll be an interesting number to look at, especially as I try to achieve stasis as far as number of items in each category. I'm also not sure if it makes sense to budget equally for each season - wouldn't one spend more $$ on winter clothes than summer? - but I guess I will wait and see.

Suz, I think you and I are twins in one sense - if someone handed us infinite money, we'd be happy as clams with our mostly-new wardrobes each season.

shedev

I found a few really good pieces, consigned a few, and will purge a few things that have seen better days at the end of Sept. Over all, I think I had a pretty good season.

Laura, I've had the same thoughts lately about adjusting spending by season.

carter

I love your wardrobe posts, Laura. I was extremely happy with my Summer wardrobe, except that I could have used several more Summer work tops this year. Between the heat/humidity and the seatbelt, they only tend to last a season so I just buy a few. This year, the housing "season" lasted much longer than usual, and the few tops I had could not take that much wear. I added 4 new sleeveless blouses last month that I hope will get some Fall and Spring 2015 wear with a blazer or sweater before they hit their stride next Summer. We'll see how that works.

I think the thing that made me happiest this Summer, though, was just having one basic silhouette, a uniform if you will. It was so easy, and for the most part, everything went with everything else. I'd love to repeat this uniform piece in the Fall, but unless I toss a bunch of stuff and start over, I have to deal with several silhouettes. Still working on this.

For budgeting purposes, I totally agree that Fall/Winter items are more expensive. If the seasons are equal lengths, they should get more of the budget. But if your F/W are shorter seasons like mine, maybe equal budgets are ok.

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