https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/summer-casual-wardrobe-evaluation--long Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sat, 30 May 2026 10:03:32 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/summer-casual-wardrobe-evaluation--long#post-688722 Thu, 09 Aug 2012 07:13:53 +0000 Ingunn 688722@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Here is my summary:</p> <p>A total of 59 items, excluding accessories.</p> <p>This wardrobe is for June-July-August. I've been using surprisingly much of this, probably due to the fact that I've travelled a lot, both work and family related. Quite a few garments span more than one season. What I haven't used: 5 t-shirts (old, can easily be donated), my silver sandals (no formal parties), the red patent leather wedges (uncomfortable, need mending), a couple of dresses. </p> <p>8 sleveless tops<br /> 14 short sleeved tops (6 qualifies for work)<br /> 4 long sleeved tops<br /> 4 cardigans<br /> 2 jackets (trench+blazer)<br /> 6 pants: 2 dresspants, 1 pair of jeans, 3 capris<br /> 1 pair of shorts<br /> 3 skirts: 2 pattern, 1 black<br /> 11 dresses (6 of them span several seasons)<br /> 11 pairs of shoes: 4 sandals, 3 pumps, 1 ballerina, 1 Converse sand shoes, 1 sneakers, 1 flipflops.</p> <p>What I'm interested in for 2013:<br /> Denim jacket<br /> White jeans<br /> Khaki pants<br /> White skirt<br /> Navy shorts<br /> A couple of short sleeved tops/blouses with pattern<br /> 1-2 pairs of closed toe flats</p> <p>This was very useful! I now realize that I shop too far many basic tees and tanks, and that I love to wear skirts and dresses. I have too many formal-looking ones and need to dress them down a little. A fun exercise, Jayne:) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/summer-casual-wardrobe-evaluation--long#post-688243 Wed, 08 Aug 2012 21:36:30 +0000 esme noir 688243@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>impressive analysis---i should do the same! but i'd love to see pics of your favorites. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/summer-casual-wardrobe-evaluation--long#post-688170 Wed, 08 Aug 2012 20:42:07 +0000 jayne 688170@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>OOooo love seeing you all post your analysis also. Figuring out this style stuff isn't JUST shopping but actually requires thought. wish i had figured that out 20 years ago! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/summer-casual-wardrobe-evaluation--long#post-688168 Wed, 08 Aug 2012 20:39:41 +0000 shiny 688168@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Regarding reasons things don't get worn: in my case, it was mostly due to the fact that I have been on a dress jag! That is not always the case. Last summer I lived in my clams and flowy surrender-the-waist blouses, with or without a cardigan. At night I often wore black ponte knit pants, also with a loose flowy blouse. </p> <p>I just guess my eye needed a break from that silhouette, especially considering it's basically what I live in during the Fall and Winter, with skinny jeans tucked into boots. I still love that look and its practicality but I'm tired of it. Which is why I have embraced dresses for last several months. I already had a good stable of dresses and I added to this in the spring and in the summer. </p> <p>Oh wait.. I also added in the winter: a few new sweater and long sleeve dresses. Actually, that was the turning point. I was probably about half dresses/half skinnies w/boots this winter. </p> <p>But, I'm not about to give up on these items just because they went unworn. Because it's inevitable that I may get tired of dresses and crave pants again! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/summer-casual-wardrobe-evaluation--long#post-688134 Wed, 08 Aug 2012 20:21:17 +0000 shiny 688134@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love this idea, just adding up one season's worth. Can I play too?</p> <p>In rotation so far this summer I count:</p> <p>1) 10 dresses, all worn quite often. Many, not all, of these dresses can span several seasons, and can be styled for work or play. </p> <p>I did not get around yet to wearing my white linen dress; I passed it up a couple of times, worrying about getting it dirty or staining the armpits because it was so hot out. I need to fix that before August is over! One favorite dress is getting retired, as the dry cleaner ruined the sheen on it. So sad about that. Another dress I put on a few times, only to change last minute. That one may get retired too... </p> <p>2) 4 beach cover ups and three bathing suits, also worn quite often. This includes one new one purchased a few weeks ago. The others are starting to look ragged. </p> <p>3) 3 cardigans worn; I have more than that, but it has been a particularly hot summer. Many times, I take a cardigan in my bag, but never needed it. Only 3 actually got worn -- not just stuffed in my bag "just in case." I will hold on to the others as in past, cooler summers they got tons of wear. </p> <p>4) 2 blazers (a taupe boyfriend length, and a short sleeve black suiting jacket). Worn in AC in the office, on a business trip, and occasionally out at night (once again, I'd have worn blazers much more often but it has just been so hot!)</p> <p>5) 1 jean jacket. I have not worn the white denim at all this year. Once again, blame the heat. I also wore my lightweight hounds tooth rain trench a few times, but not the heavier cream trench. </p> <p>6) 4 skirts, all worn at least twice. </p> <p>7) I wore only about 4 or 5 blouses. Because I've been on this dress jag. Not worried about that, as all my blouses span multiple seasons. </p> <p>8) 7 camis. I wore all of them numerous times, not just as layers. I sleep year-round in my cotton camis, paired with boxer shorts! And wear them as loungewear too. In fact, I need to refresh this category as the washing machine ate a bunch of straps. </p> <p>9) Tees: I only wore ... just one. A graphic tee. I culled this category down immensely in recent months. </p> <p>10) Clams: I wore cargo clams several times, but only wore my denim clams a couple of times. That's highly unusual for me, but like I said, I've been on a jag with dresses lately. </p> <p>11) Jeans: haven't worn them at all. Too hot. </p> <p>12) Dress pants: only wore one pair, the taupe that goes with the taupe blazer, on a business trip. I preferred dresses for work all summer. </p> <p>That is about 40 pieces? </p> <p>Purses in heaviest rotation: optic white, cork clutch, cream clutch, black crackle leather, straw beach bag.</p> <p>Shoes in heaviest rotation: flat nude sandals, metallic flip flops, nude heels, snake skin heels, SW ballet flats, metallic wedge heels. Lighter rotation: red patent leather round toe pumps, zebra ballet flats. </p> <p>I love exercises like this. I'm going to save this so next time I need to pack for a trip to a warm place, I will have this in mind!</p> <p>ETA: our summer started exceptionally early this year. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/summer-casual-wardrobe-evaluation--long#post-688075 Wed, 08 Aug 2012 19:36:34 +0000 Ingunn 688075@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>A very inspiring and informative thread! Thank you, Jayne, you've now inspired me to make an analysis of my Summer wardrobe tomorrow. It will be interesting to examine how it actually works.</p> <p>I agree that the short Scandinavian Summer makes dressing for Summer more difficult. We always need to have a woolen sweater or cardigan around for evenings and/or cold winds:) My only pair of shorts is olive, like yours, and I find it a very versatile garment. I also bought a colorful skirt that I have used a lot because I've spent a total of four weeks abroad this year in the US (San Diego), Mexico and France. No lack of sun there! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/summer-casual-wardrobe-evaluation--long#post-687946 Wed, 08 Aug 2012 17:47:27 +0000 Gaylene 687946@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Your analysis was really helpful. It prompted me to haul out my summer wardrobe and evaluate what was working, what was languishing, and what was just going to be an orphan.</p> <p>It was a bit of a shock to realize that while dresses hang in my closet, my summer skirts have been in heavy rotation, especially a knee-length, inexpensive, blue batik, pull-on skirt that I bought on sale. It has probably been my favorite summer item this year. A total surprise for this neutral-loving, non-patterned, pants/shorts-loving person. My style has changed without my noticing???</p> <p>Thanks for the post; it's been a real, eye-opener. And *chuckling* my husband, after asking me what I was doing, starting hauling out his summer stuff coming to the realization that he only will wear cargo-style shorts that don't flare out on the legs. His look of dismay at the rest of his shorts collection was just too funny! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/summer-casual-wardrobe-evaluation--long#post-687931 Wed, 08 Aug 2012 17:40:39 +0000 cheryl 687931@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love these types of posts. You have done a great evaluation of what works for you, way to go. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/summer-casual-wardrobe-evaluation--long#post-687899 Wed, 08 Aug 2012 17:11:13 +0000 rachylou 687899@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Good analysis. You have me thinking about shorts in my wardrobe. I think I wear shorts only a handful of times a year, but I've got maybe 5 pairs. I could probably get by with just one pair. Two at most. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/summer-casual-wardrobe-evaluation--long#post-687787 Wed, 08 Aug 2012 15:11:32 +0000 Isabel 687787@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks for sharing that ! It is a real eye opener and I think pretty typical. My clothing size was larger this summer so I needed a whole new wardrobe. I thought that it was pretty minimal, but just like you, I gravitated toward certain items and wore them the most. </p> <p>For me, at least, I just don't know what is going to be useful for me until I actually start wearing it. Maybe the approach should be to not buy anything until we have noticed several times while dressing, that we could really "use" something. It is always so revealing how little we really need. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/summer-casual-wardrobe-evaluation--long#post-687663 Wed, 08 Aug 2012 12:30:13 +0000 ramya 687663@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Jayne Well with our Norwegian summer there is high probability that it is the reason for you not wearing all the clothes :P...</p> <p>Jokes apart see the % of wear is pretty high so good job </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/summer-casual-wardrobe-evaluation--long#post-687652 Wed, 08 Aug 2012 12:18:16 +0000 Kirti 687652@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What a useful thread jayne! Please don't be too sad, atleast you managed to figure out what works for you and what doesn't, right? Think of how prepared you are for next summer </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/summer-casual-wardrobe-evaluation--long#post-687611 Wed, 08 Aug 2012 09:25:00 +0000 Rhiannon 687611@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think there are completely different retirements for every one depending upon the needs and work for everyone. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/summer-casual-wardrobe-evaluation--long#post-687577 Wed, 08 Aug 2012 05:36:12 +0000 jayne 687577@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>i love reading about your own closet analysis....thanks for the inputs.</p> <p>To answer the why---on why the items didn't get worn....</p> <p>2 pair of shorts were bought in a rush and they are a bit too big and make me feel frumpy. (30 $ total there)</p> <p>2 skirts were bought as copies at one of those discount stores because they were cheap (20$ total there)</p> <p>1 chino is a bit baggy and also I struggle with beige in general... but they are good to have 'in case' and are over a year old, so not new.</p> <p>the surprise for me is the shorts I made 'favorite' - khaki olive green! I have avoided the whole military green like the plague, so I don't know where these came from (sales last summer?) but they are a perfect neutral background for all the other tops I liked. And since they have good details (hardware, I love hardware)...I find they toughen up a look. This makes me wonder if I could also handle having a pair of military/cargo jeans in the same color so I can reuse the same summer toppers into fall. I am not putting them on my list though as I have more important things I need for fall.</p> <p>Tops that didn't get worn are mostly caused by having too many, and finding I liked the ones that could be used in a half tuck, or made good outfits with the shoes and shorts/skirts I preferred. Lucky for me, the tops are mostly from years past and many get used in gardening instead of leaving the house. </p> <p>If I purge, it will be the extra bottoms. But summer wear is easy to store away, so I won't purge this year... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/summer-casual-wardrobe-evaluation--long#post-687576 Wed, 08 Aug 2012 05:25:29 +0000 Beth Ann 687576@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Dearest Jane: Unless there are ripped seams, stains, or tons-o-cleavage, there is no shame in fashion! Having 15 unworn items is a learning opportunity, perhaps, but it is no moral failing! </p> <p>Personally, I like options, and will keep an item, as long as I like it, for more than a year without donating it. Because I thrive with a little variety, but my funds and space are limited, I have what I consider a medium wardrobe. This season I also bought several things that have flopped when put in action -- worn once or twice, but not serving me, or my style goals, very well. I am trying to thoughtfully purchase, then bring the item home and take the time to pair it with items in the closet. For example, I'll be returning 2 items from my last shopping trip. I'm trying to "cull" when the tags are on and the money can go back in my pocket.</p> <p>Jayne, I love your vibrant, playful, modern style, and I applaud you for knowing what is "enough." I'd suggest keeping the orphans that still please and flatter you until next summer. Maybe another purchase will be a good match. If there are near misses, like 4 or 5 tops that I bought this year, pass them on and make someone else's day. </p> <p>Enjoy the rest of your summer! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/summer-casual-wardrobe-evaluation--long#post-687453 Wed, 08 Aug 2012 00:55:32 +0000 Lisa 687453@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm a big fan of numbers and clothes tracking.</p> <p>I have roughly a 3 month season of hot weather. </p> <p>This year I narrowed my wardrobe to:<br /> 13 short sleeve tops and I've regularly worn only 7 of these, so half of them could get donated at the end of the season. If I can get up the courage to do so. Part of the low number in top wearing is, my office is very cold and I do not wear the tops to work. Only during weekends and after work hours.</p> <p>11 T-shirts and I regularly wear all of these. These form a key layer in my work wardrobe. I had the formula of cardigan, t-shirt and tank top as my upper half of my work outfits this season. The tank tops number is similar.</p> <p>10 Cardigans and I regularly wear 8 of these. Two of these can be donated at the end of the season. </p> <p>6 Blazers and I regularly wear 4 of these. I have no plans to donate any at the end of the season though. Blazers are harder to fit than other items.</p> <p>3 Shorts and I regularly wear 1 of these. I only recently started wearing the other 2 pairs after I realized I kept favoring the denim pair.</p> <p>2 Sandals and I regularly wear both of these, only on weekends. My work shoes are all closed toes. I have no plans to add or subtract for sandals.</p> <p>6 Dresses and I regularly wear 3 of these. I may donate the other 3 at the end of the season. Again my cold office leaves me little out of work time to wear summer clothing.</p> <p>I do realize this year that I need to own very little summer specific clothing since I often run on team always cold. I may purge larger categories, such as short sleeve tops, to half the size at the end of the season to free up room for more warmer tops. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/summer-casual-wardrobe-evaluation--long#post-687387 Tue, 07 Aug 2012 23:16:43 +0000 Suz 687387@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>As usual, Jayne, this is a very useful thread. Thank you! </p> <p>I am going to do something similar. I had a bit of an odd summer since I was away in a different climate for an entire month, so I will be careful when making my calculations. But I think it's an excellent idea to look at how often items were worn and consider those numbers when planning for next year. </p> <p>I also think it's a great idea to consider the REASONS some items get "favourited" and others languish in the closet. In my case, it almost always comes down to fit and to having the right mates for those items (i.e. accessories or other pieces to make an outfit). </p> <p>If the fit isn't quite right on something, I will wear the other things that fit better. ALWAYS. </p> <p>And if I don't have partners to an item to make an outfit that makes me feel fab, once again, it will sit unworn. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/summer-casual-wardrobe-evaluation--long#post-687385 Tue, 07 Aug 2012 23:14:07 +0000 Makrame 687385@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Very interesting exercise! Thanks for sharing your observations!</p> <p>I took a couple of lessons from last summer - I don't wear shorts much (because most of the time I am at work or have to wear long pants for hiking and gardening) and I don't need sandals most of the time because I wear closed-toe shoes to work. So these were the two types of purchases I was able to successfully resist this summer. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/summer-casual-wardrobe-evaluation--long#post-687370 Tue, 07 Aug 2012 22:47:40 +0000 Isis 687370@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love numbers!</p> <p>I found this old thread insighful:<br /> <a href="http://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wear-everything-twice-check-in-1" rel="nofollow">http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....check-in-1</a></p> <p>Kate's comments made me realize how few items I needed if my goal was to wear everything once a month!</p> <p>I have yet to quantify my own numbers though.... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/summer-casual-wardrobe-evaluation--long#post-687341 Tue, 07 Aug 2012 21:59:36 +0000 Mo 687341@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks for sharing this! I am really having to talk myself out of new summer purchases. I know I have enough to last this summer in FL, which is more than I'll ever need for the cooler and shorter Tahoe summers! Hard to remember that as one hot day flows into the next, though.<br /> I find that 3 shorts get worn regularly and likewise, 3 skirts come out as faves. My tops I'm pretty good at rotating wearing. I did flip the hangers when I got here July 1 and 75% of them have gotten turned around, with a few items hiting the purge pile after a try on or day's wear. My dresses remain the most neglected, along with my heels, too. Maybe they are better in spring/fall rather than the dead heat of summer? I hope! lol </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/summer-casual-wardrobe-evaluation--long#post-687339 Tue, 07 Aug 2012 21:57:01 +0000 deb 687339@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I really need to look more at the capsule section of YLF. Thank you for this informative post. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/summer-casual-wardrobe-evaluation--long#post-687331 Tue, 07 Aug 2012 21:52:23 +0000 harmonica 687331@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>wow impressive! you've learned a lot by doing this exercise - congrats!! </p> <p>Short evaluation: I packed mostly gear wear which worked fairly well, but need some updates in time + boring basics (jeans, denim skirt, tee's, tanks, scarf, jacket - all grey/white/black/green). The basics became too boring and reminded me a bit of my SAHM time - blah(!), so I was very happy when I got home again and started dressing for work. Well, will need to update my casual wardrobe with nice tops because I only have tee's and tanks in grey, white and black. blah</p> <p>Love how you broke down the numbers and learned an important lesson for the summer season. now you are already very well prepared for next year! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/summer-casual-wardrobe-evaluation--long#post-687326 Tue, 07 Aug 2012 21:50:06 +0000 JulieJohn 687326@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What a great idea! I definitely need to take a tally of all my unloved items at the end of each season and try to learn more about my real style.</p> <p>Are there any common traits that the unused items have in common? Maybe they were too dressy, too casual, too neutral, or too bold, etc. </p> <p>Thanks for sharing! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/summer-casual-wardrobe-evaluation--long#post-687311 Tue, 07 Aug 2012 21:35:09 +0000 jayne 687311@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>These days we are talking alot about wardrobe success, failure, and size. Since I have only a few days of vacation left, I can take a good look at how summer went in my closet.</p> <p>These items are just summer casual, for hanging out with the family, shopping, movies, and coffee out. Not too many fancy dinners out. I don't include training gear used for runs, hikes, or swimming.</p> <p>The big number is 40 pieces including shoes including 3 dressy outfits/heels in case we eat out. Each dressy outfit was used once. OK. there is some summer left...there is hope.</p> <p>But the big surprise was in shorts/skirts. I replaced my shorts/summer skirts collection in Feb this year and have a grand total of 9 items in that group. I used consistently 4 items. All others were left orphaned. It is not warm enough here to justify 5 more items of this type. I will keep them for future vacations but I think it is clear that I play favorites and even planning an outfit for an orphan didn't help. I used a favorite instead as they gave me higher happiness factor.</p> <p>On tops, my jean jacket and denim shirt were used alot. And here and there I used all 3 of my light weight v neck sweaters. I do NOT need more, I had exactly enough.</p> <p>For the shirts and t's and tank, I own a grand total of 17 items. Of these only 6 were used with high happiness. Another 5 could be cultivated, I think, and used more next year if I find the right matches. But that leaves 6 as orphaned. Sad but true.</p> <p>Finally shoes. I have 4 casual flat shoes/sandals and 3 heels in the group. The heels each were used once for the dresses. The casual shoes were all used regularly, mixed around. I think I have exactly enough there also.</p> <p>Conclusion, of the 40 summer items I have, I only needed....wait for it.....19 items. </p> <p>The 3 dressy outfits could rather have been just one and reused. (i.e. target from 6 items to 2) </p> <p>Final admission, of all the 15 items left....7 of these were bought in February...talk about bad planning..</p> <p>Uff, now going to hang head in shame. But I know can take these numbers and learning further to make a FAB summer casual capsule and I won't need to replace anything for several years! </p> <p>Thanks for reading...it is constructive for me to look at the numbers like this sometimes. </p>