YouLookFab Forum » Topic: The Fall/Winter Wardrobe Plan --and then there's reality (long)

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: The Fall/Winter Wardrobe Plan --and then there's reality (long) https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-fall-wardrobe-plan---and-then-theres-reality Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sun, 19 Apr 2026 02:23:26 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php Alana in Canada on "The Fall/Winter Wardrobe Plan --and then there's reality (long)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-fall-wardrobe-plan---and-then-theres-reality#post-1316366 Sun, 27 Jul 2014 21:19:38 +0000 Alana in Canada 1316366@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ thanks frannieb! That sounds like an awful lot of standing outside! brrrr. (I've been to Minnesota in winter.) I'll look up those camis.  frannieb on "The Fall/Winter Wardrobe Plan --and then there's reality (long)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-fall-wardrobe-plan---and-then-theres-reality#post-1316110 Sun, 27 Jul 2014 15:10:04 +0000 frannieb 1316110@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I'm a little late to the conversation. 1. Love you anaylsis and will taking ideas as I start wardrobe building again. 2 I live in minnesota understand the weather thing. I stand outside for bus duty 20 minutes twice a day and go out for recess duty. Two things I love : smartwool or icebreaker cami's short or long sleeve overheat me. The cami can be worn many days in a row I have three I rotate. Lastly I embarrassed snow pants last year. Best purchase I ever made. Alana in Canada on "The Fall/Winter Wardrobe Plan --and then there's reality (long)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-fall-wardrobe-plan---and-then-theres-reality#post-1311564 Wed, 23 Jul 2014 00:35:09 +0000 Alana in Canada 1311564@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ OK, I called about the coat and have some new questions, so I started a separate thread for that. Inge, I am going to cry. These are all so wonderful and you are so incredibly kind. Thank you so much. You've even taken care to post the tops in "my" colours. The scarves are stunning. I am getting caught up in looking, so this is taking me too long to respond, lol! Lisa, that is excellent advice. I will behard to take, lol! E--I hope the boot search goes more quickly now that grey is back in vogue,so to speak. Wasn't it one of your threads that introduced me to the grey pikolinos I have fallen in love with? Mona--thanks for the info on the puffers. I am glad you found one on sale that works for you--how great is that! Have you ever seen a picture of the <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.google.ca/search?q=michelin+man&rlz=1C1TSCD_enCA579CA579&espv=2&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=hQHPU5qXC6O1igLbk4CAAw&ved=0CDEQsAQ&biw=1093&bih=514">Michelin Man</a>? That would be me in a puffer, lol.    Glory--sorry to hear you had to pack away the Cranberry coat! But thanks for the tip re: MWW. There's one in the same parking lot as work--and through work I have a 10% discount there. Yay. Thanks everyone. I will go and suss out my winter clothes and update you all with what I may already have.  Glory on "The Fall/Winter Wardrobe Plan --and then there's reality (long)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-fall-wardrobe-plan---and-then-theres-reality#post-1311022 Tue, 22 Jul 2014 16:44:20 +0000 Glory 1311022@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Chiming back into say that I have several coats but 3 main ones as follows: Black knee length puffer coat (several years old) from Costco - I call this my "Big Guns" coat and where it for the extreme temps and hockey arenas. This is worn 80% of the winter. Grey peacoat - also from Costco. It is 80% wool and darling. I wish it were navy because I have turned off of grey recently. But, it is wonderful for running around (with the car). Completely useless for dog walking, bus travel etc in the depth of winter. Cranberry/pink knee length coat. This is a pretty recent addition (in my books, only 2 winters). I purchased this because I could not bear any more grey and black. It is warm and the lining is sleek which means it is easy on and off. This is something I now look for. BUT - I gained weight and it feels snug so I am keeping packed away for now. Last year, Marks Workwear house had fabulous puffers in a variety of colours. Keep an eye for the sales - they often have a sale and then add a 30% discount for weekends. If you sign up they will alert you. Mona on "The Fall/Winter Wardrobe Plan --and then there's reality (long)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-fall-wardrobe-plan---and-then-theres-reality#post-1311003 Tue, 22 Jul 2014 16:31:53 +0000 Mona 1311003@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Lots of great advise here, alana. I just wanted to chime in and say that I have been slowly building my wardrobe on a tight budget for about two years now. This forum has been instrumental in my style journey. Here is Angie's post that she did last year on Land's End puffers. <a href="http://youlookfab.com/2013/12/09/lands-end-puffer-coats-are-fab/" rel="nofollow">http://youlookfab.com/2013/12/.....s-are-fab/</a> .I got myself a short puffer in red from Land's end back in February. It was on deep discount. I would suggest to just go through this winter with your old coat and buy a good quality puffer when sales start around February. I do this a lot with my clothing. Keep a few items on my wish list and nab them when they go on sale at season's end. Off course, you have to be very patient with this technique and can't jump on tendy bandwagons right away. I don't get caught too much in the excitement of tends so it works for me. P.S. Lands' End puffers run big. I usually wear medium. Their puffer I got in small and still it is loose enough to layer under it. E on "The Fall/Winter Wardrobe Plan --and then there's reality (long)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-fall-wardrobe-plan---and-then-theres-reality#post-1310977 Tue, 22 Jul 2014 16:01:51 +0000 E 1310977@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Oh Alana I hope that peacoat works for you! The cashmere is even more insulating than wool, so what a good mix. :) (Also, I hate retail shopping too: I'm currently on what should be a simple quest for replacement grey knee high boots. But there's almost no grey anywhere, and when there is & it might fit me, my size keeps not being available. Makes me feel like stomping my feet on the ground in frustration!) Lisa on "The Fall/Winter Wardrobe Plan --and then there's reality (long)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-fall-wardrobe-plan---and-then-theres-reality#post-1310957 Tue, 22 Jul 2014 15:45:54 +0000 Lisa 1310957@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I also enjoy viviennes blog.  I think boots and outerwear is a good choice as these are usually the big ticket items that can take up a lot of a budget.  Then you can see how much is left and cater your remaining wardrobe holes from there. Inge on "The Fall/Winter Wardrobe Plan --and then there's reality (long)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-fall-wardrobe-plan---and-then-theres-reality#post-1310865 Tue, 22 Jul 2014 14:25:52 +0000 Inge 1310865@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ You've done a marvelously thorough analysis, Alana! Here are some thoughts: - Is your current heavy Winter coat a wool coat or a puffer coat? I wonder if a (long) puffer would be more versatile? I think I remember Angie mentioning that nothing will keep you warmer (and dry) in very cold Winters -- and several of our Canadian ladies practically live in their puffer coats during Winter. Lands' End usually has a good selection (in marvelous colours too - love your idea of a Winter coat in a bright or statement colour). This blog post gives you an idea (I think Lands' End will have more options coming in over the next few months). <a rel="nofollow" href="http://youlookfab.com/2013/12/09/lands-end-puffer-coats-are-fab/">http://youlookfab.com/2013/12/.....s-are-fab/</a> - A peacoat (with high wool content) would be great as your mild Winter coat. The one Jen W linked to is available in gorgeous colours. And I'm sure it feel fun to be able to mix up the different silhouettes for your long Winters (e.g. long puffer and shoter peacoat). - Also: you can always wear thinner jackets and blazers (Summer and Spring items included) under all your Winter coats if these are roomy enough. E.g.  a denim jacket, leather jacket, bomber jacket, knit or woven blazer... This can definitely add extra warmth when you need it. It can also make your mild Winter coat more versatile because that way it can transition into heavy Winter. - Excellent idea to add some scarves to jazz up your old (and new) Winter coats. It's a great way to add visual and textural interest, and a fun way to play with patterns. In addition to "regular" scarves, I recommended getting a "big", warm (wool or cashmere perhaps) wrap like this one: <a rel="nofollow" href="http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/nordstrom-ruffle-wrap/3305072">http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/no.....ap/3305072</a> Incredibly cosy, even on the coldest of days. - Love the idea of adding a topper and one less top. It's just fun to have a different silhouette into the mix, plus it also gives you the option to continue to wear more lightweight (Summer and Spring too) tops when it gets colder. A knit blazer or jacket is a great alternative if you feel woven jackets are too constrictive. - Great idea to get one pair of navy and one pair of grey trousers. Hurrah for as much variety as possible :-) - Tops: I like the idea of "mixing it up" as much as possible in that area. E.g. get tops and sweaters with different necklines (turtleneck, V-neck of shawl collar, round neck). I'd personally also try to get at least one in a pattern, and one with an interesting design detail (e.g. zip shoulder, asymmetric or high-low hemline)... ETA: if a V-neck or lower cut top needs a cami, and you need extra warmth: a thermal cami, T-shirt or long-sleeved top could be a great layering piece (which could also work under a jacket, and of course layered underneath sweaters too). I've collected a few items that looked interesting for inspiration, and am adding them below:-) (most are available in more colours). Alana in Canada on "The Fall/Winter Wardrobe Plan --and then there's reality (long)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-fall-wardrobe-plan---and-then-theres-reality#post-1310823 Tue, 22 Jul 2014 13:58:05 +0000 Alana in Canada 1310823@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ JenW--That is a much better coat than the one I found--both in the way it looks and its temperature rating. THANK YOU!  OK I checked sizing. It's confusing to me, so I'll give them a call when I get home from work. Too exciting. Jen W on "The Fall/Winter Wardrobe Plan --and then there's reality (long)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-fall-wardrobe-plan---and-then-theres-reality#post-1310588 Tue, 22 Jul 2014 03:44:29 +0000 Jen W 1310588@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Alana, Not sure if you saw this wool peacoat, but the have some great colors left in sizes 24/26, including navy and grey. But the teal is really stunning! <a href="http://www.landsend.com/products/womens-luxe-wool-pea-coat/id_273113_59?CM_MERCH=OTC" rel="nofollow">http://www.landsend.com/produc....._MERCH=OTC</a> Maybe an option? Found it under their on the counter tab. Jen W on "The Fall/Winter Wardrobe Plan --and then there's reality (long)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-fall-wardrobe-plan---and-then-theres-reality#post-1310578 Tue, 22 Jul 2014 03:33:03 +0000 Jen W 1310578@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I was going to recommend Land's End as well. Right now there isn't much in the way of coats but in another month or so the selection should improve. I regularly get coupon codes for $15 off a $75 purchase and they offer 30-40% off specials every other week or so. You make want to check their on the counter section under clearance. I bought a wool puffer vest 2 years ago at a great price. And at the end of season the coats are remarkably well priced if you have the budget for a second coat then as well. I paid $56 for a navy wool walker this last January. Scarves are also a great way to add warmth inexpensively. I've been building my wardrobe for 2 years and scarves have been a blessing as it is a slow process for me. I started with the idea of a core of 4 from VF and have been slowly building ever since. Take your time. Patience and persistence will pay off! LACeleste on "The Fall/Winter Wardrobe Plan --and then there's reality (long)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-fall-wardrobe-plan---and-then-theres-reality#post-1310551 Tue, 22 Jul 2014 03:09:38 +0000 LACeleste 1310551@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Hi Alana! Great post.   You are learning so fast! I am going to PM you a quick question. Alana in Canada on "The Fall/Winter Wardrobe Plan --and then there's reality (long)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-fall-wardrobe-plan---and-then-theres-reality#post-1310545 Tue, 22 Jul 2014 03:05:10 +0000 Alana in Canada 1310545@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Blast, I just checked Land's End. They have three colours: cobalt, black and grey. But guess which one is not available in Plus? Cobalt. (I am willing to make a big bold statement with my coat. However, grey is OK.) But it only goes to up to 1x (I'm a 2x or 3x depending on the brand) --and they are out of it anyway. Sigh. I hate shopping. Alana in Canada on "The Fall/Winter Wardrobe Plan --and then there's reality (long)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-fall-wardrobe-plan---and-then-theres-reality#post-1310540 Tue, 22 Jul 2014 02:55:55 +0000 Alana in Canada 1310540@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Lari--bless you! I have no idea about fabric content and relative warmth, etc, so thank you for that. I guess I shall pass and look at Land's End. Sears used to carry their stuff but doesn't any more.  E--good point about layering. Love the idea of waiting until January for the deep freeze coat though I suspect there won't be any left by them. Oh well. Next year. This year I will search out some juicy scarves, togues and gloves to brighten up my black coat. Oh and knowing that wool can absorb up to 30% of its weight in water before it feels wet is very useful--that means I can get a high-content wool coat and not worry about getting wet in a snow storm! Very useful. :) E on "The Fall/Winter Wardrobe Plan --and then there's reality (long)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-fall-wardrobe-plan---and-then-theres-reality#post-1310487 Tue, 22 Jul 2014 01:49:52 +0000 E 1310487@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Yes sorry, I meant instead of cutting your at-home additions to 0 toppers & 4 tops, you might get 1 topper and 3 tops. Although I suppose from a budget view, a topper is probably going to cost more than 1 top, huh? (I'm a secondhand shopper so I don't have much idea of what retail costs are.) I have silk long johns that surprisingly don't make me overheat even indoors! My mother gave me 2 pairs when I was a college freshman and I still have them all these years later. So I didn't know if you had a similar magic pair, hehe. Since you don't, and you're commuting in the cold but don't want to overheat at work, I bet you'd get more use out of the heavier coat than lighter one. That way you won't have to layer as much underneath, at least not at first! So I'd prioritise the heavier coat: if you get overly hot on the bus or metro, it'll be easier to shrug out of that or open it up for a breeze than if you've got several layers underneath a lighter one & you feel too hot. Plus, if it's the bus, and you have to wait for it, if there's no heating at the waiting points (I've taken buses in Montreal & Toronto, neither of which had heated stops when I was there in late October and the weather was already around 4-5, but I don't know about Alberta), you're going to appreciate the extra insulation. I agree w Lari that I'd only get coats with a high wool content: wool keeps you cosy but is also somehow magical & good at regulating your temperature so you don't usually feel stuffy either. Also, it can absorb 30% of its weight in water before feeling wet! (I'm a knitter & just finished rereading The Knitter's Book of Wool, so I'm full of useless trivia at the moment. lol) Of course, it sounds like your current coat is a heavy one? So perhaps you want to add a mild one first? That makes sense too: if your birthday's in January, you could get the deep winter coat and feel fresh in the middle of a long season. I don't know, I just know not freezing would be my biggest priority! Too bad Ebay has high shipping costs for you. :/ And no, the post did not disappoint! I very much enjoyed it and admire your common sense approach to wardrobe planning. :) lari on "The Fall/Winter Wardrobe Plan --and then there's reality (long)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-fall-wardrobe-plan---and-then-theres-reality#post-1310457 Tue, 22 Jul 2014 01:21:54 +0000 lari 1310457@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ alana, the coat is pretty and great colour however the material content  - polyester-rayon-spandex faux-wool fabric outershell - worries me. come october you will need to layer underneath it big time to stay warm.  try to wait a bit and find a peacoat that has the highest content of wool - in the perfect world 100% wool - but that is rare now. land's end had really nice ones in plus sizes last year which were if I recall correctly 70% wool. they often run promotions so you can get it cheaper. also, try winners - they usually start getting fall merchandise in mid august.  Alana in Canada on "The Fall/Winter Wardrobe Plan --and then there's reality (long)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-fall-wardrobe-plan---and-then-theres-reality#post-1310427 Tue, 22 Jul 2014 00:44:35 +0000 Alana in Canada 1310427@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thank you, Glory! I appreciate that. The peacoat is actually currently on sale. I am tempted to order it to see what's what. Glory on "The Fall/Winter Wardrobe Plan --and then there's reality (long)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-fall-wardrobe-plan---and-then-theres-reality#post-1310423 Tue, 22 Jul 2014 00:41:48 +0000 Glory 1310423@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I also love your posts! I think the winter coat is pretty essential given that for most Canadians we are in them for a long long time. If you can decide what you wish then keep your eyes peeled for a good sale! You have to be warm if you are using Publish transport to and from work. I love your list - it will keep you very on target when you are out and about. Alana in Canada on "The Fall/Winter Wardrobe Plan --and then there's reality (long)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-fall-wardrobe-plan---and-then-theres-reality#post-1310313 Mon, 21 Jul 2014 22:49:44 +0000 Alana in Canada 1310313@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thank you all so much for helping me out with this. Two things, off the top of my head 1) Get the outerwear sorted first, then everything else. I will put my glasses ahead of even that, though, as I my prescription has changed significantly with respect to my ability to read and it is getting more difficult to cope with every day. Windchime--I currently have one winter coat. I can limp along it in another year. It is seven years old and it is the only winter coat I have had in that time. I am looking for a mild winter coat and mild winter boots. Unfortunately, my birthday is in January, so taht's no help! JackieC--technically speaking, I don't NEED a mild winter coat or even mild winter boots--but then, I have never worked outside the home and relied on public transit in the Fall. I started working at my current job which is part time, by the by, in late October. (Just when I'd start wearing the heavy winter coat anyway.) Suz--What on Earth did you wear? Thanks for sharing how slowly you built up. That causes me to pause a bit. I love the idea of scarves. I do not love the idea of thrift stores. I hate to shop--and thrift stores here are horrible and the plus size slection is poor.  Carter--you know, I haven't actually set a dollar amount as a budget. I hve no clue what it should be. E you are so sweet to say you enjoy reading the longer posts! I hope this one did not disappoint.  As mentioned, my work is part-time. I think, though, that I will request 30 hours a week once fall comes and the kids are back at school. (Currently I have my hours set at 25 which is a perfect balance between being at home and taking care of things here and work). I am not that e-bay savvy. When I have checked for the odd thing, shipping has been a bit of a kick in the teeth, unfortunately. About thermals--much too warm, inside. However, last winter there were a few days I wore my work out leggings under my pants and changed at work. That's a good point: I am going to need a couple of layers on cold days just for travelling. About the tops and toppers--are you saying that I should get a topper anyway--and get one fewer top? Is that what you meant? ClearlyCLaire--thank you! I'd love to hear what you think of that series. My gut reaction is that, in the end, its sort of a lot of clothes--and it feels a bit haphazard. Her rationale for proceeding as she does as she is building is not at all clear to me, nor does she explain it. Lari--thanks so much for your concern. I am in Alberta, too, so I know you know what I'm talking about! I was thinking of this pea coat for Fall/mild winter. what do you think--would it do for September/October (and maybe a smidge of November, if we are lucky?) <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.sears.ca/product/jessica-md-womens-faux-wool-swing-coat/617-000570028-WF14-JE70-0174">http://www.sears.ca/product/je.....-JE70-0174</a> Again, many, many thanks. It occurs to me that I need to do an inventory of what I actually have in the fall/winter wardrobe that I can wear before I proceed much further. My sense is one pair of jeans and two cardigans and one turtleneck. But, there may be more. lari on "The Fall/Winter Wardrobe Plan --and then there's reality (long)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-fall-wardrobe-plan---and-then-theres-reality#post-1309963 Mon, 21 Jul 2014 15:55:34 +0000 lari 1309963@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ alana, whatever you need to keep warm and dry in winter should be priority #1. I live in alberta and know from experience how brutal canadian winters can be. buy the best boots and coat you can afford. if you have money left over get the glasses. I wouldn't worry about clothes that much now. again from experience - the more thinking you do beforehand (about clothing fit/proportions/colour scheme/etc.) the better your decisions will be when you have money to go shopping. I don't mean to preach but the thought of people being cold and miserable in winter really upsets me. please sort your outwear first :)  Anonymous on "The Fall/Winter Wardrobe Plan --and then there's reality (long)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-fall-wardrobe-plan---and-then-theres-reality#post-1309953 Mon, 21 Jul 2014 15:50:24 +0000 Anonymous 1309953@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Good work Alana! I need to go over to Vivienne Files and read that post too. I like your lists, and that you want to prioritize. Off the top of my head, I'd want to make sure you were warm, so boots and coat first. Glasses are super important too. Can you get them now before it gets cold? Or is that something you want to wait until January to do for insurance purposes? Also, I would buy the thing that is hardest for you to fit (either boots or coat) while there is still a good selection in the stores. If you are an easy fit in puffers, for instance, you might risk waiting until the sales if your current coat will hold up that long. These budget puzzles are a fact of life, unfortunately. but with a little luck, you'll find some of the other pieces at good prices as you go along. Great wardrobes are not built overnight, I'm learning!  E on "The Fall/Winter Wardrobe Plan --and then there's reality (long)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-fall-wardrobe-plan---and-then-theres-reality#post-1309946 Mon, 21 Jul 2014 15:42:16 +0000 E 1309946@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I’m so impressed by your detailed plans, especially how you even list objectives! And I always love reading the longer posts. :)<div> </div><div>The one thing I didn’t see was how much time you spend working vs at home. Since you need to figure out how to divide your resources, that might be helpful too: if you only wear at home clothes on the weekend, you might not need as much variety to be happy. (And perhaps you 'need' some fun socks for when you go visiting? hehe)<div> </div><div>I don’t know what your style is, or whether Ebay has an extensive plus size section, or even how being Canadian affects Ebay, but with all those caveats I’ve found it a fabulous resource for winter coats. Especially the vintage section, which includes lots of long, 100% wool offerings for less than I could buy that amount of wool fabric! I just ask for quite a few measurements & compare all those to my current coats. If you search the regular ‘womens clothes’ section, vintage isn’t included: you have to switch (which is silly, imo). I’ve noticed parkas too, in the regular section instead of vintage. (My mind boggles at -25, much less -40…my coldest winters still rarely got below -18, at least by the time I was walking around in them.)</div></div><div> </div><div>Ok, down to the nitty gritty: do you have woolens/long johns/etc. that would allow you to make a winter coat even warmer? Would that layering be ok at work or would you then feel uncomfortable in central heating? How warm do you run? Since you use public transit, I would first prioritise whatever keeps you comfortable for those commutes/allows you to dress comfortably for work underneath. Assuming you work full time.</div><div> </div><div>For the at-home wardrobe, I’ve found if you wear a topper, it becomes almost more relevant to the outfit than the top underneath. So perhaps get 1 new toppers and 3 tops instead? And definitely get the second pair of trousers in grey (if possible), assuming you have the other clothes necessary to make the column of colour you like to wear. No clue if that advice is helpful, but there you have it! :)</div> carter on "The Fall/Winter Wardrobe Plan --and then there's reality (long)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-fall-wardrobe-plan---and-then-theres-reality#post-1309924 Mon, 21 Jul 2014 15:18:50 +0000 carter 1309924@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ The thoughts above are great. The one thing I would add is that your budget will likely be far superior to no budget. It will force you to prioritize and hopefully practice PPP. Without a budget, I bought so much in the beginning that I shouldn't have bought. I was just so happy to have new things, even if they weren't the *right* new things. Suz on "The Fall/Winter Wardrobe Plan --and then there's reality (long)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-fall-wardrobe-plan---and-then-theres-reality#post-1309903 Mon, 21 Jul 2014 15:03:22 +0000 Suz 1309903@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ What Jackie said!  When I started on YLF my first year was all about winter coats and colourful scarves. I thrifted most of my actual clothing items apart from denim (which is really important for my daily life.)  The second winter was another coat in a different style (for mild winter) found on sale, and some core clothing items. (For me, really good denim and a couple of jackets.)  Last year I did the boots, plus more core clothing items.  Just can't afford to do it all at once, so it makes sense to go slow, as frustrating as that can be.  Windchime on "The Fall/Winter Wardrobe Plan --and then there's reality (long)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-fall-wardrobe-plan---and-then-theres-reality#post-1309803 Mon, 21 Jul 2014 13:52:32 +0000 Windchime 1309803@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Your plan to start with outerwear makes a lot of sense. After all, you will wear these items more than the others combined and want to feel great in them ( especially if your outfits are covered with an orange apron--yeesh!) Do you already have two winter coats-- one for milder weather and one for bitter cold? Do you dislike one of them less (or more!) than the other? You can replace the worst one this year and plan to replace the other next year. Also, remember that there will be some amazing sales around the holidays. Could you request a couple less urgent items in your capsule fof r a holiday or birthday gift, depending when your bday is? I remember when I started reading this blog, I longed to have the means to run out and replace most of my wardrobe RIGHT NOW. But I had to dole out my clothing budget in monthly increments, and each month it became clear what my highest priorities were at that time. You are off to a great start already with building your wardrobe; a year will make a big difference! jackiec on "The Fall/Winter Wardrobe Plan --and then there's reality (long)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-fall-wardrobe-plan---and-then-theres-reality#post-1309782 Mon, 21 Jul 2014 13:35:19 +0000 jackiec 1309782@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Wow - you really have yourself a good plan! I won't prioritize as it sounds like you are really getting there. Budgeting really has a way of making us look at what we really need versus what we want. You might be able to stick with one pair of pants for now in combo with the jeans (navy). Then stick with also mostly neutral tops and maybe one fun colour one. Can you add a colourful scarf? Sounds like the winter coat, boots, and specs are really the top priority numero uno. Good planning! Alana in Canada on "The Fall/Winter Wardrobe Plan --and then there's reality (long)" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/the-fall-wardrobe-plan---and-then-theres-reality#post-1309767 Mon, 21 Jul 2014 13:16:40 +0000 Alana in Canada 1309767@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I have three capsules to build. 1) Work 2) Home 3) Out and about. (ie, coats, boots, toques, gloves/mitts and scarves.) The season is long and consists of four parts: Sept: Fall. Oct/Nov: Mild Winter. (Everyone is well into winter coats with their Halloween costumes around here.) Dec, Jan, Feb: Deep Winter. Minus 20 is the norm with occasional spells of a week or more at more than -25 (Sometimes even -40) March: Slushy, snowy wet winter. (Temps in the minus teens. but always lots of snow. This "season" extended into April last year.) Fortunately, I tend to run warm and my house is toasty in the winter. 1) Work. Objective: To look good and be comfortable in clothes I am willing to be wrecked. Work is boring, sartorially speaking. Because I work in an orange apron in a department where I will eventually ruin something (just yesterday, a colleague spilled an entire can of paint on his shoes and trouser leg. He was able to get all the colour out of it--but we weren't sure he could get the glue out.) For work, I have asked Mom to make me another tunic and I will continue to wear items less than $20 each underneath. My colours are grey, black and blue. 2) At Home: Objective: To look fabulous and be comfy. This is the fun part. My colours, in an ideal world, would be Navy, grey, winter-white, and cranberry and some sort of blue. I read the "From scratch" series over at the Vivienne Files and came up with the following: Toppers: 3  1 Loose and flowy 1 Close fitted 1 to be determined Tops: 8 - 10 Denim shirt  White blouse A tee to make a "twin set" with the fitted cardigan above Turtleneck The rest? We will have to see what's out there. caveat: at least 2 need to be grey, and at least 2 need to be navy (I like columns of colour.) Bottoms: 5 2 in navy (most likely pants) 2 in grey (most likely pants and a skirt) 1 navy jeans Shoes: loafers which are worn only in the house (and taken to others' to wear, though I live in a place where it is considered more polite to be in sock feet in someone else's house. I dislike it intensely.) 3) Out and about: Objective: to look smashing and stay warm and dry while getting to work on public transit and running errands (in the car). Coats: 2 One for mild winter, one for deep winter. Boots: 3. One for mild winter, one for deep winter (Fortunately, I already have these) one for slushy winter. Special Need: There will be a Christmas party in December with work colleagues. I'd love a nice dress and shoes, though separates may be more practical (and easier to find!). Now, for reality: I have limited resources for shopping. Essentially, if the fat girl stores decide that navy is not something they are going to carry--there will be no navy neutral to build my capsule with. Ditto grey. I may be stuck with black. I have a finite amount of money. (Don't we all, lol!) There are two winter coats on this list. A good winter coat is expensive. I may have to pare back to one and lump through another year with the coat I currently have (which is truly on its last legs and looks it.) I already have my heart committed to a pair of expensive mild winter boots. I need to buy a pair of glasses. Very, very expensive. So, I could pair back the At Home wardrobe to one neutral and revise the shopping list: Toppers (0) I already have a fitted navy cardigan and another, looser but several years old long navy cardy. Tops: 4 (include one turtleneck. The rest must coordinate with the toppers. The "twin set" tee would rock my world.) Bottoms: 2 navy pants--or one navy and one grey? An all navy wardrobe is going to drive me to boredom) (I already have some jeans.) My goodness, I am so sorry to have written a novella, here. And I must run and get ready for work.  If you have persevered to the end, thank you so much.  My question: what should my priorities be? I plan to start with the mild winter boots and coat (Ideally a pea coat): is that wise?