https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/uh-oh---winter-is-coming-and-i-am-not-ready-at-all Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Tue, 28 Apr 2026 09:11:31 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/uh-oh---winter-is-coming-and-i-am-not-ready-at-all#post-1619405 Tue, 23 Feb 2016 01:14:49 +0000 Caro in Oz 1619405@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great replies already &nbsp;I'd tend to go for a coat &amp; boots first &amp; spend less on knits this year. Knits never seem to last as long as other clothing imo. Do you have any good recycle shops - they can have lovely outerwear for a fraction of the retail price </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/uh-oh---winter-is-coming-and-i-am-not-ready-at-all#post-1619280 Mon, 22 Feb 2016 21:04:15 +0000 Sal 1619280@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks Lucy! &nbsp;I agree &nbsp;- price points do not always equate to quality.</p> <p>I think a shopping day out will be a good start- I do prefer trying on in store rather than online shopping.</p> <p>Smittie - yes, I agree, some pieces can be cheaper or even thrifted or bought through our version of Ebay. &nbsp;</p> <p>I think it was just the shock of thinking I had my spending and wardrobe size under control because I have shopped minimally and been very happy with what I am wearing. &nbsp;Then I realised that I had neglected winter pieces - not entirely - but to a large part. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/uh-oh---winter-is-coming-and-i-am-not-ready-at-all#post-1619274 Mon, 22 Feb 2016 20:53:02 +0000 Anonymous 1619274@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think you need all of the things on your list, Sally. However, if you had to prioritize, I would put these up there:</p> <p>1. Sweaters (I would get at least 2)<br />2. Coat (3/4 length)<br />3. Boots</p> <p>Another option is to get everything but lower your price points on a number of items.&nbsp;</p> </p> <p>Layering tees - two inexpensive<br />Sweaters - one expensive<br />Long winter cardigan - one expensive<br />Current jeans - at least one&nbsp;inexpensive</p> <p>Pants/trousers - one&nbsp;inexpensive</p> <p>Dressy coat - one expensive<br />Winter dress - one&nbsp;inexpensive</p> <p>Boots/trendy piece - one expensive</p> <p>Party piece - one&nbsp;inexpensive</p> <p>Something like that. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/uh-oh---winter-is-coming-and-i-am-not-ready-at-all#post-1619047 Mon, 22 Feb 2016 12:01:05 +0000 Lucy 1619047@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It sounds like you have a pretty good idea of what you need, which is a great start to the shopping :)&nbsp;<br />Since you have worn out cardigans in the last few years, it seems like that would be a good item to replace. I find knitwear increasingly difficult these days - no matter if I spend more or less, they seem to pill after a season :(&nbsp;<br />You wear the pale jeans really well, as Suz suggests. A winter pair might be a really good buy, and create a link between summer and autumn clothes.&nbsp;<br />I love the idea of the trench coat, and agree it can be a good idea to spend up on that one, as you will wear it for ten years. That said, I have three trenches of varying cost. One was from Target, quite a few years ago, when I was on (unpaid) maternity leave. One was from Esprit, kind of mid range. And the other was low level designer from David Jones (can't remember the brand!) They have all worn really well, and there is less difference in quality than I'd expect. They all look good after quite a few years and quite a &nbsp;bit of wear, and none crush up and look crumpled. So it might be that spending more is good, or you might find something classy for a bit less.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/uh-oh---winter-is-coming-and-i-am-not-ready-at-all#post-1619037 Mon, 22 Feb 2016 08:50:51 +0000 Sal 1619037@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks Jenn, I loved that jacket and tee look last autumn and will wear it again soon (it is far too hot right now). &nbsp;I could wear jeans but I am trying to put that off as I wear them a lot in winter!! &nbsp;</p> <p>Thanks Brooklyn, I looked David Lawrence and Sportscraft up online, they do have some great coats. &nbsp;I will go classic with a coat. &nbsp;I do have one wool coat - a cream and grey plaid car coat (vintage). &nbsp;I like it but it is very warm, hence I think a decent trench will complement it well. &nbsp;I do have a puffer and a ski jacket for very casual outings ie rugby sideline, walking in the park etc and a khaki anorak which is useful too. &nbsp;I am determined to get something really smart though - for wearing over dresses, out to dinner when we walk, or even over jeans to lift the outfit.</p> <p>I know what you mean about layering, but we do have a long spring and autumn, and working from home cosy knits have a definite place. &nbsp;I will check out Kookai - we don't have them locally but they could be in Auckland. &nbsp;I would consider a skirt but I do have a love for dresses - that I think will be stage 2 after layering tees, coat, knitwear, jeans and maybe footwear.</p> <p>Thanks Rachy - I agree. &nbsp;I have had three long cardigans over recent years but they all died from overuse. &nbsp;Lovely and cosy but more socially acceptable at the store than a dressing gown:) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/uh-oh---winter-is-coming-and-i-am-not-ready-at-all#post-1619031 Mon, 22 Feb 2016 06:06:22 +0000 rachylou 1619031@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You were/are killing it this summer! Great outfits! All of them.</p> <p>I'd go for the layering tees first, if your shirts are all 3/4 sleeve. Then trousers, long cardigan, boots and coat. I say the long cardi because for me, in winter, my long cardigans I might wear everyday for at least a little bit... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/uh-oh---winter-is-coming-and-i-am-not-ready-at-all#post-1619028 Mon, 22 Feb 2016 05:28:35 +0000 Brooklyn 1619028@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh, had another thought. Have you considered a skirt instead of a winter dress? Just because a skirt can make several outfits when teamed with different tops and can be repeated more than a dress. (I do share your love of dresses however.) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/uh-oh---winter-is-coming-and-i-am-not-ready-at-all#post-1619026 Mon, 22 Feb 2016 05:20:06 +0000 Brooklyn 1619026@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi Sally. Just my take of course but I would not prioritise a long cardigan (even though I like them and have 3(!!)) just because I don't think they are that versatile. They suit that in between weather when things are cooling down but generally aren't warm enough for winter and difficult to layer over (unless you have your coat by then). But if you do get one, I recommend Kookai. Do you have that store? They usually have them in wool and they do a lovely range of colours.<br /> My suggestion would be to buy one or 2 lightweight sweaters that could be worn in autumn and then layered over and under in winter.<br /> I would prioritise tall boots because I could not live without them. I think you said you wanted cognac and that is a colour that can be worn with everything. I have a cognac pair that has to be replaced this year because I have worn them so much.<br /> For a coat, have you checked out David Lawrence and Sportscraft? I know those brands skew very classic but I think that's a good way to go in a coat because it is an investment piece. Sportscraft seems to have 30% off everything sales fairly regularly. I would be ready to pounce </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/uh-oh---winter-is-coming-and-i-am-not-ready-at-all#post-1619022 Mon, 22 Feb 2016 04:50:53 +0000 Jenn 1619022@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Can I just say that I love that #5 outfit? So much love.&nbsp;</p> <p>I'm with you that now is the time to start shopping for the new season. By the time the season is in full swing, I don't want to think about buying new clothes, I just want to live my life and wear my wonderful things.&nbsp;</p> <p>Your shopping list sounds reasonable. Rebuilding my wardrobe pretty much from scratch this past fall, I bought 29 items. For summer, I'm anticipating... maybe half that? Still quite a few things. You already have a lot of basics, so really what you're doing is a refresher. Thinking of it as a capsule seems wise! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/uh-oh---winter-is-coming-and-i-am-not-ready-at-all#post-1619013 Mon, 22 Feb 2016 03:47:54 +0000 Sal 1619013@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks Betty - glad to know I am not alone!!</p> <p>Suz, I was thinking before I really looked at what I have<br />- Ecru/winter white straight/slim jeans<br />- flared jeans (probably darker blue denim)<br />- trench coat (bone or red)<br />- winter white sweater<br />- long cardigan - maybe grey if I can get the right grey<br />- black or blue winter dress (but flexible on colour here)</p> <p>I think what I will do is for the first time make a type of capsule..it will be vague. but really trying to maximise what I already have, not overbuying, and being wise.</p> <p>We did a home renovation last year and still have a few additions, plus face some business costs with moving premises, along with two expensive sons at the moment. &nbsp;However looking good is important to me - and I do have some Christmas money left that may come in very useful. &nbsp;</p> <p>It is still warm and hot here so I have plenty of time, but believe now is a good time to start looking for the coat, the knitwear and maybe denim. &nbsp;I will look at it as a fun challenge.... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/uh-oh---winter-is-coming-and-i-am-not-ready-at-all#post-1619011 Mon, 22 Feb 2016 03:36:01 +0000 Suz 1619011@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think a long cardigan will be a great addition and will make the most of the sweaters that you say are not great -- if it is not too warm, you can wear it over top. You can also layer it over top of (the right) winter dress to give the dress some variation. Another new sweater would also be a great addition if you can manage it.&nbsp;</p> <p>I really like you in the light neutrals. If a white column of colour has been a happy outfit for the summer, I wonder how bone or winter white would work in winter? Or if not that, some other light neutral.&nbsp;</p> <p>If you like the cropped pants then maybe you would like to try cropped denim. Your climate is warm enough that you could probably wear all year with higher booties or boots.&nbsp;</p> <p>I love #5 on you, so I hope you'll repeat!&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/uh-oh---winter-is-coming-and-i-am-not-ready-at-all#post-1618997 Mon, 22 Feb 2016 01:59:45 +0000 Anonymous 1618997@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>That happened to me last winter, so I can relate. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/uh-oh---winter-is-coming-and-i-am-not-ready-at-all#post-1618996 Mon, 22 Feb 2016 01:41:33 +0000 Sal 1618996@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks Anne! &nbsp;I think it is that winter clothing is much more expensive, and for me, harder to find. &nbsp;Boots, coats and jeans are pricey - and I am trying not to find placeholders but get the pieces that I love.</p> <p>I think a long cardigan is at the top of the list, along with dressy pants/trousers and a sweater. &nbsp;I would dearly love a new coat - a nice trench coat for evening/work/occasions. &nbsp;I could make do with existing footwear and jeans if required. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/uh-oh---winter-is-coming-and-i-am-not-ready-at-all#post-1618995 Mon, 22 Feb 2016 01:37:22 +0000 Sal 1618995@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks Suz. &nbsp;I think it was the shock of realising that the cupboard is pretty bare, and that many of my existing pieces are not my favourites either. &nbsp;Eg I have four sweaters but three are black and more suited to wearing under a jacket or coat, they are nothing special at all.</p> <p>True winter here is 3-4 months ( but not what you would consider winter). &nbsp;On the coldest day I could wear jeans, ankle boots, a thermal, sweater and coat - along with hat and gloves outside. &nbsp;Many days I could wear a leather jacket and mid weight sweater with jeans. &nbsp;</p> <p>Here are some of my &nbsp;better WIW (excluding evening ones which are always my very favourite as I am a party girl at heart!)...</p> <p>- I like the colour of 1 and the light footwear<br /> - 2, I like the relaxed fit (these pants ripped and are no longer)<br /> - 3 has been a popular weekday look<br /> - 4 this has been a versatile look from summer bbq through to work from home<br /> 5 - not worn so far in 2016, but I enjoyed this last autumn and spring.</p> <p>6 - like the relaxed fit</p> <p>7 - solid work look</p> <p>8 - felt casually elegant</p> <p>9 a white column of colour, a new but good look. </p> <p>10- a good work look for me</p> <p>11 - summer bbq look,&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/uh-oh---winter-is-coming-and-i-am-not-ready-at-all#post-1618993 Mon, 22 Feb 2016 01:34:21 +0000 anne 1618993@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I would prioritise&nbsp;a &nbsp;sweater and a long cardigan first. You have few or none in those categories and you will wear them so frequently. And they are a relatively cheap way to try out new trends.<br />Then the tall boots. I wouldn't like to go through winter with none!</p> <p>I'd be daunted at having 10-11 things to buy for one season Sally - so you're not alone there! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/uh-oh---winter-is-coming-and-i-am-not-ready-at-all#post-1618989 Mon, 22 Feb 2016 01:24:52 +0000 Suz 1618989@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Sally</b>, to begin with, I don't think that 10 or 11 new pieces for a season is at all over-doing it -- budget allowing, of course. Some seasons are simply like that -- you have more to upgrade/ replace. But it can be daunting to think of the big shop, for sure.&nbsp;</p> <p>I bought approximately that many pieces this year for F/W (actually, a few more, I think...) and considered it a rather <b>light</b> shopping season. Granted, my F/W lasts for about 7 months of my year, and I buy fewer items for S/S -- but still. It's all relative!&nbsp;</p> <p>Approximately how long is F/W to you and what temps are we talking about for the most part?&nbsp;</p> <p>Can you reprise the photos of a few of your very favourite summer day outfits and especially the newer items? I am thinking that this might give a clue as to how to prioritize if some of the listed items are out of budget.&nbsp;</p> <p>Another useful step: consider the F/W pieces you have really loved in the past. What do they share? Who made them? How do you like to wear them?&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/uh-oh---winter-is-coming-and-i-am-not-ready-at-all#post-1618980 Mon, 22 Feb 2016 00:27:16 +0000 Sal 1618980@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have been in a great place with my wardrobe all summer. &nbsp;Lots of happy repeats, lots of new combinations, and new pieces fitting in brilliantly - white crops, black crops, black sandals, black knit tank - all very successful. &nbsp; &nbsp;I have had very few days where I have not known what to wear, and have been to lots of occasions where I have felt like I have "nailed it".</p> <p>But the smug satisfaction is coming to an end...</p> <p>In March and April traditionally here the days are warm and the evenings are cool. &nbsp;It is usually lovely weather - but it can be erratic (we live on a big island!!) &nbsp;And while I have been happy that I have shopped minimally for two years, as I reflect back I realise that I have removed/edited a lot of winter pieces and not added many more back in, to the extent I actually have a very minimal winter closet. &nbsp; &nbsp;For example ( looking at winter here, some being trans-seasonal pieces excluding evening wear)</p> <p><b>Sweaters</b> - four, only one purchased 2015, rest all older<br /><b>Knit tunic</b> - one<br /><b>Leather&nbsp;jackets</b> - two&nbsp;<br /><b>Other jackets</b> - three<br /><b>Blouses/shirts</b> - three, all three quarter sleeve or shorter<br /><b>Tunics/tees/dressy tees</b> - 10-15 approx<br /><b>Coats/jackets</b> - one wool, one puffer, one ski jacket, one raincoat, one casual anorak/parka<br /><b>Winter cardigan</b> - none<br /><b>Long sleeve layering te</b>e - one<br /><b></b><b>Ponte leggings</b><b></b> - one</p> <p><b>Jeans</b> - five, of varying colours and shapes but no bootleg/flare/cropped straight or cropped flares</p> <p></p> <p><b>Winter skirt</b> - two-three (two trans-seasonal), all four years old or more<br /><b>Other winter trousers/pant</b>s - one, ankle crops</p> <p>I also have a couple of summer dresses that can be worn on many autumn or winter days but not all. &nbsp;I also have some black crop pants that will be worn from now until May. &nbsp;Summer tees and tunic tops can be worn with a leather jacket again until May. &nbsp;June to August can be pretty chilly and true winter clothes are needed.</p> <p>My footwear is in better shape<br /><b>Ankle boots</b> - three<br /><b>Sneakers</b> - three<br /><b>Flat shoes</b> - two (both new, one gold and one cognac)<br /><b>Tall boots</b> - one, on last legs</p> <p>I struggle with winter pieces - the colours, shapes in the most part do not appeal. &nbsp;</p> <p>Last year I wanted to get a long cardigan but they were all grey and black and I could not face adding more (I love black but blonde hair and black knits can be a bad combination in winter).</p> <p>And they are expensive. &nbsp;I can see that this year I will want to purchase more to get my base up to a decent level. &nbsp;Being realistic the shopping list is...</p> <p>Layering tees - two&nbsp;<br />Sweaters - one<br />Long winter cardigan - one<br />Current jeans - at least one<br />Pants/trousers - one<br />Dressy coat - one<br />Winter dress - one<br />Boots/trendy piece - one<br />Party piece - one</p> <p>I am trying to keep a minimal current sleek day wardrobe with a lot of repeats. &nbsp;I like to have a few fun glamourous evening pieces. &nbsp;And I need a bit more winter gear too - some new loose yoga pants, a hoodie etc.</p> <p>Suddenly I can see that my shopping list is quite long, and pretty expensive.. (coat, jeans, dress, boots.....)</p> <p>It feels a bit daunting to buy this many pieces in one season, but I can see how the situation has developed. &nbsp;</p> <p>What would you prioritise here, and do you think I am being realistic? &nbsp;</p> <p>(and kudos if you got the GOT reference)....</p>