https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-building-seasons-and-fibers-question-for-the-minimalists Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sat, 25 Apr 2026 00:42:19 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-building-seasons-and-fibers-question-for-the-minimalists/page/2#post-1269304 Wed, 04 Jun 2014 16:29:51 +0000 Lisa 1269304@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>A great question.&nbsp; I do have some year round items (blue jeans, denim jacket) but many of my clothes are seasonally based.&nbsp; My wool sweaters are going to be too warm for the summer months, even in a/c.&nbsp; I try to look for lighter weight blazers that I can layer over a turtleneck and under a coat in the winter, yet also pair well with a t-shirt for the summer.&nbsp; And then I only purchase one or two 'season' specific items.&nbsp; I figure if I keep the seasonal items low in number, I can freshen up my looks but wear pieces more often than one season.&nbsp; I've heard about certain wools being good for year round use, but I'm not aware of too many all season fabrics.&nbsp; Thanks for asking! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-building-seasons-and-fibers-question-for-the-minimalists/page/2#post-1268816 Wed, 04 Jun 2014 02:17:35 +0000 KerriS 1268816@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I've had one year-round wardrobe for years - partly because&nbsp;I lived in Northern California where the seasonal variations were slight, but definitely still noticeable, and it was easy to have clothes that worked well all year round. &nbsp;Sleeveless shirts for summer worked great with a tank + cardigan in winter. &nbsp;Pants/jeans work well year round, just change up the shoes. &nbsp;Now that I am in the Northeast, I have found that people actually do use long johns (sometimes) and silk underlayers to help stay warm. &nbsp;The 3-season wool suggestion would get you part of the way there, along with some clever layering in cool weather! &nbsp;&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-building-seasons-and-fibers-question-for-the-minimalists/page/2#post-1268606 Tue, 03 Jun 2014 22:43:47 +0000 E 1268606@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Jenny, I'll have to see if I can track down some hot weather merino that doesn't look like gear! I do wear my wool socks most of the year, but then my feet run cold.</p> <p>Gaylene, thanks so much for all your advice! I definitely want to master a pattern and then make it in all kinds of different fabrics, so it's good to know I'll still have fit challenges. (I actually checked to see if there was a sloper class locally but no such luck unfortunately.) I've got quite a few books out from the library, and a few sewing blogs bookmarked as well. At least I prefer full skirts to fitted, so my first project shouldn't have too many fitting problems! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-building-seasons-and-fibers-question-for-the-minimalists/page/2#post-1267433 Mon, 02 Jun 2014 19:26:25 +0000 Gaylene 1267433@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I've been a busy lately so didn't see this thread until today. I just wanted to throw out a thought about making up the same pattern in different fabrics. From my experience (40 odd years of sewing everything from tailored suits to wedding dresses to ski wear), you usually have to do a fair amount of fiddling to get the same fit when switching out fabrics; a dress that fits perfectly made up in a sheeting weight cotton can fit quite differently when made up in a heavier woolen or a stretchier silk knit. I've created my own patterns for basic garments like a straight skirt, fitted top, narrow-legged pant, etc, that incorporate all the adjustments I need to fit my particular shape (the technical term is "slopers") that I use over and over. Even these custom patterns, however, need to be tweaked depending on the fabric I've chosen. </p> <p>If you are just getting started, I'd suggest looking for patterns that have good directions for adjusting the fit, using fabrics suggested by the pattern designer, and avoiding trickier fabrics like slippery silks and patterned, or napped, fabrics that require matching at seamlines or careful placement. I'd also suggest finding a sewing "mentor"--a friend, an online group, or even a good sewing book--to help you figure out how to adjust and fit garments as you go along. If your first few projects are fun, and you like the final product, you'll be hooked. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-building-seasons-and-fibers-question-for-the-minimalists/page/2#post-1267411 Mon, 02 Jun 2014 18:48:59 +0000 Jenny H 1267411@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>More follow-up on the Merino wool I mentioned. The fabric I'm talking about is actually similar to that of a cotton tee shirt except that it is wool. It magically feels warmer when the weather is cold and cooler when the weather is hot. Plus it doesn't absorb bad odors as quickly as cotton. It does come in different weights.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-building-seasons-and-fibers-question-for-the-minimalists/page/2#post-1264791 Fri, 30 May 2014 12:26:24 +0000 E 1264791@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><div>Steph, you're right of course: practically, based on my 'slow knitting' approach, I'm sure I'll also be a slow sewist &nbsp;(and I'm looking forward to trying out hand sewing too!). Not to mention, I won't be able to afford all of those fabrics and prefer to keep my retail purchases more ecofriendly &nbsp;anyway. I think it's the hypothetical greed that took me breath away. For instance, in abstract, I'd say that 5 skirts a 'season' is plenty and 10 skirts a 'season' bountiful. But then when I start thinking about skirts in all my favourite colours…throw in some patterns for fun…and of course some different fabrics…suddenly my imagination covets ALL the skirts. I'm probably taking my imagination too seriously though, seeing this as a character flaw! I think it's odd for me, because in the rest of my buying life I'm a minimalist by inclination: I want good quality in the smallest quantity that works and once I've managed that, I feel no urge for more. Even sartorially, I'm perfectly happy having 2 ring and bracelet sets, one gold, one silver, and a handful of brooches &amp; necklaces to alternate between (not true minimalism of course but I don't have an urge to consume more). &nbsp;It's only textiles that seem to make me covetous! Anyway, I'll only buy fabric for one thing at a time, so at least my imaginary plans will stay there. Nice to meet you as well. **Eva</div><div><br /></div><div>Rebecca, so you're happy wearing the same small amount over and over? A strongly seasonal small tiny means it's half again as small for actual dressing purposes, yes?</div><div><br /></div><div>Joy, thanks for weighing in! You know, I think even if I lived in southern California, I'd want seasonal capsules. But in that case it'd be because I missed seasons, so I'd feel happier doing 'pretend' ones. hehe (I'm a four season girl at heart, which is why I chose a Midwest college!)</div><div><br /></div><div>Diana, I'd bet she lived in California, don't you think? That's an interesting article, and I can see how it would work for people who don't *enjoy* dressing, but I would feel terribly deprived.</div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-building-seasons-and-fibers-question-for-the-minimalists#post-1264712 Fri, 30 May 2014 05:34:16 +0000 Diana 1264712@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I just posted this on Ingunn's thread about repeating outfits, but it's relevant here too. This woman wore the same outfit for an entire year, so I guess it is possible to have a very (VERY) small wardrobe for all seasons. Her top was an icebreaker tee, to the point made above about merino. Bottom was jeans. I'm not sure where she lived though.</p> <p><a href="http://helloimnadia.com/post/61605892456/why-i-wore-the-same-outfit-every-day-for-a-year" rel="nofollow">http://helloimnadia.com/post/6.....for-a-year</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-building-seasons-and-fibers-question-for-the-minimalists#post-1264681 Fri, 30 May 2014 04:29:47 +0000 Anonymous 1264681@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>E, I would have to have mostly separate capsules for each season. The only overlap might be a denim skirt, pencil skirts in non-seasonal fabrics, sheer long sleeved shirts/blouses, and non-seasonal blazers. Many in this list would only be for well air conditioned rooms in summer. I lived for several years in Southern California and could actually have a small wardrobe that was worn year round. No way could this happen in Kansas. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-building-seasons-and-fibers-question-for-the-minimalists#post-1264673 Fri, 30 May 2014 04:18:41 +0000 Rebecca Mielke 1264673@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am so happy to have found this thread! I live in a 4 season climate and have a tiny closet. This past winter I kept all my summer stuff in my closet, thinking that layering it would give me more options, and never used any of it.</p> <p>Hope that helps! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-building-seasons-and-fibers-question-for-the-minimalists#post-1264642 Fri, 30 May 2014 03:36:43 +0000 mrseccentric 1264642@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>hi E!&nbsp; "... so if I could suddenly make clothes from all the different fabrics out there, it would be hard for me to know when to stop."</p> <p>well, all i can say is that for me in reality i am very very slow at actually producing garments, so it isn't a problem here!!&nbsp; heehe! But there's ladies out there who just whip things out and DO have that problem of 'overproduction' - maybe start sewing and see how it goes?&nbsp; If you start sewing too 'fast', try doing everything by hand! ;)&nbsp; </p> <p>Have a great evening - and Thank You!!&nbsp; steph </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-building-seasons-and-fibers-question-for-the-minimalists#post-1264633 Fri, 30 May 2014 03:28:50 +0000 E 1264633@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh sorry I meant fine as in lightweight, not fine as in fancy/soft. And high 70s as wool-friendly warm weather makes more sense! I can get away with all wool outfits any time the high is below 70. hehe </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-building-seasons-and-fibers-question-for-the-minimalists#post-1264614 Fri, 30 May 2014 03:00:08 +0000 Aida 1264614@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>They feel just like a soft cotton, really. I don't know where that falls in the finery of woolens. My "warm weather" is, like, high 70s though&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-building-seasons-and-fibers-question-for-the-minimalists#post-1264611 Fri, 30 May 2014 02:56:38 +0000 E 1264611@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p> <div>LadyWone, I'm a big fan of layering too. I suspect much of my issue is being a wool-lover in a hot climate, hehe.</div><div><br /></div><div>MG, good to know! If only the cute indie designers had 99 cent sales too. I've found several v helpful full skirt tutorials: decided to do a dirdnl this time, but I want a circle one too (I saw a scrumptious corduroy one that's going to haunt me). Thnx for the bag rec: I'd seen newspaper mentioned, but I hate newsprint so that seemed like a terrible idea! I'm going to try to find a basic princess seam dress pattern like you linked to earlier, hopefully for sale, and adapt that. (I came across the most beautiful wispy double-layered&nbsp;silk wrap skirt in a burgundy/berry-ish Asian feeling floral print by Oscar de la Renta while thrifting today and thought of you &amp; your sari collection! It didn't come home with me, as it looked terrible, but I did consider buying it just to pet it.)</div><div><br /></div><div>Unfrumped, lol @ creative math! I would cry if I had to have a 10 item wardrobe, except for when I travel. I loved hearing your solutions, so thanks so much! And I'm relieved to hear you also have your favourite colours in multiple weights/fabrics. Now if only I could narrow down my favourites to three! ;)</div><div><br /></div><div>Mrs Eccentric, it definitely depends on climate! I've been doing a lot of experimentation, and I've pretty much settled on my ideal formulas for various weather scenarious: the problem now is that these formulas require different components. And I like having colour/texture variations too, so if I could suddenly make clothes from all the different fabrics out there, it would be hard for me to know when to stop. I see that now in rtw: thnx to thrifting, I've accumulated many high quality pieces that I adore (my trouser collection being an exception: I'm always compromising on fit in that department *sigh*), in my favourite colours and shapes/styles, but I have so many that none get worn super frequently. I don't plan to cull them for the sake of numbers, as they all fit nicely in my closet. Just thinking about future strategies, really. I love your style btw &amp; read your blog (can't remember if I've said that before?)! It's so nice to see how others deal with the heat.</div><div><br /></div><div>Thnx Jenny! I read about summer merino wool and tried wearing my merino cardis in warmer weather and felt miserable. Maybe they were too thick? I did thrift a very lightweight merino sweater a couple of months ago and that's worked better, although I haven't tried it since the heat really arrived a couple weeks ago. Anyway, I lurve wool, so I'd be thrilled to be able to wear it in summer!</div><div><br /></div><div>Aida, are yours finer than regular wool sweaters? Mine are the same weight, just softer, and I don't care for them in the heat. I'll pull out my thin one and try, as the highs are only high 80s/90 this week and it's been cloudier.</div></p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-building-seasons-and-fibers-question-for-the-minimalists#post-1264400 Thu, 29 May 2014 23:33:02 +0000 Aida 1264400@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh I forgot about merino wool! Great mention.&nbsp;I wear my fine merino wool sweaters pretty much year round, same as my cottons, except during the hottest and coldest times. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-building-seasons-and-fibers-question-for-the-minimalists#post-1264286 Thu, 29 May 2014 21:12:55 +0000 Jenny H 1264286@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love this post! A lot caught my eye and I may come back later and add more thoughts but for now I want to sing the praises of knit merino wool. I live in a climate with four true seasons. Snow and ice in winter and very hot and humid in summer (high 90 degrees F very very common). I also try to keep a small wardrobe. But I've been wearing knit merino wool all year round (brands like Icebreaker, Ibex and the like). I am interested in sewing some dresses out of this type of fabric and if I did, I would expect to be able to wear them year round (although with other clothing layered on top and/or underneath in the coldest weather). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-building-seasons-and-fibers-question-for-the-minimalists#post-1264221 Thu, 29 May 2014 20:07:43 +0000 mrseccentric 1264221@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great question! i have to read the thread later, but like Aida said - it all depends on your climate. I live across the bay and thru the tunnel from San Francisco. I have a couple of linen sleeveless dresses i can wear all year. In hothothot (95-100+ F) it stands on it's own. At our coldest i layer it up - longsleeved tee underneath (microfibre or wool), cashmere cardi on top, wool leggings or tights and a silk slip underneath, then i add some type of jacket on top and then my down coat if needed. All those layers can play in all types of variations (cotton tank, over the knee socks, etc.) as needed per the weather.</p> <p>In the end, the only way to figure out these kind of conundrums is to get some pieces you think thru that should work and try them out. See how they actually work or not, and use that info to move forward. Let's face it, what works perfectly for your best friend next door may drive you nuts due to differences in personal style, personal comfort (itchiness levels, compression tolerance), what you do for work, and so on. Especially when you're trying to downsize your closet, getting what you really want and love out of each piece is so important that you have to do your own experimentation.</p> <p>That said, these types of threads are simply invaluable for inspiration and new ways of looking at things. They can really help a person see the forest, not just the trees! Looking forward to reading all this after i get back from errands, steph</p> <p>p.s. one of the dresses in question </p> <p>ETA: altho it gets super hot here, we only get snow once every few years on the highest peaks. It freezes a few times a winter, so i can 'get away' with wearing a mid to heavy weight linen in winter with layers. HTH!</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-building-seasons-and-fibers-question-for-the-minimalists#post-1264082 Thu, 29 May 2014 16:21:54 +0000 unfrumped 1264082@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Well, I don't think many people can have a 10-item wardrobe in a 4-season climate, except for creative math where layering turtlenecks, leggings, sweaters and so on aren't counted, and different occasions aren't counted.</p> <p>I have been trying to do kind of 3-season items for work plus smaller numbers of additional items for "deep winter" and "high summer".&nbsp; Indoors even in August I freeze but the drive to and fro in hot car is problematic, or errands, and I want more washable things,even though in theory I can wear my tropical wool pants all year in the A/C.. In winter I really like being toasty, and while I do some layering, sometimes I find that too constricting, not as comfortable as a single chunky warm sweater. <br />I have been able to extend skirt wear with opaque tights and fleece tights. Not all my skirts "go" with black tights but most do, for that reason or I would not be able to wear them enough times during the year to be practical and have decetn CPW for my investment (or vice versa, not all skirts look right for summer but several do, if paired with lighter tops and footwear--prints or checks are good for this). </p> <p>I think your questions are realistic--so for example, I wear tops in gray, black, and burgundy/berry colors ( and other colors and prints as well) so&nbsp; &nbsp;I have heavy chunky wool for the polar vortex, several weights and fabric blends&nbsp; for 3 season, light rayon blend or cotton knit tops for July-August, some silk wovens. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-building-seasons-and-fibers-question-for-the-minimalists#post-1264080 Thu, 29 May 2014 16:19:17 +0000 MuseumGal 1264080@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Patterns regularly go on sale for 1 or 2 bucks at places like Joanne, you just have to watch the sales.&nbsp; You can also start with Quick Sews which are something like 3 or 4 bucks.&nbsp; But for something like a 6 gore skirt, or a circle skirt, or an A-line skirt, you can find a tutorial online to draft your own pattern to your own measurements.&nbsp; You can use regular brown paper bags for pattern paper.&nbsp; Cut them open, iron them flat, and tape together if needed. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-building-seasons-and-fibers-question-for-the-minimalists#post-1263993 Thu, 29 May 2014 14:27:20 +0000 Ledonna N. 1263993@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have also gravitated to a year round wardrobe.&nbsp; I do not sew but everthing I have can be layered or mixed and matched so that I can have multiple options I hope this helps. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-building-seasons-and-fibers-question-for-the-minimalists#post-1263952 Thu, 29 May 2014 13:48:10 +0000 E 1263952@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><div>Thanks to everyone for leaving comments. I suppose I should have made it a bit more clear that I wasn't so much looking for a solution to my own dilemma (definitely starting with linen &amp; we'll go from there! hehe) or planning to immediately downsize my substantial wardrobe as curious what small wardrobe people do. I see all those lists about the 'ten basics,' but would you expect to wear them year round or have two versions, one for warmer weather and one for cooler?</div><div><br /></div><div>Thnx for such a long reply Aida! Very helpful, and yes I'll start with the linen dress (although with any luck I'll be able to move soon to a much colder climate). If I didn't love wool so much, I think I could make do with cotton too…except for hot weather my trousers can't be tight, but I prefer skinnies when I can wear them, so I end up having to duplicate all of that too. Interesting to think about though!</div><div><br /></div><div>Claire, that is the beauty of sewing! Assuming I can master it. There are so many beautiful fabrics out there, it's probably a good thing my budget won't stretch to most of them!</div><div><br /></div><div>Gigi, you understood it perfectly. Interesting that you'd do two colours! I wear mid-grey year around, and it mixes with every single other colour in the my wardrobe, so that's why I thought of it when I was imagining maximum versatility. But I do shift colours otherwise. A removeable lining for the skirt would be pretty easy: just make a slip. :)&nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div>Diana, oh I like the petticoat idea! Like a fancier slip, hehe. And it'd be another potentional for layering. Thnx for letting me know what Angie said; so I guess even minimal closets probably do a seasonal shift? Just have a smaller amount in each category? And yes, for Texas summer is sadly dominant, but hopefully I'll be moving up north soon. Even if I moved tomorrow I'd be set for winter though, because my love of wool knows no bounds! ;)</div><div><br /></div><div>Rabbit, that's a good point re: cotton &amp; tights/bare legs!&nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div>KatieKat, I prefer woven dresses/blouses except in cold weather, because they keep me cooler and let me get away with not wearing a bra. But I'm going to try sewing knits soon, because I need new undies! Thnx so much for letting me know your approach, as I know you're one of the closet minimalists. :)</div><div><br /></div><div>MG, I think I'm going to have to learn pattern drafting as well as sewing: have you seen what patterns cost?! It's crazy! At least I know I would use it over and over again, but a $20 pattern is two months of my thrifting budget on its own. So sewing would limit my wardrobe that way. I'm fine with that, because I'll be able to do nice fabrics &amp; quality construction so that I know it'll last, but it'll be an adjustment for sure. And I already picked up some sheets from Goodwill to practice on. Great minds think alike! ;)</div><div><br /></div><div>JAileen, I actually don't use my heater, because I like the cold! hehe But yes, I don't get to wear my 'real' winter clothes very often (this past winter was an exception). I'm hoping to move to a colder, four season climate soon, but in the meantime I'll definitely be sticking to warm weather fabrics.</div><div><br /></div><div>Fieldmouse, thnx so much for sharing your perspectives &amp; solutions! That's exactly what I was curious about (as I'm hoping to move to a similar climate myself soon, albeit with a small 30+ window, and will also be car-free). 20-30 items/season sounds like a good size.</div><div><br /></div><div>Kiwigal, I like having different seasonal vibes too! I'm more boho in summer, because I don't want anything touching my skin. Lighter colours too. I loved hearing your breakdown between year round core/seasonal variations.</div><div><br /></div><div>Fuzzylogic, I tried to put a bobbin in and almost broke the machine! lol My mom had to fix it for me. *cough*&nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div>Gryffin, I'm not talented yet, but I'm going to try! I figure if I can just make 4 pieces (blouse, skirt, dress, trousers) over and over, I'll be set. Luckily I've got time to make mistakes/figure things out. In my head, I can easily limit my wardrobe, but then when I start listing it out hypothetically, I start thinking oh and there's that texture and that colour and that pattern…and pretty soon I have (hypothetically) 20 skirts just to keep me happy. Sigh. I'm going to need to work on self control.</div><div><br /></div><div>Suz, I am still planning on moving, but it's been delayed again. Things can get so complicated! I don't think I'll ever have a minimal wardrobe (unless, God forbid, my current closet was ompletely destroyed and I had to rebuild from scratch), but I do feel like a sprawling closet isn't completely commensurate with my values/life style. The question is where to find the balance! Good point re: waiting a year to see; I'm not a fast culler, so I won't make any drastic decisions. Luckily I love wool, so I won't mind spending several months encased in it. hehe</div><div><br /></div><div>Alasse, my cold weather wardrobe is pretty much already in place, due to my inability to ignore $2 woolens at the thrift store. hehe I just folded up all of my wool skirts (and my one corduroy one) and put them away since I won't be touching them for months: that's definitely half my skirt capsule right there. Yes, I think my love for texture (and colour) is going to be the real challenge in trying to shrink my wardrobe gradually over time. Thnx for sharing your solutions!</div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-building-seasons-and-fibers-question-for-the-minimalists#post-1263948 Thu, 29 May 2014 13:44:27 +0000 Thistle 1263948@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>So, I am not a wardrobe minimalist.&nbsp; Part of it is because I don't love to do laundry so I want enough that I only need to do it every 2 weeks or so, and part of it is my climate. Much like you, I cannot wear wool in the summer, but I need warm heavy pieces in the winter. As in it got down to -45 for a few days this winter.</p> <p>Perhaps in a more moderate climate it is a bit easier. As it is not 100 in the summer and -45 in the winter.</p> <p>I switch my clothes in and out several times a year. My closet was chock full of cashmere, merino wool, and cable sweaters. Now they are all stored to make room for cotton knits, linen blends, and silk (well, silk if I didn't have a 2 year old).&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-building-seasons-and-fibers-question-for-the-minimalists#post-1263939 Thu, 29 May 2014 13:31:45 +0000 Alassë 1263939@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>3 things: Since you're moving, I think you do need a cold-weather wardrobe separate from the warm-weather section for skirts &amp; dresses. 2, I put special occasion items in separate section in my mental tally. 3, I understand completely the love of different fabrics. I want to wear corduroy, but that gets rather hot in summer, and somehow plaid doesn't feel right then - and forget wool completely. </p> <p>What I've done is gotten a skirt in winter fabrications (like a corduroy pencil), then chosen to wear it on all but the hottest days of summer. Wool skirts are specifically kept for fall winter, where they (unfortunately) expand the skirt capsule. Most of my skirts are light summer or 3-season, which I wear with slips in winter, but that leaves you less warm in the summery ones.</p> <p>Anyhow...I'm guessing you may have to have 2 wardrobes since you love textures so much. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-building-seasons-and-fibers-question-for-the-minimalists#post-1263921 Thu, 29 May 2014 13:00:17 +0000 Suz 1263921@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I like what gryffin says about mentally putting "dressy" in another capsule entirely. Special occasion wear is just that.&nbsp;</p> <p>I also think that what counts as minimal varies depending on climate. If you live in a temperate place you might be able to get away with one item and layer (or de-layer) as temps. permit. But in an extreme climate this becomes much harder. At the same time, gryffin's also right that you can keep a portion of the wardrobe adaptable even in an extreme climate.&nbsp;</p> <p>If you're still planning to move, I'd wait until you've lived a year in the new climate before making absolute decisions on numbers, etc. You need to see how it feels. I don't know about you, but when I am in the midst of our winters I can't imagine ever wearing light silk or linen again -- yet when our summer comes around, I do!&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-building-seasons-and-fibers-question-for-the-minimalists#post-1263876 Thu, 29 May 2014 10:25:49 +0000 gryffin 1263876@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>E&nbsp;- I think you have to decide on what small is for you.&nbsp; Also your silk dress would also be party of your dressy capsule, so I mentally kind of put that in a different place.&nbsp; If you enjoy different fabrics for different seasons, you might limit your color palate like you allude to with gray being your dominant.&nbsp; If you then make make the compatible pieces with colors that go, maybe another neutral and an accent (you don't need to be rigid) is "all-seasons" types of weight for the most part, that would streamline things.&nbsp; Most of my wardrobe skews three seasons - I keep the really heavy and really like to a minimum, but I do have some pieces for the extremes, just not alot.&nbsp; I think it's all in how well your pieces mix and choosing middle weight fabrics for the majority that would help you keep numbers down and keep it efficient.&nbsp; PS kudos on being to talented!!&nbsp; Not an option for me!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-building-seasons-and-fibers-question-for-the-minimalists#post-1263868 Thu, 29 May 2014 10:09:49 +0000 fuzzylogic 1263868@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>If I had any talent for sewing my wardrobe would be seriously squooshed! As it is, I have a basic machine..... but I still haven't put thread on the bobbin....... Red cheeks AND googly eyes. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-building-seasons-and-fibers-question-for-the-minimalists#post-1263840 Thu, 29 May 2014 07:34:38 +0000 Sal 1263840@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>About half my wardrobe is wearable all year and half is seasonal. &nbsp;I actually like this as I can have a different vibe for different seasons. &nbsp;In summer I am more colourful. &nbsp;In winter I am more moody in my dress and tend to more make up, more "done" hair and darker shades.</p> <p>In my true workhorse section (virtual) are the following items<br />Jeans (5)<br />Pencil skirt (1)<br />Maxi skirt (1)<br />Work trousers (2)<br />two-three smart work dresses<br />two blazers/jackets<br />two-three casual sweaters<br />several t-shirts<br />layering tanks<br />belts<br />converse/sneakers/ankle boots</p> <p>In summer I add dresses, shorts and light weight skirts.<br />In winter heavy knits, jackets and coats, one wool skirt.<br />Gear and evening wear and shoes are truly trans seasonal for me.</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-building-seasons-and-fibers-question-for-the-minimalists#post-1263837 Thu, 29 May 2014 07:30:30 +0000 fieldmouse 1263837@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don't strive for a small wardrobe per se, more a practical, streamlined, adequate, no-excess one (but still made up of clothes I love and enjoy wearing!). Where I live, it can get down to -20C (or worse) in winter and +30C in summer, not to mention everything in between. A 10-item minimalist wardrobe, even if I wanted one, is just not possible, no matter how skilled at layering one is. And like you, I have different preferences for different seasons, both in fabrics and colours (lighter in the summer, darker in spring and autumn, quite dark in winter). Not to mention that I don't drive, I walk and take the public transport. So I think of my wardrobe in terms of weather capsules. I've divided it into 3 seasons: summer, spring-autumn and winter (of course there's also some carry-over between seasons, so the capsules are not entirely separate). I don't have an exact count, but right now, each capsule is made up of about 20-30 items (includes shoes, but not hats, scarves, gloves), and I'm probably going to pare down a bit further in the future. So it's a compromise between small and practical (for my life). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-building-seasons-and-fibers-question-for-the-minimalists#post-1263798 Thu, 29 May 2014 04:28:23 +0000 JAileen 1263798@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>If your goal is a small wardrobe, you could work with tropic weight wool. I wore it year round when I lived on the Gulf Coast. In winter, when the weather is mild you could wear a lighter top and a jacket if necessary. When it is colder you could wear a sweater and a coat. I didn't even have a real winter coat there, just a trench coat with a liner.<br /> I would be leery about making winter clothes too heavy. Most homes and offices are heated in Texas. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-building-seasons-and-fibers-question-for-the-minimalists#post-1263772 Thu, 29 May 2014 03:33:38 +0000 MuseumGal 1263772@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>E, my experience is that sewing regularly has greatly enlarged my wardrobe, not shrunk it!&nbsp; Although I've had quite a few duds, once I find something I really like and that fits well, I make the damn thing half a dozen times in different fabrics and patterns.&nbsp; I've got things I made 20 years ago that I still wear regularly.&nbsp; Sewing is more expensive than thrifting for sure, but once you have all your basics, it's not that expensive to purchase just the amount of fabric you need, especially if you wait for sales and such, and already have a stash of thread, etc.&nbsp; BTW, garage sales are a great place to find Great Aunt Edna's enormous sewing basket for $1.50, chock full of goodies.&nbsp; </p> <p>Do make your first project out of some very inexpensive material - sheets from Goodwill are a good thing to practice on.&nbsp; Find one in a color you like and then if the project is a success, you have a skirt you like, and if it isn't, well, it was only a sheet that you spent a buck on. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wardrobe-building-seasons-and-fibers-question-for-the-minimalists#post-1263760 Thu, 29 May 2014 03:24:42 +0000 MsLuna 1263760@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I primarily have a 80% knit wardrobe, with the exception of my jeans, my denim jacket and a modern black collarless blazer. I find that my knits (my tunics are cotton/linen blend or rayon) can take me from summer to winter with the help of layering. My frocks are primarily knit too, and my jersey dresses are seasonless as well, provided that I wear tights in the colder climate and layer it with a thicker cardi or fall/winter weight jacket. I'm not sure of you're comfortable sewing knits (I personally love them and bought a serger specifically for sewing knits) but perhaps that's something to consider.</p> <p>I don't intend to keep much of my wardrobe the exact same from summer to fall to winter. I'd likely be swapping lightweight fabrics and my shorts for heavier fabrics and pants (or skirts). The one thing I'd swap out are toppers because they are heavier in cooler weather and lighter in warmer weather. I'd also swap out (silk or lightweight woven) dresses for structured ponte knits (because non-fluid women's are uncomfortable for me). </p> <p>Also, what Diana said: I layer an underdress or slip under my dresses in cooler seasons. It really helps with the warmth. </p>