2020 planning - YouLookFab Forum

I am inspired by all your wonderful threads about wardrobe planning and goals for this year. I spent few hours yesterday playing in my closet and trying things on to understand where are my biggest holes and needs. I shopped a lot last year, spent too much money, time, energy and thoughts on clothes but don’t have much to show for it. For this year one of my goals is to spend and shop/browse less, but that goal is conflicted by state of my wardrobe which still needs major overhaul. To accomplish this goal I need to shop smart and prioritize carefully. I reviewed all my categories/capsules yesterday and here are my findings.
- underwear - I purged about 10 bras yesterday and I am left with only 2 good fitting, one black, one nude. I think I need more than 2, will have to prioritize this. I also purged number of panties that have seen better days, but still have plenty. Camis are in good shape.
- sleepwear - all my pjs are about 3 sizes too big, but don’t think this is priority- will replace them as they wear out.
- loungewear- I refreshed this capsule last year so it is still ok, will replace only if something wears out
- activewear- I got new capsule when I started with Pilates in October, and yesterday I finally purged old stuff.
- swimwear - this one was nightmare. I haven’t purged this capsule yet but everything has to go. I need a one piece for pool and a bikini for beach. One piece is priority, bikini can wait.
- outerwear - no urgent needs there, but I would really like a new trench coat in light neutral. I wear them a lot and have currently 2 - navy and chartreuse, but if Hobbs comes out with Saskia in off white, cream or even light gray I will be very tempted.
- blazers - this is my favorite category, I wear them daily, have a lot and love shopping for them. I did a big refresh last year, and fortunately everything still fits and is in excellent condition. I do have a want here - light neutral blazer, maybe blush? in season less fabric.
- blouses and shirts - I only wear them in spring and summer, I think I have enough and everything is still wearable even if not perfect fit because I usually wear them under blazers.
- sweaters - this is my staple, especially layering ones. Have big collection and I am not that picky about the fit here. Will replace them as they wear out, no big needs or wants here.
- skirts - this capsule needs complete refresh. I wear them more in spring/summer so will postpone working on this capsule until later. I am not into skirts every year so will see how I feel about them.
- dresses - after trying on everything yesterday only 2 dresses have survived. I will try to save 2 more today by shrinking them in the wash and dryer. Hopefully this year will have a better choice of dresses, I didn’t like anything last year. Would not mind adding a dress or two.
- pants - this is my sore point. Tailored pants are staple of my office wardrobe, but don’t have any good fitting at the moment. Summer pants will need complete refresh, while winter ones I hope I can save by alterations. I will go to my tailor in next 2 weeks to see what can be done, but I worry that back pockets will overlap. I am also trying washing and drying them today in hope that they will shrink.
- jeans - I have 3 good fitting pairs, but none of them is white. Will probably need to get white jeans at some point this year.
- belts - this is pressing need. I wear belts daily and if I get some new belts I will be able to wear more of my ill fitting pants. Still thinking which color to get first to get best mileage- metallic maybe?
- footwear- booties and sneakers are ok, don’t have knee high boots which is stopping me from getting and wearing winter skirts and dresses. Sandals, pumps and loafers will need some refresh - I walk a lot and I am hard on my shoes and especially summer and spring footwear don’t last me long.
- bags, scarves, jewelry - this categories are easy to shop for - but I have enough of those, so should not be buying anything, have other more pressing needs.

So this are my needs and my plan for this year. If you got this far, thank you for reading. Hopefully by putting this into writing will keep me more accountable.

4 years ago

Synne

Veteran

Excellent plan.
I second this part: "I shopped a lot last year, spent too much money, time, energy and thoughts on clothes but don’t have much to show for it."

I am intrigued by the no-shop movement, but am afraid I can't (don't want to...) commit. But I will make a much stricter budget this year. And try to eliminate any shopping mistakes.
For me my style journey is part of a larger take on personal improvement. I am also focusing on other non-shopping related matters. So there's that.

Cardiff girl

Sounds like you have done a comprehensive overhaul in your wardrobe,l would go out and buy a couple of new bras immediately,l agree that two doesn’t seem enough.

rachylou

Excellent, proper, thorough closet review yielding a focused shopping list!

Helena

Agree with everyone ... This is an excellent assessment of your wants and needs, and you have it all prioritized really thoroughly. I love the idea of a metallic belt, a nice subtle-ish statement as well as versatile - the best of both worlds.

taylor

Taking the time to play in ones closet renders all sorts of benefits and conclusions. I’m glad it helped you find some wardrobe holes.

A wardrobe overhaul last year really defines your current style.
Carry on with the shrinking/ altering of items that you can!

karen13

Good plan! Well thought out. I need to do this!

slim cat

It seems you sorted it all out and made a good plan. I agree on going to tailor and saving some pants ( I went last week, hope for the best ).
Love metallic belts - I have pewter colored from BR. Since you have that fab jacket with red stripes maybe red belt will work as fun accessory.
Snakeskin print is another fun option for belt( black/white or black/grey).

nemosmom

Love how you've taken time to break your needs out by category! That is a really smart way to tackle shopping going forward.

A metallic or animal print belt could be just the thing to help with your pants. Ask your tailor about doing your needed alterations from the SIDE seams. My tailor has to alter the majority of my bottoms that way, and it won't make your pockets closer together.

BrieN

I enjoyed reading your very thoughtful review. I imagine wardrobe rebuilding would be much harder mentally for someone who is always used to dressing so well. I know you know what it feels like to have an amazing wardrobe that’s working for you because I’ve seen your incredible WIWs over the years. Hoping your tailor can amaze you!

Stagiaire Fash

Wow, that’s a lot of work you’ve put into this!

Your priorities all make sense, but I hope you can get by without buying many pants until your body settles into a size/shape. If skirts are easier for you to fit (they are for me, just ride higher when I’m heavier), then those tall boots might be a good thing to get now. But then again, look at Angie’s recent (within the last month) post about ankle boots with skirts/dresses. Can you do that?

MsMaven

I enjoyed reading your analysis as well--it's inspirational to me. I recently went through my swimwear and decided this year I have to go to the store and try the swimsuits on under the cold glare of dressing room lights. Keep at it--you're doing a great job!

Elizabeth P

Wow, what a great synopsis, I'm impressed. Sounds like you are actually not in as bad a shape as you thought... a few holes to definitely fill, but having a working collection of blazers (esp that help cover not perfect tops) will help a lot.

Anonymous

Sounds like a well thought out plan! Comiserating with you about the bra shopping Maybe there are bra fairies that can drop some nice ones into our houses....

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I'm looking into a new line of work : Bra Fairy

*APPLAUSE"

You did great, Anchie! I especially like the attention to WARDROBE BASICS.

Christina F.

I admire the effort you've put in here, though I'm sorry that your size is fluctuating and that you have to do it. Now at least you know exactly what you're dealing with...

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