Any idea how I could go about my further wardrobe planning?

Astrid

I'm not sure what I'm asking you here, but I feel like I need to do some serious wardrobe planning, much more concrete than what I've done so far. I've done a lot of purging in the last twelve months and I feel like I don't have much left. Some of the things that I still need to get dressed aren't the best either, but had to stay because of practical reasons. I have so few pieces left that I went into panic mode today and bought two basic cardigans just so that I'm dressed alright on my upcoming trip.

As for my style persona - I think the Bohemian Prairie Girl Angie coined is what I want. It fits. If I look at my Pinterest I see a clearly defined style. I'm not sure how that should translate into wardrobe planning.

I guess I feel a bit lost at the moment. Any ideas what to do about it?

13 years ago

General

8 replies

Latest reply was from Astrid

qfbrenda

Veteran

Hmmm.... have you read this blog: http://www.puttingmetogether.com/

She has a bunch of posts about wardrobe planning. They are grouped along the top of her blog.... "wardrobe from scratch" and "building a remixable wardrobe".

All I can tell you is how I planned things. I gathered pictures of outfits I liked. I printed out copies of Angie's MOTG formulas and made lists of basic categories of things I needed to make those formulas worked. I figured out what colors work for me and stuck to those colors. And then I shopped. I stuck to a basic budget, but I generally got something every month. It was a long process, but slowly and surely the wardrobe started to appear.

It also helped me to read a couple of reasonable wardrobe lists to get an idea of how many of different things I might need. YES, everyone has to figure out their own lists but at first I didn't know where to start. It helped to know that it was reasonable to want a few pairs of jeans... that having at least 10-14 tops plus some for layering was ok... and having many dresses since I love to wear them was ok.

And I would consider how long you will be in school. I'm guessing your wardrobe will change when/if you enter the workforce. If that will be in several years, that will make planning your wardrobe different than if that will happen next fall.

13 years ago

KikiG

Veteran

I think you have nailed your current style. Are you a university student? If I rememembered that correctly, you might think about adding in pieces that will work with your future life once you graduate or complete your program. How will your eventual life differ from your current one?

Do you keep a diary, of what you wore to what event, and how you felt about it? I have found holes that way. It might also help if you started making notes about what lack frustrates you in putting together a "feel right for the event" outfit, and see where your holes are. You addressed the "third piece/topper" hole with your new cardigan purchase, and with bringing back into circulation that cute pointy-end grey cardigan. I think you have added some really nice pieces in the last year, with a great deal of thought, like those red jeans that look so cute and fit you so well. Those would look really cute with your new cardigans, maybe with your striped top under them?

13 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Haul out your current favourite pieces and outfits, Astrid. And then lets take it from there.

13 years ago

rachylou

Veteran

I recall Angie wisdom about making note of what you do most of the time, some of the time, and on occasion... as one way to start determining your clothing needs and start planning your wardrobe. And then also things like climate, etc. etc.

Now that I think about it, that may be one of the reasons I'm feeling so satisfied with my wardrobe these days. I figured out what I really do with my time and how much of what I really need. Like this is how I spend my time: Office job, bakery job, dog walking, Saturday hanging out, and then the occasional nice dinner, play, and family gathering. I no longer, for example, spend all this time playing tourist in hot places. I really whittled down my summer capsule to something "lean and mean."

13 years ago

Astrid

Veteran

Thanks for the link, Brenda! I didn't know the blog yet, I'm going to have a look at her posts. I've done the picture collection and I think I have my colors down reasonably well. It's going to be a slow process for my as well on my budget, but I think one new item per month might be manageable. Although I wouldn't want to limit myself to 12 purchases per year at this time. I have at least two more years at university, but my wardrobe needs won't change much after that, I don't think. I think dressy casual with some items for dressy functions will be sufficient even when I start working.

Thanks Kiki! I agree that I have found my niche, now I just need to work out how to build on that. I don't think my life will change that much after, although you never know. I don't really keep track of my outfits besides posting the occasional WIW, maybe I need to start taking notes like you suggested.

Thanks Angie! I don't have to work tomorrow, I think I'm going to do as you suggested and take some pictures in the afternoon.

Thanks Rachy! I don't really do anything that requires more than dressed up casual other than the odd event like the wedding or confirmation this spring. Even my workplace is very casual. Going out capsules aren't really needed either, you don't need dressy clothes for going to see some small gig or doing quiz night at the pub. Climate is definitely an important thing though. We have four seasons here and I don't feel like I have all covered as well as I need.

13 years ago

Caro in Oz

Veteran

I find it useful to compare outfits I love to wear with outfits that don't feel right. Sometimes (for me) it's easier to work from what I don't want. For example all my favourite outfits include pants or jeans, yet I still buy skirts:)

13 years ago

Mona

Veteran

Astrid, I am also in the middle of planning my wardrobe and I am still in purging mode. What I have found so far is that taking pics of my outfits every day really helps me to focus on what direction I want to go next. Being on a tight budget like you, I decided to buy one item every season from Angie's must have lists so that I feel modern and on trend as it is very important to me to look modern.

13 years ago

Astrid

Veteran

Thanks Caro! That's a good idea, I'll think about doing that.

Mona, that's a good idea, if being modern is important to you! Maybe I should really start taking photos everyday, if only for myself.

ETA
I posted all of my favourite things in this thread http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....d-the-rest. But beware, it's long!

13 years ago

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