Angie - you are the queen of prepared although you'd look gorgeous in a paper bag (citron and tomato red of course!!) You are such an inspiration!!
jussie - exactly - last minute panic shop!! Bad!! And always a mistake.
Penny - it sounds like you too have 85% coverage and I think that's probably the most sensible goal. Buy for the life you lead and let outliers that come up get appropriate treatment as needed.
suzanimal - so impressed. My sister and SIL are not the same size. I always envy those scenes in movies where the sisters exchange clothes. You are sooooo lucky!!
Jenni - wow, yes, it sounds like you will have a happy occasion that may require creative outfitting!! Thank god my son is only 16, ooops 17 next month!! But still time. Well my gown is $265 and may not see amortization for quite some time so you are ahead of me. I always think if you have something ready then events will present themselves. Sounds like you are not only well prepared in outfits but in life by not stressing. Kudos to you!!

This whole thread is stressing me out .

But Lisap you don't like to keep your clothes for years do you? And that's what the Boy Scouts of us are doing... 5 years, 10 years some of my things...

I am almost a brownie. I am very organized in many areas of my life but I would prefer to buy clothing that I know I will wear in the near future. I do have a few special occasion pieces but nothing for a black tie affair. If I got invited to one then I would use Rent the Runway.
I have a funeral outfit (black dress pants, black top, black cardigan and blazer), a few wedding guest outfits and a job interview outfit (I would faint if I went on a job interview). I am basically covered. Some of these things are looking dated but like I said I prefer to spend money on clothing for today.
The one exception is jeans. I have bought jeans that are not for everyday wear but are not "special occasions". Jeans to be worn to music concerts, dinners, date nights, etc. Really I just like to look at them in my closet.

Lisa - I'm sorry. It was not meant to stress anyone. That was the point. Everyone does things differently. My buying can be seen as totally wasteful. But that money also bought me less stress. If you do not like to keep things long term it would be a horrible choice. The important thing is doing what works for you and you alone!!
Listen to Jenni. I'm wearing blazers from 20 y ago. It works for me, not you.

Style fan - isn't that the best "I just like to look st them in my closet!!" Of course and wear them too!! Again buying what you wear is the most important and your jeans are wonderful. It's a super smart choice and I'm keep an eye on your jeans choices!!

I wasn’t serious

Well I am in no danger of having anything with a formal or business like dress code to attend. Business formal for me is a blazer over jeans. I do have a fine collection of dresses for holidays/weddings/life events and would like to say I am fly with it sort, but really the separation of casual and super formal in my world is pretty blurry so I get off easy.

Gryffin, your new dress fits so perfectly with your dressy capsule. It is such a timeless dress and stunningly beautiful, I can see this having longevity. I admire your signature style and palette.

Griffin, that is a beautiful, timeless dress. Another scout reporting in. I stressed and bought event outfits I could not afford too often, so decided to be prepared. Most of my dresses are simple sleeveless in neutral colors and I made sure to have a topper and shoes I liked too.
I think I have told the story more than once here of being caught unprepared and shopping Walmart in a desperate, distressed state for something to wear to my own mother's funeral. I admit to not being prepared for a black tie occasion, but could squeak by with a long black skirt and thrifted velvet top, if needed. Another "occasion" I am unprepared for is a Derby Day tea coming up quickly which requires a hat. I think I can decorate a straw sun hat with goodies from a craft store and need to get on it. Great topic.

Griffin, your dressy capsule is gorgeous and will work for years to come. That dress is perfection.

To be a boy scout I wonder if you would need to have a strong signature style and keep clothes for awhile. Or have a very large budget.

I probably more like you! However I don’t have anything in my wardrobe for a really formal event but I can’t recall the last time I attended a really formal occasion. I’ve take a slight slower approach to my wardrobe so I would be more inclined to borrow from a girlfriend for that type of occasion. But other than that, I’m ready for weddings, funerals, and most other events I can think off :). Takes a lot of pressure off:)

I think I’m a Scout now. I have enough clothes for the activities in my life, at the frequency they arise, and don’t have last-minute shopping sprees. That said, I will probably always buy a new outfit for Christmas every year, lol.

Style Fan said...

For me, it's because my style and size has changed very little over the course of my adult life. As a matter of fact, I just did a closet edit for summer and finally decided to let go of a sleeveless gingham top that I purchased in my early 20's (I'm 47 :D). I still like it and it still fits but I have a few other gingham tops that I think are more flattering and I haven't worn it in a few years. I have always been drawn to simple classics and quirky accessories (I still carry vintage bags I picked up in my teens :D). It seems boring but my style still makes me happy.

Lisa - good stylish girl!! Because you always look great!!
Shevia - that does make like easier! Plus you'll have more things in regular rotation which is awesome!!
Bijou - you are a total sweetheart. Thank you!!
Joy - you found very prepared. Prepared is not just what's in our closets but having a plan for what we would do if that event came up. We've made mental if not physical preparations. I had not heard that story. I just lost my dad and specifically bought my new VB scuba blazer and pants. My dad really enjoyed clothes. He wore a blazer every day and he liked seeing us nicely dressed. I wanted to be comfortable and honor him. I've gotten a ton of wear out of it already. You'd think I'd have bad associations to the suit but I don't. It's like your best friend who is there for you good and bad. I'm so sorry about the Walmart run. That must have been awful.
Style Fan - I think you've hit the important point. If you like to wear only current things buying in advance makes no sense it's a long term investment.
Deborah - yes that's it exactly - it takes the pressure off. You can concentrate on life without worrying that you're not dressed comfortably for it.
Rachy- but that's because you choose to buy one not that you don't have one. Again no pressure. But that's not to say we all don't "need" a new outfit sometimes!!

Suzanimal - your style does not sound boring!!! Clarity is the product of understanding and true discernment. As Chanel said"elegance is refusal". Refusal to dress as anyone other than yourself. That's the "fashion freedom" I'm always evolving toward. Kudos!!

Definitely a boy scout here about 90%, I'd say. I like being prepared for (almost) anything, however, I am not prepared for activities like skiing and hiking since I never do them. On the other hand, for activities like ballroom dancing that I do often, I have many different sub-type capsule, that focus on specific type of ballroom engagement ( e.g. club salsa dancing - short tight dresses, ballroom social - midi flowy dresses, ballroom galas - evening dresses one can move in and so on).
One issue I have with being prepared for special occasions is that I tend to be overly specific in what I would like to wear for a specific event. Take a wedding with semi formal dress code, for example: if it is a wedding with lots of ballroom dancing to be involved - the dress needs to have a full skirt, if the ex will be there - the dress needs to be classy yet of "this is what you are missing" and so on. So it happened quite a few times, that I had a couple of options in my wardrobe that would work very well for a type of event, yet I wanted to get something to match what I wanted to project for that specific event.
Gryffin, I also have to say that your black event capsule is truly stunning. After your recommendation, I got the same Theory Devin Lustrate dress you did, and am very pleased with it. Thank you for pointing that way!

gryffin - Thank you, that's such a nice compliment. I'm grinning from ear to ear.

I love that Chanel quote and it's so true. It goes nicely with my life motto...

Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind. ~ Dr Seuss

By nature I am more of a Boy Scout type. However, in practical terms this is not a perfect solution for me. It also means I tend to keep stuff around “just in case” for years even if it is no longer my preferred style or it is useful other than some random unlikely occasion. What if you change size or your weight shifts? Or styles change enough that you pull out that old item only to realize it looks less than current? Or you no longer tolerate the scratchy lace or the length or some aspect of it that formerly seemed fine? It also results in having too much stuff that is right for a certain kind of occasion, but that’s not necessarily the kind of occasion that pops up. A perfect sleeved LBD (not that I’ve ever had one) for a winter cocktail party would be all wrong for summer in my climate.

So, while I try to be prepared, I’m always aware that I may have to wing it and go shopping for any last-minute occasions.

I've been burned on both behaviors, so I'm inventing a 4th category. I've been burned by buying something so I'll be ready just in case...I'm looking at you, black cocktail type dress sitting unworn ever for two years. I've also been burned many times by not having the right things to wear for something and cobbling something together that did not feel fab.

Winging it, as described by lots of wingers, sounds sort of like they enjoy it...they are up for the challenge and the search. Boy Scouts also seem to enjoy the "be prepared" hunt. Suz's brownie is not quite me either. I'm inventing the ostrich category, head in the sand. I'm ignoring the possibility of special occasion dressing at all. It happens so rarely I'm pretending it doesn't exist. I guess that is just a subset of winging it, without the enthusiasm most wingers show!

I'm quite enjoying this thread : I'm with Peri, and Janet also articulated my thoughts better than I did. And I agree with Style Fan in that being prepared requires $$ and a strong personal, timeless style.

suzanimal - it's heartfelt and I love your quote too I am going to steal it!! If you have not read Malcolm Levene's "10 steps to Fashion Freedom" I think you would enjoy it and find it empowering. Caro recommended it to me long ago and it's one of my favorite fashion-non-fashion books!! If that makes any sense!!
Janet - you are an artist. I would think that your tastes would be ever evolving. Also that you would recombine and find news looks with old pieces because you are so visual. I do agree, if you do not maintain the same weight/aesthetic over long periods of time, being over prepared is a colossal waste of cash. I did not mean to imply being as prepared as possible is good, it's just a way of having a false sense of control of things we can't control. It's not supposed to work for everyone. If I was less rigid and had more free time, I'm sure buying for an would be a fun adventure. But it's all about knowing yourself, you approach is absolutely right for you, but the feeling of security is worth it to me. As in all things, me have to be who we are!!
Peri - I understand what you are saying completely. That's why I've found that a great black suit can be used for almost any occasion. I think one fall back outfit, that can fit most eventualities makes sense, but buying for the life or event we don't have doesn't unless we know that that kind of thing will pop up. Shopping is tough, even for the most skilled, but planning on how we'd approach a surprise event, well just knowing what we decided still helps, at least for me!
Lisa - absolutely correct. You have to have the disposable cash to invest in things not needed right now. You also have to have a good functional wardrobe to put that money to things that you don't need regularly. You need to maintain a pretty constant weight/shape, have a well hones aesthetic, buy pieces that are versatile and transeasonal. It's not the best approach for everyone. But it has been interesting to hear everyone's thoughts and how they handle the unexpected events. I'd be interested to know if personality traits play into this. Being a Type A, I want to control life. Ok, I can't, I get it, but that's stressful. Being proactive because dressing appropriately is important to me, makes me feel less stressed. That can only be a good thing. But I am careful to do it within my means. Buying the gown means I did not upgrade my spring/summer tops, workout, gear, foundation capsule. I'm ok with that. I have enough for now and the dress was hard to find and on sale. That would not be a good trade if you had a tighter budget or needed to replace a bigger and more expensive capsule. I'm just super impressed how well thought out everyones buying plans are!!

I really WANT to be somebody who prepares more (I think this would help in many aspects of my life) but the reality is that, at my core, I fly by the seat of my pants and am not somebody who is very prepared. However, I do get a little stressed when I don’t have an outfit, but that is mitigated by the fact that I’m ok with an imperfect dressy outfit.

This thread is making me want to go have a look through my holding zone closet in the basement, to look at the special occasion dresses I have down there. I'm glad I've hung onto some things that were truly unique (hello, red ball gown that I got to wear again this winter!), but other things are probably just as well passed along, because they're not that special and if a wearing opportunity came up, I'd probably either reach for something else in my closet, or feel like I needed to go shopping.

Tanya - I'm so sorry I missed you!! Fantastic that you love ballroom!! My husband and I took lessons long ago, we have fun dancing but aren't great! But so much fun to just get out there. Sounds like you have amazing dresses for it. I do much prefer to dance in a dress also. I think it's great that you get ideas for a perfect outfit for an event. The good thing is, if you can't find exactly what you are looking for you have beautiful options to consider from your closet! I'm so glad you like the Theory dress!! I told you, I thought of you when I brought it. Like those magazine photos "who wore it best" Looks great on me, but it must looks beyond awesome on you!! I hope you enjoy it. I know you prefer wovens to knits, but the style and fabric make it very dress and comfortable. A real ladylike wowser!!
smittie - you are just a go with the flow girl. I wish I could be more like that. It's more important that we know who we are and what works for us. I applaud you ability to plan without over stressing under a time constraint!! I bow to this ability!! Calm under pressure!
Janet - I too hold things too long. But like you, I had a black tie event. I could not find a dress that was nicer than the once I owned. Instead of wasting money on something I did not feel great in, I wore what I had even though it was a little past prime fabric wise. It was Laundry dress, very, very pretty but the quality for long term was never their, but the style was fabulous! Now I have a replacement so I can let it go. I have trouble culling without a successor in place. Can you say control freak!

Thanks so much for this post Gryffin.

Being type A I aspire to be always prepared but I always seem to be missing some necessary item to be completely happy with my outfits. I am very picky about fit and somewhat difficult to fit so waiting till the last minute doesn't work well for me and stresses me out.

You have inspired me to take the time to build some complete outfits for these type of events. For example, I recently went to the opera and struggled with what to wear. I have a dressy black skirt that I really like but imperfect tops to go with it. I ended up wearing a new kimono topper with black pants and a silk tank. I really like the topper and the silk tank worked but wished I had more dressy black pants. Also the jewelry I wore was OK but not great. So I ended up feeling not so fabulous in this outfit.

Gryffin, you are too kind! Thank you for all the nice words. Yes, ballroom is lots of fun - I haven't done much of it lately, but need to fix that since I really miss it. It is thanks to you that I got the Theory dress and I am very grateful! It is knit, but it is pretty structured and not clingy. I ended up sizing to S ( I remember your story how you sized up, too) since XS was too tight over the chest - those diagonal pieces did not have stretchy seams and those were uncomfortable. I think that I prefer it a little looser anyway. I have already worn it to work a couple of times, dressed down - with moto jackets and flat tall boots. I am waiting for an opportunity to wear it dressed up, with some jewelry and pretty shoes.

Gryffin, thank you for the kind words, and for graciously responding to ALL the comments. That's stylish. Your forum threads are thought provoking, and YOU are always positive. I love that. (((HUGS))).

On that note, the only thing I don't have in my wardrobe is a red carpet evening gown - (and hiking gear). I don't want to buy a formal gown in advance because I would need to FEEL the colour closer to the time. The colour of it is more important than the silhouette, which I would keep classic.

I'm also nodding along with Style Fan that having a strong signature style helps you be more of a girl scout.

Lynn - that is so Angie - the make sure you don't have orphans by buying the completer pieces to an outfit. I do applaud you. That is an excellent idea. It sounds like you've acquired gorgeous and unusual pieces - just a couple of completers should give you the versatility for almost any event. Well done and hope you find those completers soon!!
Tanya - when I think of my ideal body type, on real women, you are one of the first than comes to mind. But even one with NVF (no visible fat) wow, theory cuts little!! I think it's important, especially for me, to focus on fit not size. The size is vanity, the fit is everything. But other than "OMG it's a medium!!" I love it. And if I'm a medium at 5"3" 113 lbs well who's a large?!! I just keep telling myself for 58yo, pushing 59 yo, I'm doing just fine and focus on diet, exercise and health. So yes, you are truly an XXXS, it's theory!! Not you. But it is a fantastically flattering dress and one of the few day/night/sleeves/comfy enough to sleep in/perfect for travel dresses on the market. So glad to share it with you!! And love how you styled it for work!
Angie - color makes you feel like you!! It must correlate to your mood to make you feel most yourself. In many ways you are an artist just like Janet, but you canvas is yourself. That's your art. That you are able to work in so many mediums (everyone else's style is what makes you truly extraordinary). Funny how we often pick almost the same line/silhouette/vibe but in entirely different colorways but to the same polished, harmonious effect. So when I see your pieces, my first thought is almost always "hum, I wonder if that comes in black?!!!" And no dear girl, you create the magic here, we just reflect it back at you!! Mwah!!

Such an interesting thread!! I think temperamentally I'm more a fly by the seat of my pants, but owing to have had various occasions to dress for, I'm set for weddings, cocktail dresses, funerals and probably job interviews. ( I don't have a really fancy long gown - though there's two long bridesmaid dresses in the archives
)

I do run a bit short on really casual summer gear and clothes. I need tee shirts!