Ask Angie and others-- shoping for winter now

Although I am not necessarily on team Wear Immediately-- I am certainly not on team Buy and Hoard (not meaning this in a judgmental way-- I just don't typically buy items for the future and put them away-- i.e. for other seasons).

However, I'm considering doing some winter shopping while things are on clearance or sale right now as the stores get ready to move spring merch in. As always, I am still unemployed and on a budget, so I am hoping to find some affordable things to beef up my sad casual wardrobe.

We have maybe 4 more months of cold weather and I am running on empty when it comes to warm casual/smart casual wear.

I know it is often ill-advised to buy clothes for "next season" as so much can change in the meantime (like weight, preferences, styles!). However, is it reasonable to buy more than a couple of pieces, wear them for four months, and then put them away for four before fall begins? Or am I better off buying the absolute fewest items I can get away with (a warm layering tee or two, one sweater, maybe one jacket)? Or is it ok to take advantage of end-of-season deals and purchase a few more pieces?

14 years ago

lyn*

(website)

Veteran

I think there are stuff that never go out of style ... like a black turtleneck, or a well-fitting wool jacket in a neutral colour (including red). I buy things I usually lose, like leather driving gloves ($7 for a pair on clearance; regular $30; how can I say no? Hopefully I'll lose one left, then one right, so I'll have a pair left!)

I definitely stock up during the sales and use them the next year; even if you have 1 or 2 misses, the money you end up saving is usually greater than the cost of these items.

Sylvie

4 months is more than enough time to get good use (and drive down the cost per wear) out of any items you buy now. My entire "winter" is 4 months!

I would recommend limiting trendy pieces to a maximum of 1-3 and as Lyn suggests, have the majority be classic pieces you know you'll still wear next year. Footwear and accessories will always fit you, so it's a great time to stock up on those.

CocoLion

Get basics or classic items ... the kinds of things Angie wrote about in her blog today. If it were me, I would make a list including each item she listed, leaving out things I know I won't or can't wear (example: my feet can't do loafers). If you find even a few things on this list with good fabrication and fit, it's money well spent!

I am very trend conscious and usually buy in to the majority of trends. Lots of it only lasts one season before I'm sick of it! Fortunately I am thrifty and I do have a job. But the button down shirts, the blazers, the pencil skirts, I have and wear easily for 5 even 15 years.

Good luck and let us know what you find!

Anonymous

Since I live in a very continental climate ( as oppose to oceanic - where the influence of the water is to equalize the weather) I have approximately 3 months of winter 3 of summer 3 spring and 3 autumn. 4 Months is 1/3 of a year. It is a reasonable time. It's buying for the current season! And 33.3% of the year ( 4 months) should represent about 33% of your wardrobe : 1 warm coat, 1 pair of boots, a couple nice warm sweaters, wool pants, whatever you feel appropriate. What I say , it's not something fickle or untimely to buy now if there are 120 more days of cold ahead!

Parsley

I say if you need something to wear now and for the next four months, it is completely reasonable to buy it now. The chances of getting a good buy now are excellent, and that makes it even more attractive.

Angie

Fashion Stylist

You should buy a few Winter things and wear them now, Elly! You still have a good few months of cold weather ahead of you. And by all means wear them again next season.

I have just bought more Winter items too - about a week ago. I will be wearing them for 3 more months for sure - if not longer. And the flip side to that is that I am *itching* to purchase my loafers and some more sheer blouses, but it will be June before I can wear them. And that will drive me batty :(. So I am holding off.

The bad part about buying Winter stuff now though, is that the pickings are slim - especially when your size is a small one. That's all by design.

Debbie

Definitely buy a few things. You still have a long ways to go before spring. There is no need to freeze. I don't think basic tees and sweaters will go out of style anytime soon.

Isabel

Elly, I was pondering the same question recently. I used to buy on clearance for the following year. This year, because of medical issues, I have a very uncertain weight and body shape "future"......LOL. But I had NOTHING that fit. The ladies here convinced me to be warm and stylish, even for just a few months. I realize that your financial situation is different, but get some things that you can afford and that will keep you warm.

Anya's mathematical assessment cracked me up......it makes perfect sense to my wonk side. And I agree. 4 months is a long time to be cold, my friend.

I think you should buy some stuff for sure. Not only will you be getting a good full 4 months wear now (which as many point out is an entire winter season in some places) but you will also be buying for your dominant season, which is always the smartest shopping strategy. I know when I'm living in the mountains, I wear my fall/wintery stuff 3/4 of the year, so it's smart to spend my shopping dollar on those items.

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