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Changing silhouettes & passing items on (Navel gaze time)

Christina F.

Veteran

As the year draws to a close, I'm considering what I bought this year and how my style has evolved.

I won't share my numbers--suffice it to say that this fashion moment has resonated strongly with me, and I bought way more than I intended to.

Here are some things I've adopted (examples in Finds in this post):

-rib knits

-jeans and pants in a wider variety of silhouettes (before it was all skinny or bootcut/trouser)

-shorter tops/more tucking semi-tucking. NB: My rises may be a little higher, but I can't wear much over 11-inches so I create the illusion of it.

-I think I've steered my wardrobe this fall into a slightly more sophisticated space.

-More blazers. This is less a silhouette change and more a commitment to making them work and making sure I can layer over them in the winter

-Chunkier sneakers. I'm having a big Chuck Taylor moment and have more on my Xmas wishlist

-Higher shaft booties

-NB: I still retain my color preferences--I like bold colors and lots of contrast. I've dipped a toe into earth tones but they will never dominate my wardrobe.

What's changed - I have always had a boho lite streak, and I've moved away from it. I have a few boho dresses that are fine to keep, because the mood does strike me and they are outfits in themselves.

However, I have a lot of tops... a lot of in general. But I have a lot too that are blousier, if that's a word, and harder to incorporate into my wardrobe right now. I also have a few long, chunky knits that only work when the right mood strikes and it's very cold out (some winters are, and some not). I've learned not to throw the baby out with the bathwater completely. If I get rid of a silhouette completely, I will just crave it and buy it again later.

So do I pass on some items but not all? I already have done this to a degree, but since I have a lot of tops, I still have a fair few that are only occasionally what I want. I don't need a wardrobe full of workhorses - to the contrary. I like options! So do I keep what I have? Keep one in every color that I like? Create a larger holding zone to keep them but get them out of the active closet? The problem with passing on these items is that I still like them, in some cases quite a bit, but they're just not what I reach for all the time right now. (I will post some representative finds in the first comment.) Space is a consideration in my tiny apartment, too.

Banana Republic

Washable Merino Ribbed Sweater

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BP BP. Ribbed Lettuce Edge Stripe Sweater (Regular & Plus Size) | Nordstrom

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Gap Gramercy Track Trouser

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Wide Leg Riviera Pants

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Slim Wide-Leg Jeans in Tile White: Patch Pocket Edition

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Cali Demi-Boot Jeans in Quince Wash: Button-Front Edition

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5

Banana Republic

Petite Long and Lean-Fit Plaid Blazer

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Converse Retrograde Chuck Taylor All Star Lugged Winter Leather Sneakers

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Steve Madden Women's Antonia Chunky Sneakers

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Cap-toe ankle boots

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Sam Edelman Ava Western Bootie

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4

Dressing

24 replies

Latest reply was from Christina F.

Christina F.

Veteran

Believe me, I have considered that a lot of these are blue, and in fact have decreased the number of blue ones already.

I recently tried on the cobalt one again, and it looks good. I also tried the red - looks good, and I love the color, but it's a little see through. I'd rather pass on a blue one than the only red one, though!

As for the knits, I went through a phase of buying every long Lucky brand chunky cardigan I saw. I am already kind of ready to pass on the oatmeal and black one. Not sure about the vest - it seemed like a good way to layer in the winter, since I can't layer knit sleeves over long sleeve blouses, but it doesn't seem like what I'd want to wear right now.

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Floral Keyhole Mixed Media Top

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Geo Dot Split Neck Swing Top

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NYDJ Print Blouse

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Pintuck bell-sleeve top

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Lucky Brand Fringe Cardigan

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Spacedye Sweater Vest

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Liesbeth

Veteran

That's a hard question. If they are still pristine looking and fit well, I'd create a larger holding zone (if possible). Vests may be coming back into style so I'd definitely keep the vest :).
Then again, with pants silhouettes changing I've also relegated some longer cardies to the holding zone for what may turn out to be years...

Christina F.

Veteran

Thanks for your thoughts, Liesbeth! The nice thing about the vest is that even though it's longer, it can be layered over a shorter top. The problem with the knits, really, is that they take up space. The oatmeal and black one is probably going--it's in nice shape and someone else would enjoy it. The color scheme is not my favorite, unlike the teal one and the purple one.

I've already culled everything that doesn't fit or doesn't look nice anymore. A very select few things that don't fit are in holding because I am working on my fitness. The rest is already gone.

The blouses are easy to keep in my active closet, as I have made space by passing on other stuff. The heavy knits are trickier to store in my active wardrobe right now. I needed them a few winters ago, for two winters in a row; more recent winters have been more mild, but they say this one may be cold again.

Liesbeth

Veteran

Yeah, I get that too. I have some very warm woollies that have not been worn last year - and take up an entire storage box ... yet I don't want to getcrid of them, if even only for the chance I'll travel somewhere really cold someday!
Fwiw, I agree about the oatmeal and black pieces going. You are right that they don't fit your current style preferences.

Helena

Veteran

Hmm, old me would say pass it all on, but new me is much more conservative about this ... especially as you say you really like them. I'm wondering if there are better storage options for bulky items, like those bags that you vacuum the air out of. If you must get rid of some for space purposes, I would be inclined to just use a reverse rank-order; get rid of your least favourites until you hit the amount you can reasonably store. Good luck with it! And boo to this winter being cold; I've heard the same

Suz

(website)

Veteran

I'd definitely get rid of the oatmeal long cardi -- it sounds like you don't really love it any more. The blouses won't take up space in a holding so so why not keep and reevaluate. You might decide you are totally "off" boho by the spring. Or you might pull them out then.

Anonymous

What are the finds in the first part of your post - that include the red chunky Cons? Are these things you aren't liking right now?

Anyways - I totally hear you, and can say many of these same things myself. My first reaction is that those boho Lucky blouses are good to go now, but then again, I'm famous for babies in bathwater That look doesn't seem like the you we are seeing here lately, and honestly, not as sophisticated . Fine for the odd weekend where you feel like something casual, but you probably don't need as many as you have right now. I'm not big on holding zones, mostly because I don't have the room, but also because I forget what's in there. I think only you can determine that one.

Christina F.

Veteran

Liesbeth - yeah, climate change is making it tough!

TG - I have room in my basement storage area to store them, technically. I've removed a lot of dross from my wardrobe - though I bought a lot, I've had more out than in. (It's easy because we have a clothing donation box in the basement of the building.) That said, we plan to move in early 2021, and while we are going to be upgrading in terms of space, I want to be careful of what I am keeping around. And as for winter--BRR.

Suz - the oatmeal cardi is in deep storage, and will go once I go back in there to pull out some Christmas items. The blouses are probably fine to stay. They're not taking up too much space in my closet, but maybe putting them in deeper storage will make them seem fresher. There has also been a temperature issue with wearing them... now that it's winter, they've cranked up the heat at the office so they'd actually be better to wear! But I would need to layer over them for travel to the office. Maybe the vest should be kept in the active wardrobe!

Lisa - I goofed! Those are example finds of what I like to wear now. I edited the post to clarify - thanks for bringing that to my attention! You're also right about the sophistication level. I think that I will always crave this look from time to time... and yes, weekends are a good time. the question is how many blouses on hand will satisfy that? Hmm. I

I have some other blouses (these finds) that I'm definitely keeping; some of them have more shape, which I am just noticing now. Of the ones above, the two I'd be inclined to pass on now, gun to my head, are the red and the longer blue one with dots (both a bit too long for my current bottom silhouette preferences). Some of them still look sophisticated enough tucked in, which is a further criterion. This has already been helpful!

Rosebud Lacy Mixed Media Top

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Tie-Back Bubble-Sleeve Top in French Rose

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Petite Floral Dot Peplum Blouse

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Lace Trim Peplum Blouse

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Christina F.

Veteran

Also, re: the holding zone - I use finds for almost all my wardrobe and I keep track of it that way! I put them in History. I also have a collection in Finds of items I am on the fence about and need to evaluate further and decide on.

nemosmom

Veteran

The keep/donate struggle is real!! Especially for those items I am on the fence about... One question I've had to start asking myself is, "if I were shopping, would I buy this now?" and, "is this a piece I would consider ordering to try next season?" If no is the answer to either, out it goes. Then again, I have edited out a lot this year, so take my advice with a giant grain of salt...

If the answer is maybe, I will hang onto it until the next closet switchover. I usually do a big switch in spring and fall; this year I am leaving my thicker knits stored until January so it feels like a quick refresh without me being tempted to buy a million cozy sweaters in the 19th month of winter...

There was a post not long ago about shadow personas, that talked about hanging on to a few of those items that you find yourself drawn to so you don't keep buying more of them. I am totally paraphrasing (poorly) but maybe some tips there would help?

SarahD8

Veteran

Christina, figuring out the difference between when I'm off something and when I'm over something is a big quandary for me too, so I feel you. I think it's often a fine line, and is different for each person.

The blouses you're definitely keeping look like a good way to scratch your boho itch while still having the sophistication of your current style. Those seem like a pretty solid capsule to me.

Of the questionable blouses, I'd be most inclined to keep the cobalt and the Loft dark floral. Plus the teal cardi and the vest.

I always find the question "when would I choose to wear this item over [other similar item that is definitely staying in my closet]?" useful in this sort of situation.

Oh, and I'm right there with you on a big churn year too.

Do you have any interest in layering a boho top over one of your fitted ribbed knits to make them more cold-weather appropriate? I think of that look as "70s Art Teacher" and I have to admit I've got a soft spot for it.

slim cat

Veteran

I have a favorite long cardigan from Lucky Brand that I tried to duplicate to some extend ( like you said "buying all the chunky long ones from LB" ). Guess what - I still love/wear the fav one and the rest is rarely worn - going to donation box this season. Check if you love just couple cardigans and the rest is fallen out of favor with you.
The blouses I'd keep but the NYDJ red one looks more casual and with less contrast compare to cobalt with black print. You probably need to do the fit lab to see if you ready to pass some of your old favorites. I kept my two vests for winter casual layering - just useful things.
Great thing - to have enough space to hold some items ( I'm limited now ).

notsaf

Veteran

Is it time for a try one session? OR: Are some of these tops more spring-to-summer- tops than summer-to-fall tops, which is why you're not reaching for them? The second group of finds in comments above (the ones you're liking) aren't just slightly more structured, they're also a little darker overall: both winter qualities. Maybe what you're feeling is that the ones you're not reaching for are out of season. What will you feel like in March? If it were me, I'd hold onto them til then and then do a cull after the season starts. Same with any of the knits that aren't wool (cause if they're wool and you were into them, you'd be wearing them right now. Cotton, not be much.) Anyway, that's my two cents!

Christina F.

Veteran

notsaf - this is why I don't seriously put the blouses up for consideration yet. It's not the season, even if my office is warmer now than when it was the season. I may put some away but won't really pass on any now except maaaybe the red one.

slim cat - I will hold off on the outfit lab till spring for the reasons notsaf said; I have already passed on or put on longterm hold anythign that doesn't fit me well. I also am leaving the country next week so it's not a huge priority. The blouses don't take up much space; I'll figure out what to do with the knits.

SarahD8 - It's good for me to think about it as a capsule, thank you! The cobalt blouse and the Loft dark floral are pretty safe. Not sure about laying them because my office is now 5-6 degrees warmer than it was in the summer! But it's something to keep in mind on colder days.

nemosmom - the shadow personal thing actually sparked this, and made me realized I shouldn't pass ALL of it on. The craving will come around again, likely in the Spring.

rachylou

Veteran

Are these all for work? I think I’d also consider how you use them, when you need them. It’s like do you have 50 weekend blouses and 30 work blouses... are they in proportion to your activities?

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Our styles are colliding, Christina. So fun!

I'm with you and SarahD8 - when are you off something, and when are you over something? HARD to assess accurately.

I'd keep the items you still LOVE if you have space for them. YES items fall out of favour when you reach for the newer stuff you're feeling more that season. This happens to me a lot. But if I still love an item - I keep it! I end up wearing the item again later....

Christina F.

Veteran

Rachylou - I can wear whatever I want to work, within reason. Some of these might be low-cut but if I wanted to wear them to work, I could put a Cami under them. That said, the season for them has been short this year and I’ve been preferring knits overall That said, the season for them has been short this year and I’ve been preferring knits overall. The red blouse is the one I look at and think that I probably wouldn’t wear it to work, of the ones I’ve shared above. The red blouse is the one I look at and think that I probably wouldn’t wear it to work, of the ones I’ve shared above.

Angie - it is a struggle. I don’t think I will be off to Dee’s forever, but I would like to limit them a little bit and I’ve definitely stopped buying new ones for now. It might be a little premature to decide for certain, so I’ll hold off until spring and then make sure I’ve whittled it down to the ones I really It might be a little premature to decide for certain, so I’ll hold off until spring and then make sure I’ve whittled it down to the ones I really love.

As for our styles colliding, you’ve been an influence on me, along with the street style I see every day in NYC. My eye has evolved rapidly now that I’m to things. That said, you likely won’t see me in citron, or not often pearls, and I’m too much of a New Yorker to ever give up back entirely :p (PS - that Halogen jacket of yours that I coveted popped back up. Here’s hoping.)

Christina F.

Veteran

Not off skinnies completely though! Just got these with a sparkly side stripe from AT.

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Anonymous

Those are really cute/interesting.

Anonymous

Btw, I really struggle with keeping or giving up similar blouses too.
I tend to be drawn to them but then somehow never wear them as much or feel as good in them as I’d hoped.
And then donate and then see more I love and lather, rinse, repeat.

I might keep three (I’d definitely keep the polka dot) for a boho lite mood that hits you and let the others go because of your style shift.
I would keep a long sweater. They often come in handy at some point.

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

I am extreme in the save department. If there is something that I loved but am not into right now I will save it - maybe in storage box but I probably have more storage space than you. Then every season I reevaluate the stuff I put away. But this is part of my fun. Not sure if this would work for everyone honestly.

Gigi

Veteran

I would definitely create a larger holding zone for the items you're not reaching for but that you still love.

I remember a couple of summer AT tops I had bought and worn only a couple of times in the season. The next year I didn't touch them and told myself that I should probably donate them. The "practical" me said to wait until the next summer to see if I reach for them; if I don't, then it would be safe to donate. Well, summer came around, and I wore the tops a lot! I was so glad I didn't donate them. So you never know. I wouldn't recommend keeping something for years and years, but I generally give my stuff two to three full seasons before I donate.

Cardiff girl

Veteran

I would would err on the side of keep if you still like something but just aren’t wearing it at the moment.Take up Toronto girls suggestion of vacuum bags and put stuff like this into storage.Sometimes not seeing things everyday makes them seem like new again when you do eventually pull them out again.

Christina F.

Veteran

Thanks for the feedback, Jenna! I intend to keep most of these, really since I already culled the ones that didn't fit or look good anymore.

shevia- I make my small space work, but it's small for someone who has a large-ish wardrobe. I have half a large closet, a smaller hanging rack, a moderate sized bureau and some plastic storage bins - upstairs. Out of season items go into the basement storage, which is for allll our extra stuff and is packed full. I have four storage bags down there and I'd never want to exceed those four, basically.

Gigi- it definitely happens that some items before more or less useful from year to year depending on mood, weather, etc.

Thanks, Cardiff Girl, I'll keep most of it.

The only item I will pass on now, since it's in season, is the oatmeal and black cardigan. The purple cardigan may go into holding until I see how cold this winter is. The teal cardigan and the green vest can stay (both are easy to layer under).

As for the blouses, it doesn't make sense to pass them on until the spring, when they are more in season for the thrift store charity I donate to. The red and the blue polka dot are going to go into seasonal storage until then, since they're kind of lightweight anyway. The rest aren't very likely at all to be passed on--the red one is the one most on the chopping block.

Thanks all!