You've explained me better then I ever could , Jaime :). You nailed it .

I like reading this type of post. I've never done much analysis of my own wardrobe but oddly am fascinated by other people's revelations. I've never come up with style descriptors or a style moniker.

I think you've done some serious thinking and developed some good goals. Your self analysis should help with sticking to those goals as a reminder of why you came up with them in the first place. Good luck!

It's just occurred to me that "fashion forward" might be more like an absence of dated items and an absence of ugly/unfashionable items that might otherwise be retained due to never having critically assessed their merits. This would be a good launching point for a strong personal design statement. I'll keep thinking on it.

Lisa, this is so exciting! I feel I relate incredibly strongly with what you have shared. I think my journey is similar and moving to a more minimal wardrobe (and lifestyle overall) has changed things for the better. There is great power in taking control over our purchases and making thoughtful considered decisions about what we will buy and how much we will buy. I posted the other day on Insta a pic of my carefully selected new Autumn shoe and how they would be my only shoe purchase for the season and there was a fair amount of joking and bewilderment over how I could settle for only one new pair of shoes lol.

A small, hardworking wardrobe is very exciting, especially if it is made up of items you love and enjoy wearing. I find I don't get bored with items I adore. I love the idea of the capsule wardrobe but I struggle with fully comprehending the concept, but I tend to think of my who wardrobe as a capsule because everything goes with everything else lol.

Planning ahead is fun! I honestly think that this process helps us make really good decisions and also makes us value the item more. Once I have decided what it is i want, my budget generally requires I save for it/them. The process of deciding, saving and then purchasing seems to make me really appreciate the item more.

In the past I have repeat bought things because I kind of forgot what I already had in the cupboard, so definitely reviewing what you have first is a brilliant idea.

For what it's worth I think you are absolutely on the right track and I love the words you chose and the way you are embracing the body you have right now (which looks pretty good to me) and you are looking to what you feel good in and what you like to see yourself in as your inspiration rather than all the external influences that can so easily lead us in the wrong direction.

Cannot wait to see what you put together out of your existing items and some new ones.

xxx

On junk jewelry: I did a big clear out because... it was junky! That is, I had acquired a lot of clever pieces, but novelty for the sake of novelty gets thin. I'm happier with very few pieces that 'speak of me', which only seems to happen if they become a go-to wear - as opposed to being changed out all the time.

On the notion of fashion forward: I do think this is different from trendy. Trendy is novelty. Fashion forward stretches boundaries. It doesn't have to be new to do that, nor does newness automatically mean a boundary has been stretched. Trendy isn't necessarily bold... but fashion forwardness is a little bold.

Well I'm very interested. I don't feel I've got to " know" you very well yet in the forum and our styles are not that similar- as far as I can see yours is more hard-edged than mine, though I do have one interesting skull lace T-shirt! But lots of your reasons and ideas resonate with me. I am just feeling the need to own less Stuff. I am still culling very slowly so if I'm not going to overflow my limited space even more then I have to keep going with either a purchasing fast or very limited purchasing. Tracking my wears has shown some mistakes, some as recent as last August and last October. Both summer items and in the whole summer I've worn one twice and one three times. Luckily or unluckily both tops were on sale, one for $49 and one for $ 38, but I'm still cross with myself and can't see getting to my desired wears.
I have just turned 56 last week and it does feel quite unreal to be this age.

I enjoyed reading this Lisa. Style journey posts are always useful and educational. I don't find them self-indulgent. For me I had to sort out my wardrobe because my life had changed so dramatically.
I find StyleBee's blog very helpful as well. I am replicating a few of her outfits. I also like her minimal style.
Those are great colour choices. Smythe has some beautiful navy blazers. Just saying.

Hi. Again. This is a great post and it has inspired me to start putting my vague thoughts down on paper.

Developing capsules by starting with your workout/athletic capsule is definitely the way to go. Once you see how seamlessly those capsules come together, you start to realize that the same can be done for your everyday wardrobe. It will just take a little more work to button down your every wardrobe. I am sure you will have the enthusiasm you need to continue the plotting and planning.

I am curious as to how you plan to go about your purging process. I would take it slow. I started out by purging everything that made me feel uncomfortable for any reason whatsoever (feel of the fabric, fit, orphan, too sheer). Then I started to play with what was left. I didn't purge anything that remained unless I found it just didn't fit into my ultimate wardrobe plan. But I made that final decision after I tried to make it work. I am also a fan of a holding zone for some of those pieces. They may not work today, but they might be just what I need tomorrow. Oh, and I get rid of everything that doesn't fit the body I have today. I don't know if that is good advice or bad advice.

Nicely stated Lisa! I look forward to seeing how this works out for you and how it evolves over time. I admire your self knowledge and confidence in understanding how you shop and dress as you share your first plan with us! Many kudos! I love to hear how other people think through their situations. I do not find your efforts self indulgent. I find them instructive.

I'm very late to this post but want to join in with the applause and cheers here. I don't consider this type of post self-indulgent in the least. (If I did, I'd be hanging my head in shame over 9/10 of my own posts, ha!) Seriously -- in my opinion, posts like this generally help the person who writes them and the wider community. As you've seen from the comments, many here find the analysis very interesting and helpful. And those who don't yet understand the value of this level of reflection will find out how useful it is later on when they see the happy result!

I was clearing out my old "notes" file on my computer the other day and saw that I've been making lists and analyses like this since about 2013 (after joining YLF in 2011). I've posted many and wow, has it paid off! The self-reflection combined with probing forum questions has made a big difference. My wardrobe happiness is so much higher than it was back then, and I'm also far more ready for my daily and occasional activities. That's not to say I never have days where I don't like my outfit; nor is it to say I never make shopping mistakes -- of course that happens! But it's a lot less frequent and mostly the closet is working for me.

I can't wait to hear about your wardrobe edit and and I love the sounds of your new additions and your plan. I do hear a shift when I hear "colour" and "pretty" -- sounds as if you are moving a bit away from the hard edge -- and I think this is going to be a fun adventure for you!

I have always seen your style as polished and sophisticated, but evolution is good. I have to applaude you for taking time to make mindful purchases. When I analyse why I have bought some things, it can be for the wrong reasons and posts like this help me to be aware of this and change my behaviours.

I hope your Smyth blazers keep their place in your edited wardrobe, as I have always loved these on you!

These posts on style goals (not goal posts!) are interesting to me. I probably should think about this on my own, but wouldn't know where to start. I can articulate something like "need better warm weather pants," but that's as far as it goes. Good luck with your five items. They sound perfect.

Lisa, I read this yesterday in between appointments so I didn't have time to respond, but I'm applauding you and can relate to so much that you say here!

It's unlikely I will ever be a wardrobe (or any other kind of) minimalist, but I am feeling a serious need to streamline ALL kinds of aspects of my life. As I type this, there are eight big bags of stuff sitting next to me in my dining room, waiting to be put in the car to take to a donation drop off. (I need to deliver a large canvas piece later today, so I'm waiting until I get that out of my car first -- otherwise these bags would be OUT OF HERE!)

Like I said to Vivian in her thread this morning, you are another forum member whose style I really admire. What I see you post here is so streamlined and chic, while still being interesting and showing personality. I completely support the goal of focusing on what works and reducing the amount of churn-and-chase in our wardrobes. I'm with you!

YAY, Lisa. Good clothing rack idea. And 4x Minimal makes more sense. Also read in your reply to Vivian that you're somewhat over Hard Edge, which I do associate with your current look. I'm very much looking forward to the Softer Lisa.

*happy dance for coming over to Team Pretty*

How about styling a capsule around the peacock blue Smythe jacket? I'm drooling just imagining it!

Re: Smythe collection . It isn't going anywhere, rest assured of that. My first one though is getting a little worn looking and not really great for work anymore. I will never, ever get rid of them unless they just do not fit anymore. I will be asking for help with the peacock blue one soon! Here it is below

I am so thrilled to get such interested and interesting support and replies to my long blather of a post. Truly. Makes me sit up and take note. Regarding the move away from hard edge to prettier.....the hard edge thing has always been driven by my hair. Having short hair in one's 20's to say 40's is not an easy thing unless you really own your look. One false move with what you are wearing and it's too gym-teacherish, or too nun-ish, or whatever other highly offensive descriptor you can come up with. I've heard them all. So making the hair part of of the whole look was the easiest way to acknowledge that I "got it" or understood that having short hair was rebellious of sorts. There is so much pressure to look "pretty" and feminine - it is a tough one when you aren't inherently that way. Anyways - I now feel that what I want to wear and how I want to look are in line with my age and experience. Perhaps I have the confidence now to not need to wear some costume to define me?

Anyways - rachy - totally get it with the costume jewellery. And your comment about novelty for novelty's sake getting thin??? Well - that totally relates to wardrobing too. Skulls, studs, hard edges, aggressive jewellery , black, black, black, - all can be seen as novelty for novelty's sake too. You nailed it.

You are the smartest group of women and I appreciate being connect with you all. Nodding to International Women's Day too.

Suz - yes, you are queen of thoughtful posts - and look where it's got you! Miss Perfect Wardrobe of the Frozen North . (is it as miserable there as it is here today? yikes!) Questionable grammar here, I know In all seriousness, you're right. Taking the time is worthwhile. Angie has been saying it, and others have said it too. I am worth the time spent

What a thoughtful and inspiring post! A smaller, more cohesive, and more beloved wardrobe is the direction I've been moving in for the last few years, and it's so rewarding. Definitely a process, though! I'm sure that you're going to enjoy the journey and the results. And I'm nodding along to looking current but not trendy - if something will look dated next season, it doesn't have the longevity to make it worth adding to my wardrobe. Looking forward to seeing your progress!

Just wanted to add that I hope you will post about your capsule building. I have so much overlap in my wardrobe (for better or worse) that I have not found the capsule approach to be particularly helpful to me. I'd love to hear about how you do it and how you use it. I keep thinking I didn't really understand how to build/make use of capsules.

Well, I logged in just to comment on your post. Wow, I am blown away by your analysis and comments. I feel like I could have written them myself, if only I were as able to express myself and my thoughts so well.

I really don't have anything to add other than encouragement. I loved reading this post. I love following along on your analysis and now your approach as you go forward. So please don't shy out on us now, we WANT to see posts like this from you!

I have always admired your style, I think it's much more put together, more thought out, more "oh, I just threw this on and look fab" (knowing that you probably had to work a little to achieve that look). But you still have variety and don't resort to a uniform like I do. I think there's some sort of balance between creativity and uniform dressing, I'm searching for it, so if you figure it out will you let me know?

I'm feeling a little like you, too, in the accepting my look, my day to day life, my clothing needs and not wanting more for the sake of more. Right now my closet is in a state of flux bc we have family living with us and just moved. I'm feeling really powerless over my wardrobe, partially bc half of it is in the spare room (where the family members are staying) and half in the master bedroom. But to be honest, it won't all fit in the master anyway so I'm back to - probably time to minimize and chuck the crap I'm not wearing but stupidly hang onto anyway. I, like you, want fewer pieces, but the RIGHT ones. Sometimes it's hard and we won't be perfect in every decision we make, but we CAN stay away from the impulse buys, the trendy crap that we wonder later "who the F bought that 'cuz it sure isn't my style."

Rambling now, but anyway, please keep the posts coming.

Shoot, I wrote a nice long reply to this yesteday, but apparently forgot to hit the "submit" button!

Coles notes version... this is very, very impressive, Lisa. Congratulations. I loved reading this, and can relate to lot of what you said. I don't really have wardrobe churn, as I'm the worlds worst purger... I just have wardrobe expansion. And sometimes I feel almost sick at the volume of "stuff". I love new things, have loved refining what I like, getting fussier, etc... but I just can't wear it all, and that fundamentally really bothers me. I need to get out of this cycle as well.

I also love the idea of 5 items, and am sort of doing that, but my version which is 5 per season. Of which I reckon there are between 4 and 6. Still a big step back from the past few years, and I DO think it will make me think more and react less. I need to be able to plan a few items, and also have room for an emotional piece, or something I didn't know I wanted/needed until I saw it (these pieces often end up being a favourite, rarely orphaned, and they tend to help move me forward).

Have also really enjoyed all the responses from the rest of the awesome fabbers.

Keep sharing Lisa! I love where you are going, and the self awareness and confidence that your post oozed.

Lisap your post was amaaaazing for me as it puts into words what I cannot seem to do myself.
I have been unhappy with my wardrobe, spent loads and still have very little I really love . I struggle so much each day with what to wear. Since reading your post I am going to think about a silhouette that I like to wear. I like fitted bottoms but only like looser tops over them. I have a large closet which is overfilled and I lose items ALL the time.
Thank you !

Yikes, Lisa, I see what you mean--that jacket is bright! I stared at it for some time, wondering what I would do if it were mine. FWIW, I would aim to knock it back a bit with summery, natural, textured accessories made of straw (hat, bag, sandals, etc.) or tan leather; white tank, white pants (probably cropped) plus gold and/or turquoise jewelry. It will probably never be a workhorse--it's too memorable for that--but it could become a favorite of the 'stunner' variety.

Re the turquoise Smyth jacket, I'll fire some ideas off. I have been watching Trinny and she wears bright and bright and it totally works but she works in fashion in London and is very extrovert!! (or comes across that way)

- grey marle or knit with jeans
- does dark peacock blue work with it? Or fuschia?
- chambray/denim
- column of black (not sure about this but it might be terrific)
- column of charcoal (I think this would be perfect)

A patterned silky blouse that had that colour and also black and white would be perfect too but maybe hard to find...

Your style direction sounds wonderful & I agree with everyone who says it isn't self-indulgent. I think it's thoughtful & necessary to take some time for introspection - otherwise we never really get to know ourselves

On the subject of your jacket I saw a woman the other day with a jacket in a similar colour, she had on inky-blue pants & cami, she looked fantastic. Hers was summer weight & I didn't love her black sandals but the colours looked amazing together.

Quickly popping in with support and cheers to you on this new leg of your style journey. I'm following along and eager to see how this all comes together.

Fabulous wardrobe and style planning!
I wish you good luck and fun!
I am not going minimal but I HAVE made editing a priority. I don't have scary tons of clothes but I too could not quite grasp what I have well enough to use it all appropriately and to see " possibilities " in things I already have, so missed out on wearing things in their season and on creating new outfits that are updates without so much emphasis on new items-- not as many.

YLF has been great, but it moves too fast for me and my style goals sometimes- or at least the format and the way I perceive it, does. So I have to remind myself to take it slower.

For the Smythe jacket, I would wear it with a white tshirt and dark wash jeans.

The thing about subdued colours is that you can wear the same thing all the time and nobody notices. That's a good thing if you want to "go minimal".

Case in point: I bought a bright purple sweater this winter and while I love it, I feel I can't wear it more than once every two/three weeks.

I think it's wonderful that you're posting again and it'll be fun to see some of your SPORTY looks!

Also, a workout capsule should be fun and easy to put together.