Suz, I've found my ink blue VC midi skirt to be a really useful neutral this summer. I'd say go for that color for starters.

Gorgeous coat, Mochi! And I'm about to take a look at Yoox. Nancy, I'm definitely going for the ink blue but I am also wondering about another colour. I am pretty confident I will love the style. I wore these tube-like midi skirts many years ago with great joy. I love the stretch, the comfort, combined with the modesty, yet the hint of sexiness.

Great thread! I know I am late but I have thoroughly enjoyed this thread and am very excited to see where you go with this Suz. My suggestion is to comb the consignment stores in your area and wherever else you go. I also am very drawn to interesting items and/or avant garde shapes and/or pricey brands and I satisfy myself by doing this or eventually breaking down and buying on ebay.

My other suggestion is focus on shoes, bags and jackets for your splurges (even if they aren't financial splurges). I am in camp shoes transform everything, but a great bag and amazing jacket is way up there too!

This thread is riveting! Thank you, Suz, for asking these questions! The collective wisdom, insight, and advice is SO awesome!

Your journey really resonates with me, and I'll stay closely tuned to this thread and closely watch your 'progress' (Hope that doesn't sound stalkerish!) I'm gleaning what I can . . .

I'm finding I really agree with what Vix had to say about avant garde maybe not necessarily being the real goal. I LOVED your Banff outfit you put together with the booties, jeans, black(!) jacket, etc No avant garde pieces, but one strongly chic outfit.

You just asked, "What is it about ONE jeans and jacket outfit that feels perfect while another one does not? This is the question I need to answer for myself." Once again, you've articulated it beautifully

Anyway, carry on! I'll be watching and learning! and cheering you on

P.S. What part of last year's coat purchases do you consider a 'mistake'? I thought you looked totally fab in them! You might just want to add in another more architecural coat this year to round out the choices . . . ?

Suz, your post also resonates with me. After thinking about my closet with Angie's editing and review tips, I've decided that I need to up my game and spend more for a few really wonderful pieces. After weight loss and replacing everything with thrift store stuff, it's time to edit. San has been so wonderfully kind to send me some gorgeous quality pieces from her closet. Wearing them has made me realize how much different I feel in better clothing.
What has worked well in the past for me is to build a few columns of color with fitted basics to which I can add an interesting or arty jacket or other third piece and now would also be aware of footwear and bag, and maybe scarf or jewelry.
You have fabulous style that always inspires me, especially as we are nearly body twins. I have trouble getting the scale right is difficult with those architectural pieces but love them. I'll be following your journey with great interest.

I just saw this and I am so glad I did. There is so much useful information here. Thank you for bring up this issue. Pinerest has helped me narrow things Down a bit.

How are you feeling about all of this now?

I like what Vix said, because sometimes I feel with our style journeys we're a bit like Dorothy wanting to run away and then learning that everything she needed was in her own back yard. On the other hand, perhaps you really do need to leave your current look behind - have you thought about what's the cause of your dissatisfaction? I think the emotional part of all of this is just as important as the style part. (Why yes, I have been catching up on old episodes of "What Not to Wear.") Shopping for an imaginary life, shopping for an imaginary personality, stuffing our closets with junk clothes ... sometimes it's not just about the shopping part.

Instead of trying to change your entire wardrobe, how about coming up with one outfit in this new look you'd like to try. Put your energy into finding one outfit, and then wear it. Maybe you'll have an transcendental moment and you'll never be able to go back to jeans and a button-down. Or maybe you'll think, "Um, what was I thinking?" I think paying attention to the details and recreating an outfit is also a good way to learn what makes the style you're coveting work.

I do understand the desire to take stock. I'm going through that as well, and I know it's not easy. It really is a journey!

I'm so glad if my personal style musings have resonated with others. Thank you, again, for all your input and thoughts. I am taking it all in stock.

Tara, you're right - I absolutely don't want to throw out the entire contents of my closet! I'm very happy with many items in there. Many work well as items, in outfits, and in capsules, as per Angie's suggestions. And even if I want to start moving in another direction, it doesn't mean I want to leave my current style preferences behind. On the contrary! I want to take them with me somehow...if I can. My dilemma is how to meld or marry these varying personas. I know I'm not all one and not all the other. And yet they seem almost opposed.

But I think you're right. Maybe assembling even ONE outfit of the type I am admiring (or simply trying it on in a store, for that matter!) would give me needed information.

More and more I am wondering if it is not just a kind of minimalism that deeply appeals. Weird, because my house decor is not minimalist. And I suspect my wardrobe will never be TRULY minimalist, either. I am too attracted to humour, whimsy, and well...colour...for that. Hmmm. Off to ponder some more. And to "pin."

Okay. Putting this thread to sleep to allow room for more!

Please don't feel the need to respond, as you've put this thread to bed, but I wanted to throw out *asymmetry* and see if that would satisfy the *arty* category at all. I'll never forget what you said in one of your early threads here about not wanting to look like the stereotypical arty writer in jangling silver bracelets and paisley shawls--that cracked me up! There are so many different ways to do arty that are non-black and not too voluminous or fussy.

MNSara hit the nail on the head talking about your dressy Banff outfit. It was not really arty but strongly chic. *Sharply chic" looks really well on you, when there is no hint of daintiness or twee. I also love that you added "novel" to your rubric. Love the play on words, it's perfect for you.

If it makes you feel any better, the change of seasons is enough to make me want to rip my hair out. I feel a stirring in my closet....in my style....and I'll read someone's post, or a book, and want to go throw out half of my closet. Then the next day I'll read something completely different and want to keep all that stuff, but throw out the *other* half of my closet. I'm SO confused. And sometimes that make me happy are not good for me or my style. *le sigh* Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts. We all benefit from them. Now. Onwards and upwards!