How do you plan for Fall/Winter in July? (and a wish) - YouLookFab Forum

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How do you plan for Fall/Winter in July? (and a wish)

Peri

Veteran

Okay, first let's just take a moment of stunned silence to realize the significance of me asking that question! Last year around NAS time I asked it in a truly puzzled way...like why would anyone think like that? This time I'm asking it in all seriousness. What a difference a year of YLF makes.

Last year it took me until February to feel like I had a clue with my cold weather closet. This summer it has taken me to now to feel less overwhelmed by summer dressing. The idea of being able to think ahead is akin to cats learning to dress themselves.

So...I can think of two things I remember from last Fall/Winter that I wished at the time were better. There is always room for a great sweater, but the most improvement worthy items are both coats. And the main one...an easy, comfy go with everything jacket for temps in the 40s-50s.

For years it has been a purple Land's End polar fleece zip up. I want to do better. I do have a beautiful mid-slate blue suede jacket but it doesn't get enough wear. Analyzing why, it is because it is: a) heavy b) fitted with no stretch c) high hip length like a moto so I feel it fights with a lot of tops d) my only bags are purple and red so the color doesn't feel coordinated with anything.

So...wish list jacket: Light weight, warm but not too warm, sleek but with stretch, not polar fleece, in a more intentional color.

Now...is this how the big girls do it??? Remember the hole, anaylze why it is a hole in the first place, then analyze what would fill it. WOW.

Is there a question in here?

1) How do you handle extreme pre-season planning and what kind of shopping do you specifically wait for real season to do?
2) Got any ideas for my new jacket?
3) Are you as floored as I am that I'm advancing out of fashion elementary school?

General

19 replies

Latest reply was from rachylou

deb

Veteran

I am not surprised at all because it has taken me awhile also. Besides, we made it out of kindergarten, didn't we??? I have not suggestions for your coat dilemma. I am looking for a below the knee length coat for the same temperatures.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Peri, WOW!!! Huge round of applause from me!!!!

And, may I respectfully add -- you are advancing FAST. It has honestly taken me THREE years on YLF to get to the point you are at right now. High five!

This is absolutely the way the "big girls" do it. And this is how you put PPP into action.

In answer to your questions -- and this is just my opinion, of course:

1. Extreme pre-season planning (like NAS shopping) is best for filling genuine holes like the one you have identified OR for upgrading/ replacing known workhorses, or (possibly) duplicating known workhorses -- especially if you can upgrade or replace with a higher end item at an excellent price point.

You, for example, might want to add to your knit collection, with this year's version of last year's most beloved tunic sweater.

It can also be a good time to try a wild card.

The NAS is actually pretty special because you are getting real discounts before the season, which means you can theoetically get an entire season's wear from the item, reducing CPW overall.

2. For your jacket, it sounds like a car-coat length would be a good choice for you. I would go with wool most likely or a mixed media. How about a peacoat style?

3. No I am not as floored as you. You're really smart and I knew it all the time!

Lisa

Veteran

Congrats on planning ahead. NAS is a great time to refill wardrobe holes and try out wildcard pieces.

Peri

Veteran

Deb, yay, we are advancing!

Lisa...I'm hoping!

Suz...thanks for the encouragement!! For the jacket I'm thinking closer to the Rag and Bone Parsley shows. A bit longer and I'm thinking how great a dark purple/orchid would be. If not that, charcoal grey to avoid black. But a wool peacoat would be too heavy on the warmth scale and the weight scale...I've had one in the past. Mixed media would be brilliant...like a light wool or something body and knit sleeves but a bit longer than a bomber or moto type. Or fake fur!

The only drawback to this analyzing is then not being able to find what I envision. So the general requirements are the ones to keep in mind, and then be open to what form that takes? I think that sounds right?

Susie

Veteran

I think that sounds exactly right!

Last year I wanted to add to my outerwear. It gets cold but not super cold where I live (we get a bit of snow but it doesn't last). I had in mind an oversized full length coat and I tried a bunch of those but didn't find one that worked well for me. (It had to feel comfortable as well as look ok.) I ended up with a long cashmere sweater coat with leather trim and a short faux fur jacket. Both felt like 'me' and were comfortable to wear.

Going into NAS this year, I knew that I wanted to find a pair of cognac or camel booties as well as a pair of black booties. The camel is a new color I want to try and I know that I wear black booties all winter long. I also know that I wear sweaters more than any other top during the winter. So I wanted to add a few new sweaters. But I didn't have a particular color in mind; I just know what colors I like and what will work with the bottoms that I have. That's about as particular as I get.

While browsing I also chose a knit top that is the same brand and a similar design to one I have and have enjoyed wearing so that felt like a safe bet. ANd then I found a blouse with colors that I love that should work with both pants and skirts and I decided to try it even though I didn't particularly "need" a blouse.

Oh and there is a cute faux fur (cream colored) jacket on sale!

carter

Veteran

Peri, you crack me up! I'm starting to think about Fall as well, even though it's not likely to feel like Fall here until November. I've pulled out and tried on everything from last year and chosen the keepers for this year based on the colors I selected. I've identified a couple needs...2-3 lightweight sweaters in my chosen colors, 2-3 sleeveless drapey tops to wear under blazers, and maybe some booties. The replacement/upgrade list is longer, but I can wear the items I have while I wait for the right things to come along.

This is the lightweight jacket I was going to recommend before I read your further comments. I have it in both black and red. Super comfy and light enough, even for me. On sale too!
http://www.jjill.com/jjillonli.....&sk=M

Ingunn

(website)

Veteran

I have no NAS near me, but I often start thinking about what I missed having last season when another shopping season is coming to an end, like now. I make lists of "need" (always very short), "needs replacing" and "want". Then I look for some of these pieces in the end of season sales, like booties, or a dress, jeans etc. Obviously coats and chunky knitwear is scarce in the summer sales. In addition I thrift a little, and I like adding a couple of trendy pieces, too, when the new stock hits the stores. I find that I'm done shopping within two months of a new season, and then I'll have a break, typically in May/June/ and November/December. It seems to me that you have been doing your homework too, Peri! Well done, you will be very pleased with yourself when you no longer have to face the "what to wear" conondrum all that often. I know I am!

Anonymous

Every year is still more clueless than I'd like to be when it comes to planning for colder weather. This year I have a few things that need replacing ( the easiest items to think about), and boots that fit my calves that have been on my list for a few years now.
One thing to keep in mind is what you might need for the holidays to look festive, even for casual gatherings. This includes Thanksgiving for me.
Then there's figuring out what will be needed to refresh what you have. I will be watching Angie's recommendations closely for clues, but more often I just wait until later in the fall to see what trends catch on, especially in my part of the country. Our fall doesn't really start until about November anyway.

MsLuna

Veteran

Peri! I don't have much to say regarding the jackets but I just want to tell you that you're doing so well and advancing fast! I'm one proud Fabber!

Sal

Veteran

I am a long way behind you in my planning! It sounds like you are approaching it in a fabulous way though. I think identifying the holes is a great start, and prioritizing this spending.

For me this fall/winter (I am Southern hemisphere) it was classic work trousers (grey or ink), a black volume shirt, flat black ankle boots to be worn with jeans and a casual parka/anorak. I purchased these with the boots being the most expensive by far!! I am wearing all these items regularly. I spend a lot of time on the sidelines watching sports practices and games and work from home so I do not need a lot of "work clothes".

My other purchases this fall/winter have been a little bit more impulse but probably have added the fun - two pairs of graphic trousers (one slouchy, one cropped cigarette pants), a stunning kimono jacket, and a coral net layering sweater. None of these items go with each other but they all liven up my jeans, tees, basic sweaters. I have a friend who is a fashion designer and when I visit her I often pick these fun, print items up at a reasonable price. She loves print so I need basics to mix and match with them.

So nine items in total, probably about average for me for fall/winter.

That is it aside from replacement lingerie, running shoes, layering tanks (2) and two scarves.

In an ideal world I would also have new high boots, a new handbag and a new dressy coat but these can wait. We are mid winter here and I can see that next winter it will be tall boots, jeans, a non-black sweater/merino, a new jacket/blazer for work, maybe the smart dressy coat and one or two fun impulse buys. Looks like it could be a more expensive year as tall boots, jeans and a dressy coat can all be pricey. I am open to finding these items now but I am also happy to wait until next year. I hope to get the handbag before the end of the year.

Sorry this has been quite long in the end!!

catgirl

Veteran

I wish I didn't have to answer as follows - I can wear much of my winter stuff in July. Today, it's 50 and rainy. Sigh. My problem is remembering I do not really need summer stuff!

Suz

(website)

Veteran

I think you may get lucky with some of the NAS selections, then -- several of the coats I liked best were too lightweight for my climate but could work beautifully in yours! Can't wait to see what you find.

Debbie

Veteran

I think you are doing great. The first NAS I was on the forum I over bought. The last couple of years I have done much better. This year I am looking for a light weight coat and I really want to try on the EF jacket and I should be good. It doesn't get cold here for a while.

DonnaF

Veteran

Top of my NAS list: Lingerie wash. It has received great reviews, but who wants to pay $18/bottle? During NAS it goes down to $10.90, so this year I'm trying all three varieties.

My leather jacket dates back to 1979, (Casual Corner anyone?) and the lining is held together with seam tape. Time to replace, but I want something I love and that fits.

My three pairs of black booties are less than 100% comfortable, so I have three on order and will ask in store about another pair sold out in my size online; hopefully they are available somewhere to send to me. When all is said and done, I think I am better off with 6.5 W than sizing up which throws the arch off.

In California, I only get cool weather instead of cold weather. No need for tall boots, heavy winter coat, or thick sweaters. Thus, the trick is not to overbuy for cold weather or for hot weather for that matter! Or buy for my fantasy life. Or buy something not my style even if others aspects like color and fit are ticked off.

Beth Ann

Veteran

You are moving forward at lightning speed, Peri!

I love the idea of a drapey, but not too voluminous coat in deepest purple, orchid, or perhaps sapphire, for you. Car coat length would be super versatile.

As for fall planning, I try t to set some goals and identify holes at this time of year, but, since my employment at the University is on an 8-month contract, I have to wait until the end of September, beginning of October to pull the trigger. NAS is excruciating for me! Still, I learn a lot from seeing what others choose and have a chance to see them in real action before I move into purchasing mode.

I hope your enjoying your new tunics and tube skirt!

shiny

Veteran

Not to rain on the NAS parade, but it's just okay. You are not missing out all that much if you do not participate. I've participated in the past, once I went in the store, private appointment with an SA -- and after hours and hours, I walked out with no purchases, as they did not have anything in my size to try on, but also because I didn't trust my own fashion judgment at the time, and the SA wasn't all that good. Probably because she already knew that there wasn't much of a petite selection.

I have better luck participating online -- ordering a bunch of stuff, with assumption I'll wind up returning 90%, which I do. Or just waiting to see what YLF members who are similarly shaped & petite & with my coloring find that works for them.

That said, I have like 10 items loaded up in my cart for consideration. I haven't hit the submit order button just yet.

My strategy: focus on big ticket items. Coats fall into that category. As do handbags. I have had the best NAS luck ordering handbags. Then next, focus on brands you already know work for you.

Otherwise, just surf and window-shop so you can get a feel for where the fashion trends are going. If you are on a budget, you can bet that the same styles will eventually be in the less expensive mainstream shops, eventually. Pay attention to colors and shapes.

I am seeing.... a lot of brown. A lot of neutral "blah" colors, or typical & expected jewel tones. A lot of fashions we've seen before. Honestly not much is jumping out and really grabbing me as new & fresh, except maybe some of the coats, but there's no petite version of these newer shape coats, so I'll just wait on that to see how it plays out on others first.

Also a lot of high-waisted jeans, but too high for me. Mid-rise is now what used to be high rise.

Not a lot of sweeping elegant wide leg jeans. I was hoping for that trend to have a foot hold.

Okay I am being too negative here. I guess the fashion trends just really aren't all that "me" -- I am reminded too much of the 90s, which is a decade I'd rather forget.

Laura

I love the idea of planning ahead! You are way more prepared then most of us and you are forward thinking, like people who work in the fashion industry. I'm very curious to see how others plan for the next season so far ahead as well

Gigi

Veteran

Yay, Peri!

I guess I kind of instinctively know *why* I have a particular wardrobe hole, but I hadn't thought of really analyzing all the reasons why that hole exists. Thank you.

As far as preseason planning and in-season planning, if I have a serious wardrobe hole, I will definitely be combing websites (I shop mostly online) months in advance of my need. For instance, I have a serious need for heavy winter sweaters, so as soon as winter stuff starts coming out, I am going to be looking for sweaters. I want to make sure that I get what I want this year, since I found hardly anything last year and wore basically the same four sweaters all winter.

For in-season shopping, I rely on that if I have only a minor need. For instance, maybe I have enough tops to get me through summer, but I really could use a few more for some variety, etc. In that case, I don't worry too much about it but might wait until stuff goes on sale—unless I see something that is just perfect, in which case I will pounce. But it's not a huge priority with me.

It sounds like your coat shopping is a big priority, so I would definitely be shopping for it as early as you can. I'm sorry, but I don't have any ideas for a coat. I haven't shopped for a coat in quite some time, and I'm simply terrible at it!

rachylou

Veteran

Lol. I've descended into complete seasonal confusion. I feel like summer is over and the hot weather hasn't even come yet.

One thing I know about myself - I will always need a puffer. I've been getting Bernardo sweater-weight, "walking puffers" at NAS for a couple of years now. I also feel it's not too early to know my mind for a holiday outfit purchase. Basics, tho, have to wait a little bit until I unpack my fall/winter clothes and do the look-over for condition.

I also know from packing things up - I need new heeled knee boots.