I Get It Now...(navel gazing ahead)

I finally am understanding what Jenn and others have been talking about with wardrobe essentials and then only adding a few pieces around them each season. I don't know why it took me this long, but I am finally having an "Aha" moment.
Maybe part of that is that I finally have something to dress for every day. For the past several years I was wearing uniforms to work, and in the very casual college environment. I was a stay home mom for many years. My weight has never been stable, so as soon as I almost got my wardrobe essentials in order, my weight would begin to shift again and I would have to start over.
I am finally seeing which items are essentials for me, figuring out which basics I need to stock up on, and holding onto a set of things in case my weight shifts again since that is my pattern.
I've been working on defining which items are essentials, and then coming up with a list of things that are missing or need replacing, as well as a few new items that I want to try for fall/winter.
It really makes so much more sense now, so thank you to everyone here that has shared their process and insights (and pictures).
I feel like for the first time in a long time I am getting my wardrobe in order and will be able to build on it going forward, and it's a good feeling!

2 years ago

Anonymous

Yay! It definitely will make things easier!

rachylou

Veteran

That’s a great way to describe it.

It occurs to me that this is based on an old-fashioned wardrobe concept, but expanded for style and more precise in terms of numbers. The old fashioned way was a good suit, some basic skirts, a few dresses, some blouses, a sweater, good shoes, matching handbag, and a good coat. You’d add something special with a scarf and jewellery. Maybe a smart hat. Very small and hardworking. I think in the old days tho, five items would have been a lot to add in one year. I’m thinking about my 100-yr-old closet where originally it maybe had five hooks for a married couple.

Jaime

(website)

Yes to this! It takes a long time for some pennies to drop for me too. I am still really working on separating the wheat from the chaff. And still haven't gotten around to updating my metaphors .

CarolS

Well put! I'm going to try to join you on that path of more deliberate wardrobe action -- although I am sure my emotional shopping side will give me a run for my money.

Stagiaire Fash

Rachylou, I’ve lived in one of those houses with a very shallow “clothes press” for a closet. It was a Sears house, so from less than a century ago. I think you’re correct about the number of items bought per year, whether “essentials” or not. I’m not sure it maps onto the whole essentials + statements thing though.

Zaeobi

I think also, beyond just the 'purpose' of dressing, having something to dress for also helps to start pinpointing our personal style. In other words, it's difficult to create a collection of wardrobe essentials when you haven't yet had enough opportunities to experiment enough to know what's essential to you in the first place (because everyone's essentials are different).

Re: Rachylou's point, those folk probably had all the time in the world to navel gaze & decide on what sort of image they wish to project to the world, so it's no wonder they didn't need many clothing items (plus fast fashion didn't exist back then). They also weren't surrounded by casually 'dressed' college kids all day (I use the term 'dressed' loosely, since I've seen everything from literal bedsheets to duvets being worn by uni students, lol).

Anyways, my point is don't be so hard on yourself - it takes time to refine these things! I also work on a university campus, so I know how hard it is to resist the temptation to just wear a giant hoodie & call it a day lol.

Sloper

You know, I think, just from looking at your photos that you've shared, that you already have a really good sense of what colors and shapes you like and can rely on. I'm glad you had your "aha" moment and can build on what you have done so well with already.

Sally

I'm really enjoying your analysis of this. I am only starting to get it too. Like you my weight has gone up and down which makes it hard to have a basic wardrobe. I am working on being flexible with my essentials to take this into account as well as keeping a small wardrobe.

Such a good point -- you have to know your lifestyle (work requirements, leisure, etc) to know what is essential. I'm writing that down.

chewyspaghetti

Sally- I think what I'm realizing is that my essentials are items that I continue to wear throughout my weight shifts (such as a pair of ponte knit pants for winter, and a denim jacket). I may have it in a different size, style, or color, but my wardrobe doesn't function well without it. It really helped me to realize that.
Carol- yes, your lifestyle is important

Shevia- it's nice that this isn't a timed test

The Cat

Getting your wardrobe in order is indeed a good feeling.

Just a tip: Angie's annual posts on "wardrobe essentials" will likely be helpful to you in this process. Here is the link to the 2021 post on this subject, where you will find Angie's clear explanations of what wardrobe essentials really are: https://youlookfab.com/2021/01.....-for-2021/

Yes I get your drift. Are you documenting your essentials and your add ons? I am starting to so I can get a picture of what my wardrobe looks like and where the gaps are.

Sal

Nice revelation! J think we all have different paths and weight fluctuations can make it harder to ascertain what we really want. As can lifestyle changes.

Whilst some things change over the years - there are some constants and keeping them in the closet makes everything work. I had a year without a cardigan - so many spring days I felt off because I needed that layer to work from home. Without it I had lots of days where I just couldn’t decide what to wear. Same with a tan handbag…

Sally- I am keeping notes. This is also the first time that I have used a seasonal capsule in my closet (and I am starting to have to switch in pieces from fall/winter, as it feels cooler in the mornings/evenings now). That was also something that led to a lot of discoveries. I'm using an app called 'acloset' that helps me track and plan outfits, etc. I like having that to refer to, and it's fun to use.
For instance, I have a long, gray, button up cardigan that I have worn to death. It's time to retire it, but I haven't been able to for several years now. I finally realized that it's because I don't have a replacement that I don't want to let it go- it's an essential winter piece for me, even though the color is no longer great with my wardrobe. So I ordered a similar style sweater in olive green to replace it. If it works, I can finally let the gray one go.
In the past, I rarely wore cardigans, unless it was the long gray one as part of my outfit. Last year, I realized they were essential for my workwear capsule. The temps at work vary wildly throughout the day, and I need something that I can take off and put on as needed and throw over the back of my chair. I bought a couple last year, but I am beefing up my cardigan collection this year while they are available. I just picked up a long open rust colored one at Target, and may duplicate in a couple other colors.

Star

I am also finally getting it, and also inspired by YLF and Jenn in particular. I have been tracking wears since 1 Jan this year and yes, some I knew of but other interesting info has been gleaned as well. I am going to continue with the tracking next year and see if the essentials remain constant. I have a large number of clothes and don't purge much. I have stuck to my No Buying of Clothing for 2021 and am hoping in time I will have a small working wardrobe. I plan to only replace essentials in the foreseeable future.

Angie

Fashion Stylist

Identifying you wardrobe essentials is VERY helpful, Khris. You have been doing that intuitively, I bet. Now you can fine tune

Thank you, The Cat. I DO write about it EVERY year!

Yes Angie- I have been doing it intuitively. It will help to just have a list, though. I do love checkingboxes off!

Category