I’m leaving Berlin, after nearly 5 years. I moved here Aug 1 2018, after 8 years in a 2 season (always-hot vs mild) climate. I’ve enjoyed wearing some of my older clothes from when I used to live in a 4-season climate, and have shored up my wardrobe with newer pieces. Now I’m moving out of my apartment, heading back to old familiar territory west of the Atlantic. This post is a review and planning ahead.

These are the numbers for what I’ve purchased. I don’t have a lot to say about them; I got some cool weather stuff when I arrived, there was a pandemic, and life goes on. It is also evident that I shop in categories. This isn’t by design; it’s just how things work out.

2018 (starting in June) 17
Toppers (including pullovers)4
Dresses/jumpsuits 1
Footwear 3
Pants 5
Lounge 2
Jackets 1
Tops 1
Undies
Skirts
Gym/swim

2019 13
Toppers (including pullovers) 3
Dresses/jumpsuits 5
Footwear
Pants 1
Lounge
Jackets
Tops 2
Undies 1
Skirts 1
Gym/swim

2020 5
Toppers (including pullovers)
Dresses/jumpsuits
Footwear 1
Pants
Lounge
Jackets
Tops
Undies 4
Skirts
Gym/swim

2021 35
Toppers (including pullovers) 1
Dresses/jumpsuits
Footwear 8
Pants 3
Lounge
Jackets 3
Tops 7
Undies 7
Skirts
Gym/swim 6

2022 14
Toppers (including pullovers)
Dresses/jumpsuits 1
Footwear
Pants 4
Lounge
Jackets
Tops 7
Undies
Skirts
Gym/swim 2

Most of these items have worked out. What haven’t are the fashion sneakers that lack support and the navy pumps which aren’t worn. I’m hanging onto both, because they may be useful in my next chapter. I’m less certain about the ditzy floral blazer. This would certainly be the place to wear it, but I never do. I loved the blackberry cardi, but it seems to have vanished. As I pack, I’ll keep an eye out for things that are damaged or unwearable, but as is my wont, I expect I’ll take most things with me. They are old friends and comforting.

I’m sad to be leaving Berlin. I may return in a year, or maybe not. I don’t know. For the next couple months, I’ll be close to the location I visited in September, walking or biking to work. The navy pumps might be just the thing there. Every week, I’ll drive a few hours to my parents house in their car-dependent suburb, where I’ll spend a day or two. The sneaks might be fine there. After April or May, idk where I’ll be.

I have recently realized that springtime in Berlin is chilly. The seasons here are S/F and W/S. I had planned to gird myself for that this time around, but now realize it won’t be necessary, as the seasons there are S/S and F/W, which is how my wardrobe shakes out.

I haven’t decided how to pack yet. I expect I’ll do one suitcase of S/S and one of F/W, and then … ? I could do a suitcase of jackets & coats, one of more formal attire, one with sports stuff, and so forth. Alternatively, I could try to predict what I’ll need and put a capsule of that more formal office attire in with my Spring stuff, separate out workout suits from the ones for beach or play, and so on.

A wildcard that could get its own suitcase is that I think I’ll be on the south shore of the Mediterranean for a month or two. Again, pack that capsule now, or pull it from a general collection of warm weather clothes? I can see advantages to both, but because that will probably be before warm weather where I’ll be living, I think I’ll do a capsule now. (Idk yet exactly when I’ll be there, but will pay attention to historic weather patterns as I decide).

I’m mulling over Berlin bucket lists for myself and for when my son arrives just before Christmas, am also considering sartorial versions. There are boutiques and secondhand shops I’ve been meaning to get to, online shops I’ve come to rely on. He has recently discovered COS, which doesn’t exist anywhere near where I will be, so we may make a trip there together (he wants the cashmere joggers!)

So there’s my news and my look ahead. Comments and suggests would be much appreciated. Just don’t tell me to trash it all & buy new over there