Midsummer closet review (June and July SYC and counting wears)

Assuming that the items in my closet all got plenty of wears before editing out, and curious about the idea of (at least) 30 wears equating with maximizing a garment’s usefulness, I embarked on a project of SYC and ‘counting wears’ in order to test my assumptions. Here is my midsummer report!

There were a few cool days in early June, but from the summer solstice (June 20) onwards, it has been high summer in southern Ontario. I am definitely team shorts - 51 shorts outfits in June and July, compared to 10 dress/skirts combinations. White RL jean cutoffs have been worn 24 times in 2 months, and look as pristine as the day I, well, cut them down to shorts! A little more than half my tops are in rotation - lighter weight t-shirts, sleeveless tops, and button downs. A dark floral T from 2018, that was identified as a 2019 summer workhorse, has been a part of 10 outfits. 3 lightweight Boden T’s have seen 18 wears all together. A new Halogen mesh top - 7 wears.

I’m not in ‘no buy’ mode, but activity restrictions imposed by Covid related precautions has resulted in limited acquisitions as I navigate online shopping that meets SIMPAT style goals. In the past 2 months I’ve bought: light olive wide leg crops (Mother) an olive mini backpack (Rebecca Minkoff) a red Nootka T (Wild Coast) a cotton floral print hoodie (Old Navy), thrifted jean cut-offs, and beige shorts (which I tailored for a better fit.)

A mini closet cul resulted in 7 items being set aside - due to wear and tear issues, and red items that have lost their vibrancy after frequent wear, washing, and sun exposure.

I got a HUGE pick-me-up in July, when I was able to get a hair cut and aesthetics appointment for lashes and brows after almost 6 months without these services! The province entered ‘stage 2’ re-opening in late June, and just recently transitioned to ‘stage 3’.

Going forward, I suspect August and much of September will resemble the past two months, and the shorts I have in rotation will all clock over 30 wears before I pack them away for the season, While enjoying the heck out of summer, my (fashion) thoughts are turning towards the annual October closet review and F/W updates.

#1 new acquisitions in June and July
#2 typical outfit (walking to Sportsplex for a swim!)

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4 years ago

Jenn

(website)

Veteran

I love when new purchases look like they form their own mini-capsule.

I always see the 30 wears as less about that number maximizing a garment's usefulness and more about not purchasing items you see yourself wearing less than that! Personally, though, I didn't really know the difference until I started counting.

Your wardrobe is beautifully curated, and I'm glad to see you're making the most of it. Your shorts are serving you well!

Runcarla

@Jenn - Yes! I am only half way through this counting of wears experiment, but have learned quite a bit! Using a number like ‘30’ has a variety of applications. I’m using it primarily to assess how garments hold up (to wear and washing) and cost per wear. Some items are holding up much better than others, and now I’m getting data on brands and fabric content that go the distance.

I haven’t thought to apply it at point of purchase, but that is an idea I should apply to tops. I have 3 x more tops than bottoms! If I rotate all my bottoms evenly (which I don’t) they would each see 30 wears per year. If I rotated all my tops evenly (which I don’t) they would see about 15 wears per year, or 30 wears over 2 years. Counting wears reveals true wardrobe workhorses and identifies styles, colours, patterns that bear repeating.

nemosmom

Your posts are such an inspiration, Carla! You are proof that ya don't need special occasions to dress for in order to look amazing - I learn so much from your process and counting wears. Everything you have added has been so thoughtfully done, and I love how you stick to your palette (and find those pieces that just 'magically' work).

What are you eyeing for the coming F/W?

notsaf

I want to hear more about your Mother bottoms: it's not a brand I've worn before, but I've heard good things! Love your mini backpack, too. And ditto NM re: what you're thinking about for fall!

@notsaf - I actually did a post about the Mother jeans

https://youlookfab.com/welookf.....-this-mean

Fit-wise, they are very good, though they ‘grew’ a little with body warmth. I moved the buttons (it’s a button fly) and they snugged up for a comfortable fit.

@nemosmom (and notsaf) - early days on F/W but here are my thoughts: trends (that interest me) - strong shoulders, trench coat, belted jackets, retro (1940’s and Victoriana), waistcoats, velvet,brocade. Colours - lilac/mauve, olive, golden mustard yellow, camel. Things I need - restock winter gloves (multiple pairs), another pair of combat boots (coloured?), cloth (wool, cashmere?) dress coat

I am trying to figure how this will fit into an ongoing or post pandemic activity cycle. If travel and social activities are relegated to grocery shopping and dental appointments, I’ll be dressing for stay-at-home punctuated by urban walks. Combat boots and warm accessories for out-of-doors and 21st century hobbit for stay-at home?

Jenni NZ

Ha! 21st century hobbit, that’s awesome. You’re not short and dumpy enough for a hobbit though maybe, that’s me!
I will have something more sensible to say but just had to appreciate that fun idea

Angie

Fashion Stylist

You are Queen SIMPAT.

Look at that great little capsule! And you are rocking that hat

slim cat

Great collection and very thoughtful process- I’m learning too ! I love your outfit- especially fab hat!
I did copy your way of wearing one piece of outfit for the next day with different companions/pieces and so on - thank you for the idea!
If Coronavirus will shut us down again in the fall - only shoes/boots will be on my wish list.

rachylou

Wow! 51 shorts outfits is saying something! And 24 the white cut-offs! It makes wonder if it’s white shorts or *those* white shorts.

kkards

Runclara, you are an inspiration ...i love how you embraced retirement and refined your style, and now you have done the same thing with “the current situation”....

21st century hobbit!???!! Love it! I could see velvet and brocade being fun additions for you!

Cardiff girl

21st century hobbit shall be my new style goal!Informative read as always.

Jaime

Totally understand the boost from the hair/brow appointment. You have honed your style to perfection.

Now for something more sensible than my previous comment.
I started counting 4 years ago for a different reason to you- your wardrobe was much more tightly curated than mine. It has certainly curbed my purchasing, and I have done much better on buying only what I hoped would get 30 wears. Since I have done that I have edited out a few of those tops that I had either worn out with washing that many times or in 3 cases tired of the tops. I felt proud that I had worn them at least 30 times or more when editing them out- it is said that this does decrease their carbon footprint. It is hard to be sure of course if that is really true, so I am even happier when I love something so much it gets way more wears than that, like at least 3 pairs of my favourite winter pants, around the 70-80 mark and still going strong. At least if they later end up in landfill or as rags they really had good use.

Sal

I love your style Carla and really enjoy your forum posts - I hope one day we might get to meet........

I definitely think combat boots would be brilliant for you and maybe a stylish winter coat that you can throw on over at home clothes and feel wonderful on city walks.

I don't count my wears - I do track my ins and outs and numbers. I do know that getting to 30 is harder than you might think for many pieces....and it takes me often two seasons (except for bags and gear and the biggest workhorses). So anything that wears out in less than two years often hasn't got there....which is telling.

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