Early this year I boldly announced that I intended to go on SYB and a 12 in 12 program. I very soon realized that 12 in 12 would be unbearable, there are still too many holes in my wardrobe, and I love editing and shopping too much for that. However, I have managed to stay on budget, and my savings for the big China trip next year are accumulating according to plan.
I also made a 333 Winter wardrobe that I intended to wear for Jan-Feb-March. It turned out to be quite versatile, and I mostly wore pieces only from this capsule during winter, with a few exceptions. No need to be "nazi" about this - I do have more than 30 pieces of clothing, after all. The advantage of this was that everything was very easily available, and it was quite easy to mix and match. Some of the pieces saw very little wear, while others are real workhorses.
Tops:
I love the idea of turtle necks, but rarely wear them. I have two (the black is not included here, I only wear it every once in a blue moon), and there is no need to add more. On the other hand, I've grown very attached to my white button down, and it is in constant rotation. Now I've ordered a duplicate. I also tend to favor blue shirts, and the denim shirt has been a very nice addition to my capsule. I couldn't make up my mind about the more preppy chambray version, so now I've ordered that, too. My ruffled top only got one wear, and is on the brink of getting culled. The silk blouses are dearly loved, but showing wear. I should replace at least one of them. My striped tees and the Breton are real workhorses. Black and navy wool cardigan/sweaters are workhorses, too, and so is the cream sweater. The coral cardigan is too S/S for Winter wear, and didn't get out much.
Bottoms:
I also made a 333 Winter wardrobe that I intended to wear for Jan-Feb-March. It turned out to be quite versatile, and I mostly wore pieces only from this capsule during winter, with a few exceptions. No need to be "nazi" about this - I do have more than 30 pieces of clothing, after all. The advantage of this was that everything was very easily available, and it was quite easy to mix and match. Some of the pieces saw very little wear, while others are real workhorses.
Tops:
I love the idea of turtle necks, but rarely wear them. I have two (the black is not included here, I only wear it every once in a blue moon), and there is no need to add more. On the other hand, I've grown very attached to my white button down, and it is in constant rotation. Now I've ordered a duplicate. I also tend to favor blue shirts, and the denim shirt has been a very nice addition to my capsule. I couldn't make up my mind about the more preppy chambray version, so now I've ordered that, too. My ruffled top only got one wear, and is on the brink of getting culled. The silk blouses are dearly loved, but showing wear. I should replace at least one of them. My striped tees and the Breton are real workhorses. Black and navy wool cardigan/sweaters are workhorses, too, and so is the cream sweater. The coral cardigan is too S/S for Winter wear, and didn't get out much.
Bottoms:
The plaid skirt and black pencil are workhorses, while the purple one has great color, but is too shiny/crinkles a lot/on the tight side. Now donated to DD. The grey slouchy trousers were a wonderful addition, and jeans and black pants are of course in heavy rotation. The red skinnies haven't got much wear so far, I somehow feel very self-conscious in them. They will get a new chance in the Spring capsule.
Dresses:
The black wrap dress is a true wardrobe warrior. The red dress is also a wonderful star, while the grey is a lovely FFBO. My patterned wrap is showing wear and has bagged out considerably, so it really needs a replacement next season (it's from 2006, I think, so I don't think that is too bad).
Jackets and outerwear:
Both blazers are workhorses, and the red coat and navy puffer too. All of these will be with me next F/W. The black blazer is an all season jacket for me, and worth every penny.
What did I miss not having?
I want a patterned blouse of some kind, too, but didn't find any this season. It will be a top priority next Fall. I also need tops in other colors than white/cream, blue and black. Next year I'll add to my merino/cashmere collection, hopefully a red sweater and maybe a grey. I will be looking for a red skirt, too. Other than that, I think I was set. Fewer colors makes it easier to mix and match.
Now it's officially Spring, and I have spent some time this morning editing my closet. My 333 Spring wardrobe is now ready. Here's how I pulled it together:
#1: A collection of workhorses and essentials for all seasons
#2: Seasonally appropriate additions. A total of 30-35 pieces. You can see the individual pieces in the Evernote sheet.
I think there are a couple of holes, but I realize that my S/S wardrobe is in much better shape than my F/W wardrobe. One of the things I've learned from YLF is that one should always shop for one's dominant season. I tend to favor S/S, because that is my favorite season. I will be adding a couple of t-shirts, preferably the slouchy kind with print. I am also interested in a full skirt - maybe in red or yellow. I have plenty of shirts and pants, and enough dresses, too. I have all the shoes I need, but I could use a lighter bag.
If you are still reading, thank you for your patience. The short version of this is that I find that I really don't need much more than 35-50 items, shoes and accessories included, to have a fully functional wardrobe each season. Since quite a few of these pieces are good for all seasons, my total wardrobe should be around 100-120 pieces, excluding sleepwear, gear and underwear. This insight should help me make better choices in the future.
Dresses:
The black wrap dress is a true wardrobe warrior. The red dress is also a wonderful star, while the grey is a lovely FFBO. My patterned wrap is showing wear and has bagged out considerably, so it really needs a replacement next season (it's from 2006, I think, so I don't think that is too bad).
Jackets and outerwear:
Both blazers are workhorses, and the red coat and navy puffer too. All of these will be with me next F/W. The black blazer is an all season jacket for me, and worth every penny.
What did I miss not having?
I want a patterned blouse of some kind, too, but didn't find any this season. It will be a top priority next Fall. I also need tops in other colors than white/cream, blue and black. Next year I'll add to my merino/cashmere collection, hopefully a red sweater and maybe a grey. I will be looking for a red skirt, too. Other than that, I think I was set. Fewer colors makes it easier to mix and match.
Now it's officially Spring, and I have spent some time this morning editing my closet. My 333 Spring wardrobe is now ready. Here's how I pulled it together:
#1: A collection of workhorses and essentials for all seasons
#2: Seasonally appropriate additions. A total of 30-35 pieces. You can see the individual pieces in the Evernote sheet.
I think there are a couple of holes, but I realize that my S/S wardrobe is in much better shape than my F/W wardrobe. One of the things I've learned from YLF is that one should always shop for one's dominant season. I tend to favor S/S, because that is my favorite season. I will be adding a couple of t-shirts, preferably the slouchy kind with print. I am also interested in a full skirt - maybe in red or yellow. I have plenty of shirts and pants, and enough dresses, too. I have all the shoes I need, but I could use a lighter bag.
If you are still reading, thank you for your patience. The short version of this is that I find that I really don't need much more than 35-50 items, shoes and accessories included, to have a fully functional wardrobe each season. Since quite a few of these pieces are good for all seasons, my total wardrobe should be around 100-120 pieces, excluding sleepwear, gear and underwear. This insight should help me make better choices in the future.
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