And I am going to be STRICT about it. No buying things that aren't on The List UNLESS:

1. I find something that serves the same purpose as an item on the list and I decide I like it better,
2. I'm replacing something I already have that needs to be replaced, or
3. Something I purchase works well and I know it will be used enough that it warrants duplication.

And no adding to the list unless I identify a genuine wardrobe hole I can't see right now.

This list is for the rest of 2022 and into 2023 (maybe for the whole year, depending on how long it takes to find the right versions of these items); after that, I'll do an in-depth wardrobe assessment and see where I want to go from there.

I'm going for things that will be highly versatile, but not 'basic' or boring, so I will aim to be picky. If it's not perfect, I don't need it. What I have now is workable, but I want to increase my items' versatility by investing in good wardrobe essentials and a couple more fun pieces that suit my evolving style.

Now without further ado, here's The List:

• Brown Chelsea boots
• Corduroy bootcut or flared pants (probably in brown; I'd like a pair of dark brown pants and corduroy would be a great material)
• 1-2 crossbody bags (one per season; aim for utility and versatility)
• Silver chain for the Navajo pendant I bought for my birthday
• 1-2 fun colored sweaters (aiming for cobalt, turquoise, bright orange, yellow, or burgundy, but I'm open to other possibilities, as well as patterns with multiple colors I enjoy wearing)
• One neutral sweater (not black or grey; have those covered - thinking dark brown or white because I'm trying to build on those neutrals)
• One more sweater vest in a solid color (neutral or color is fine, I just want one that isn't houndstooth since the two I already have are)
• Professional backpack/satchel/laptop bag
• Black and brown belts
• Black and brown oxfords or other dressy shoes
• One more pair of athletic leggings
• 2-3 athletic tops (current ones are too big, but I'm able to knot them for structure and that helps)
• One new swimsuit - shorts and top combo (current one becoming too big; have an athletic one, but I want a comfy lounge one, too)
• 1-2 natural fiber blouses
• Silver pendant - monogram or something that represents me
• A pretty brooch - hoping to thrift one!
• White sneakers - must be absurdly comfy
• Pair of sandals - something that looks nicer than my Sketchers, for smart casual wear in hot weather
• 2-3 button down shirts; short and long sleeves
• 1-2 natural fiber blazers
• 2-3 more tank tops (planning ahead for the summer; not high priority)
• Dressy winter coat (I have nothing that fits the bill right now)
• Those red booties if they work out - as a treat

Some of these are definitely higher priority than others (for instance, I NEED those button-down shirts, while I WANT colorful sweaters because I've been craving more color).

I do have the luxury of taking the time with professional wardrobe purchases because both classes I'm teaching next semester will meet once per week on the same day, so I just need 15 professional outfits for the entire semester and could honestly get away with fewer because I seriously doubt students who see me once per week will judge me if I repeat an outfit. Outfit planning session is imminent...

But because I'm going to need professional wear more and more as I continue to teach throughout grad school, and because I'm aiming for more of a smart casual day to day look, I want to go ahead and start filling some of the gaps I know my current wardrobe has.

I'm also going to treat myself to some new hangers right after we move on Wednesday--I found some lovely turquoise velvet ones that made me smile, and they're an inexpensive way to make the physical space where my clothes live happier.

Thanks for reading! This post is mostly for accountability, so I greatly appreciate it.