Numbers and extras? - YouLookFab Forum

I read Deborah's post today with a lot of interest!
One thing I have been thinking about, around numbers. I have recently moved to a warmer climate, where it is unlikely I will ever wear my woollen jumpers, or indeed need more than 1-2 coats at the max (I used to wear coats each day to work, and often kept them on all day inside, so I have at least 10). I haven't really worn a coat so far this season, though locals tell me there might be a week or two when I need one.
So I am wondering what to do with my cold weather wardrobe? I don't have a shortage of closet space at all, and everything for the cooler weather is neatly away in the spare room, so I don't get distracted each day!
I do travel a bit for work, and will probably spend time (a week or two) each winter in the cooler climates. Fabbers, is it better to ditch some of my much loved cool weather clothes, or is there harm in hanging onto them? Or somewhere in the middle - keep for a year or two while they are still fairly current, and re-assess after that?

10 years ago

Elizabeth P

Veteran

I was reading this, I was thinking exactly what you said in your last sentence. If you have room, why purge quickly? The advantage of being quick would be if you want to consign them and have to do it while they are still current.

I think I'd want to go through a year... who knows, maybe those cozy sweaters will still see wear to sit outside on a cool evening...

Suz

(website)

If you have room, I would keep them in a holding zone. Meanwhile, this season, keep track of those you actually wear, and how much. Check them off on a little list. Then consider why you didn't choose the ones you did not choose, and why. At that point, you will probably be able to let a few go without pangs. It takes a while to make sense of the exigencies of a new climate.

Anonymous

I would keep your favorites in a holding zone. Years ago we moved from four seasons to Southern California, a land of endless spring/fall. The first year we smiled at the locals bundled up in what seemed clothing that was too warm for the temperatures. They said that in time our "blood would thin out" and we would feel the cold. They were right. We also needed warm clothing for winter travel.

Maneera

I agree with Suz....that's great advice. This happens with my sister, who moved from cold winters to a land with endless fall/spring. She did hold on to her favourite winter clothes for travel, especially when she visits me and my parents. They also come in handy for international travels. Also, after 3 years in her new home, she now does need occasional light-weight jumpers in dec and jan. As for the coats, you'd probably need no more than 2-3 for occasional wear and traveling, so it might be best to sell them or gift them to those who can really use them. But only after you've assessed the weather carefully.

God only knows what weather will be like in next few years with global warming playing such havoc with temperatures. Weather around the globe is going through some changes....better to hang on to them for this season and assess.

I kept the absolute best pieces and donated all the rest. I felt there were people that needed them more than I did.

abc

What Suz said. I live in a temperate climate but get sent back to Freezing-ville every winter, it seems. If you have the chance of that happening, you'll be glad if you hang on to at least some of your winter weather items. I got a little crazy and purged all scarves, gloves, and hats and regretted it later when sent to MN in the dead of winter.

Lucy

Thanks ladies, as always lots of good advice here. And I certainly had not thought about acclimatizing to the new warmth - though I should have - already my son wears a jumper to school when it gets below 24 degrees celsius, something he would never have done before!
Sounds like holding on to some - and especially the favourites - is wise. And I like the idea of thinking about it all for a year, thank you Elizabeth P. Already I have noticed that what I thought I would need was not always right! Scarves are a good example. I have quite a good collection of favourites, and I thought I would not wear them much. But they are the one thing I have worn this "winter"! A scarf on top of a light cotton long sleeve top is just the thing for a sunny winter's day here

Deborah

If you don't need a lot of winter stuff, I might consider simply keeping the really fab pieces and moving on the others things. That way you have some great clothing for traveling to cooler climates and those odd days when you do experience cool temps.

Category