One of the strategies that helps me edit my closet is to take an item that I never seem to wear and just wear it. Sounds simple, right?
Inspired by Angie’s black skirt ensemble post last week, I pulled out a black jersey skirt I got from Athleta probably 8-10 years ago. It seems perfectly serviceable and it fits but I never reach for it anymore. I wore it for a few hours with a sleeveless top and sandals for an errand, and when I got home I promptly changed clothes and put the skirt in my giveaway bag.
It fits fine, it’s comfortable, the color is neutral (black, easy!), it’s reasonably flattering. So what’s the issue? I just feel blah in it. It feels too basic. The cut combined with the fabrication just seems to lack any personality — and in a flat black it’s even more utilitarian feeling.
I think since I have embraced other bottoms in the form of pants that are a bit more interesting, I need to translate that to skirts as well. My printed skirts mostly fit that bill, but this particular black one does not. And in the summer, I find that each piece in an outfit needs to do a little more heavy lifting stylewise to make me happy because I am wearing fewer pieces in an outfit.
All my other skirts except for two are prints. I find myself wanting to try a solid color but neutral skirt this summer. Of the two I own, one is black, lined and a bit formal and tailored — not the right vibe for casual summer wear. The other is a great style — an olive cargo skirt — but too snug at the moment. I’m thinking of seeing if my tailor can somehow alter it to fit my current size. It’s a really cool piece but I want to be able to wear it now, not just if I lose five pounds!
If not, I’d be looking for a solid color, neutral, casual midi skirt in a style that speaks to me. Right now most things are boho, tiered, etc. Or they are long denim skirts, which I’m not opposed to, but denim can be warm and some of those skirts on me would make me look like I escaped from the compound.
After looking at my closet, I think I can make some “neutral solid skirt” combinations with this piece below, even though it’s not a skirt — it’s sort of a loose flowy wrap trouser. It’s good with certain tops, but it’s not super versatile because the tie waist fights with a lot of the tops I like to wear.
Such is the level of analysis I ended up doing! It took a few minutes of looking and thinking but ended up giving me more clarity around what I need to consider in my wardrobe.
Long saga, I know, but I thought it might be helpful if anyone else has those nagging feelings like an item is not quite right but can’t identify the problem. A bit of thinking it through makes me less likely to keep chasing the same kind of solution!
