Prioritizing wardrobe purchases

I've only recently gotten interested in fashion again, after spending several years feeling and looking very frumpy. I'm taking better care of myself now, and looking better, and I realized that I could have fun and express myself with fashion even if I don't look like I did when I was 25 anymore.

I've been purchasing things over the past few months. I'm trying not to spend too much on individual items now, as I'm still losing weight, and will likely be 1-2 pants sizes smaller eventually. So I've tried to buy some versatile and inexpensive pieces. I've been learning a lot.

At this point, I think I need to focus on accessories. I can't buy everything at once, so I decided to start keeping a log of my outfits every day, making note of what seems "missing" or what would really make the outfit complete. I figure after a month of doing this, I'll be better able to prioritize how to spend my money. I know I need shoes, handbags, belts, and jewelry. I hope this will help me narrow down my wants and see what I need first.

I'm going to try to make sure I wear as many different items as I can this month, too.

How do you figure out what items are the highest priority?

12 years ago

chewyspaghetti

Veteran

For me, it's just that item that I am reaching for or missing often that I don't have. Or it's the item that I know will get a lot of use (strappy sandals, sleeveless dresses, etc)

lyn*

(website)

I usually prioritize which items are most important based on comfort - be that shoes, or a winter jacket - if my shoes are killing me at work, or if I'm freezing to death because I don't have a proper jacket - those are needs I try to fill ASAP.

The other "urgent' things I need are items that I need that are on a deadline - a grad dress, an outfit for a wedding or interview, etc.

In terms of things I wear every day, I try to find the most versatile pieces first - and depending on what you like to wear, the most versatile piece might be a swell pair of jeans, a statement necklace, a coloured blazer, or a jersey dress.

Are there any items you find yourself reaching for all the time that you wish you had? For me, it's things that aren't patterned, these days.

I hope that helps you narrow things down - ps: if you're a visual person, I use my iPad and the app StyleBook to keep track of what/when I wear things.

Anonymous

Hi Wendi, I can't remember if you were around in February but Angie wrote a great post on this:

http://youlookfab.com/2013/02/.....ping-list/

I'm not always great about following this advice, because truthfully, level I needs are sometimes not the most fun to shop for. I think I need to re-read the article myself, thanks for the idea!

Wendi1984

Active Member

Thanks! I should have realized Angie would have addressed this! There are a number of items I know I want; I just want to make sure I'm not missing some wardrobe holes that need filling first.

Things I know I want/need:
leopard flats
silver crochet Toms
nude or light tan low wedge sandals
nude or light tan handbag
Converse wedge sneakers (haven't decided which color will be most useful)
bracelet

Would be great to have for summer:
sheer or lightweight cotton button down or popover shirt
floral skirt
a couple more patterned knit tops or easy-care woven tops

I figure I should focus on accessories, as they will help me make good use of the clothes I already have, and I'll still be able to use them once I've lost weight and some of my current clothes won't fit.

That sounds like a really good strategy! Good luck with your hunting.

I love some red converse - if that helps you The black would be cute too!

ETA: If you're born in 84, we're the same age. Almost.

Beth Ann

Glad Suz directed you to Angie's earlier post. I'd encourage you to beginning taking pics of every outfit you wear --- you can learn a lot from posting WIW, but even looking at a week's worth of outfits on my computer was helpful. Yes, it was hard at first, but it was still really helpful. I try to remember that both the mirror and the camera have their own version of the truth and, when I utilize both, I'm getting "both sides of the story."

Also, keeping a Pinterest board or bookmarking outfits you like can help you zero in on your preferences.

Lantana

Supporting Beth Ann's suggestion. I cannot stress enough how illuminating it is to see oneself through the camera.
You're keeping a log, which is great, but a photo journal will reveal so much more.
Have fun!

Molly L-R

Second what Beth Ann said about keeping a Pinterest board. I find mine absolutely invaluable. Over the past year I've decided to replace my entire wardrobe (and that's no exaggeration!) so I've been in the same position as you. Obviously, I knew I couldn't do it all at once, so I started with the items that were most immediately necessary (summer tops for work), whilst at the same time buying some inexpensive and fun necklaces and earrings to keep me from getting too dispirited. One year on I feel that my wardrobe is 95% of the way to where I want it to be, so have faith!

There has been a lot of good advice in your replies so far so I just wanted to say that it sounds like you are starting things off in the right direction. It's a good idea to use interesting accessories for now to update your current clothes until you get your weight levelling off. Make the accessories interesting and bright, so that they make a statement. You will feel fab with just one small change to what might be an otherwise plain outfit then.

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