Reflections on a summer with minimal wardrobe acquisision

We are just edging into Autumn here in Australia and I thought it timely to reflect here on my summer.

Without going through all the history (check our my forum posts if you want it!)
I was trying to get through summer without purchasing much. I bought 2 dresses, one black, drapy and stretch and one a 50's style coral fit and flare.I also bought some shoes, but that was a winter purchase brought forward because I wanted some comfy flats when I started work. And apart from a packet of pantyhose from the supermarket, that was it!

And you know what? It was fine!! I did feel a little conspicuous wearing the coral dress nearly every second week to church because the colour garnered it a lot of attention! But otherwise, I had enough clothes from previous years to get by.
I haven't bought anything else new and I am okay with that.

That said, I suppose I did acquire some new items. I started work, and was given some handed down tops. That combined with the challenge of wearing work wear after 6 years, and fitting in with a dress code, meant that I got to wear some more formal clothes that hadn't been worn either much, or much recently. Perhaps this was enough challenge in the dressing department (and work has chilly AC, so I didn't have to dress for high summer the whole time)

I have identified some summer wardrobe holes; my sandals need replacing, I want a more up to date dress for really hot days ( both my new ones were too hot above a certain point), I love the idea of some plastic shoes to wear to the pool and beach and one floaty woven top more would be nice. But that is it! I plan to wait to buy next summer, as I have been beguiled by end of summer sales before and then not liked the items when I bring them out for the next season.

Though no longer adhering in theory to a 12 in 12 plan, I have in fact kept to it, and am now looking forward to updating my winter wardrobe!!

Any questions or comments welcome.

12 years ago

Suz

(website)

Veteran

It sounds as if you feel good about the way the summer went, Anne. I am glad! Your coral dress was such a perfect purchase that it probably made up for about six poorer choices! And having to dress for work has changed the game a little bit for sure.

Karie

Sounds like you have a great handle on your wardrobe! Good for you for not being taken in by the end of season sales. This will give you more time to be sure of what you want for next year. What will you be buying for fall?

anne

Karie - I abandoned trying for a 12-in 12 because I have always been on the minimalistic side and realized that after 5 years on YLF some of the basics I bought in my first years needed replacing. So to that end I am after; a white and a black layering long sleeve layering tee, a white and a black turtleneck sweater and a black cardigan.
I need a suitable belt to wear with jeans.

Then there are a few things where if I find the right one I will upgrade: a denim skirt with no front zipper; a wool coat, just maybe a denim jacket.

And lastly trendy items - a cosy trendy sweater, reasonably long, perhaps a peplum skirt, maybe some printed or waxed jeans instead of the jeggings I had earlier planned for.

I am tempted to get some more shoes, but I don't know!! I don't really need them and have such foot issues. I haven't yet tried out booties or oxfords.

With all these, I am trying to purchase from brands that are more ethical, when possible.

Tina

I admire your contentment with your wardrobe. I hear you about buying something post season and not loving it by the time next season rolls around. Thanks for sharing.

Caro in Oz

Interesting what you say about the coral dress Anne. I guess that's why people who have small wardrobes go for neutral colours.

I've just taken a bag of summer stuff to the op shop. I really have been wearing the same four or fives outfits all summer.

carolbee

Well done Anne, sounds like you it down to an art form.

rae

Thank you for this! It is inspiring and encouraging to hear that this CAN be done.

Good to hear - I hope to wear much of last year's FL acquisitions for this summer in the mountains. The point about a shift in what type of clothing you were wearing (in your case work clothes) rings true, too. I imagine I might have to add an active casual/gear type outfit or two.

Lisa

Sounds like your summer clothes worked well. I am starting to see the beggings of summer items in the stores, but our season is only about 3 months and I work in the a/c, so I really don't need much for hot weather items. I plan to keep a very small summer clothing capsule this year (5 short sleeve tops, 2 shorts, 2 pairs of sandals) and see how well it works out. I find I usually layer with lighter weight long sleeve items and long trousers or jeans instead of shorts, skirts and tank tops. We shall see how it works.

Isabel

It is always amazing to be what we can get "by with". We tend to think that we need so much more than we actually do. The Summer is my shortest season, but all those colors and "happy " "floaty" garments really tempt me. Thank you for showing that it can be done.

Greek Goddess

Active Member

Interesting, I rarely wear dresses but bought a coral coloured flowered dress last year and I got so many compliments when I wore it. It was also very cool in the summer heat.

This year my summer wardrobe has been increased as I will be dealing with clients out and about in the sunshine this summer , which I haven't done before. Our summer heat lasts from mid April until the end of October so its my longest season. I have added more colour and more cool shirts this year and at last I have found comfortable wedge sandals to wear.

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