Skip a season to jump on the next?

Have you ever decided to wait out a whole season in order to “catch up” style-wise and feel you are on cycle for seasonal refreshers? I suppose I’m only talking about yet another version of SYC or focusing on a dominant season, so not really anything remarkable. But I’m thinking summer is one of the best times to do so, for me. And, not being totally absolute —if something really appealed to me.

Partly, it's having some new fun items related to DD's wedding—because that included my MOB purchases and some, ahem, sideline items that just fell my way while searching. And that these have worked out pretty well, so that I’m still using them into early summer or year-round for now. Maybe more than that, I’m a bit uncertain as to which other items I should aim for next. I have this image of certain trousers and tops and shoes to modernize my work-wear, involving fabrics, fits, and details, but I can’t quite SEE them on-line or in stores, and most are not really in the summer-y category.

As to not-for-work-wear, sure, I still need more focus and updating, but I finally have several outfits I really love and am about to have not enough times to wear the variations that are possible. I loved one of Angie’s several blog posts on shopping strategy where she noted it’s possible to buy items faster than we can wear them. That can happen to me in these other capsules.

Summer seems ideal for me to take a breather, because at work I don’t wear as much “summery” items (white pants or skirts, sandals, dresses) as some others do in their workplaces, and I’m cold in the AC, so I use more season-less items.

My season-jumping feeling arises because now I’m looking forward to shopping in and ahead of the season so I can wear items right away. And in doing so I’m realizing that fall strategy-time will be here before we know it. Kind of needing to back up when I start doing my planning, and I may need more lead time than some people to figure out what’s coming up next! Not just budget-related, but more time to think, plan and window-shop for what I need.

I've enjoyed reading about different types of fashion "hiatuses" and stock-taking that people have tried, as well as shopping and styling strategies, so I wondered if there are updates on how taking these breaks can help one get more out of the season or year after.

11 years ago

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Well, you certainly have more money to spend if you wait out a season!

Looking back, I really only bought a very few items last autumn -- a couple of tops for my appearances capsule, a pair of booties, a waxed cotton moto, a bag, my cheap fuchsia jacket, a pair of pants, and the portobello skirt. Anything else I got was free.

Although, adding it up, that's actually quite a lot! Hmmm.

Well, I then proceeded to buy even more for the winter.

So I guess I'm completely unqualified to answer this! But I think, if you have what you need to wear for the season, it is a great idea to hold back from any further purchases!

Caro in Oz

I felt uninspired by summer clothes & my lack of style direction so I sat it out - apart from a pair of sandals, a bag & replacement tees & underwear. It was helpful for me mentally because I didn't feel as though I was throwing (more) money away & it forced me to focus on what I wanted to wear for winter. My winter wardrobe is looking much better after all the attention I've given it.

It's funny but on my shopping trips for winter clothes I've picked up a cotton jacket & some tank tops for very little money. They feel like a great start to my summer wardrobe for next season.

unfrumped

Suz--what I need--it may depend, but I don't feel as needy--so that helps taking time to think.

caro--uninspired--is a bit like where I am for summer purchases--I could get more hepped up for summer but most of the inspirations are for fun/casual--

so not as needy + not as inspired = resting

But, I think I'm overall inspired-- I already have plans for occasions/outfits in the next several weeks, using items I have. And I feel inspired to be more savvy and strategic over the whole year. It's different from having the blahs.

rachylou

I think that's a great idea. Summer seems like the perfect time to do it, as well. It requires the least amount of clothing and is the most relaxed of the seasons. I mean, I personally have five sundresses, which is four more than I need.

sarah

Gosh, I think it's perfectly ok to take a breather, slow down, enjoy what you have and be thoughtful about fall.

Boy, this is hard for me to articulate. As you may know, I have been living between Mt. snow/ FL beach every other year or so for over a decade now. I get seasonally confused sometimes.
I have found waiting for the next season to work well, as I will have the money on hand for what I need right then. And I have also bought a shearling lined leather jacket (through Rae) in late September in FL, knowing I would wear it later that winter in Tahoe.
I would err on the side of your dominant season/dressing capsule needs if in doubt.

Sveta

I think this is what I should do - take a break for the season...or two so I can wear the heck out of my existing clothes and not feeling guilty...
I think summer is the perfect time to take a break especially if it is not your dominant season.

Carole

I could skip shopping for summer, also! Our summer season is so short and really a well rounded spring wardrobe doesn't need much more to make it work for summer too. Makes so much more sense to save up and use wardrobe dollars for our fabulous quality pieces for our dominant season. I'm in!

Joy

Our summers seem to go on forever some years, but I'm learning that if I can get by with what I have until July 4th, the summer stuff goes on sale and is usually plentiful just when my wardrobe needs refreshing. Usually the hot weather ends in October, so still lots of time to enjoy July sale items if needed. I guess that's skipping half a season and probably doesn't make much sense now that I think about it.

Molly L-R

Active Member

I'll probably end up doing this too, unfrumped. The only things I really need for this summer are a pair of wedge heeled sandals, one more sundress and perhaps a summer weight bag for work. Other than that, I should really save for the coming autumn winter as I need a new winter coat and some smart winter boots. Also, if tweed and tartan come back in as has been predicted, I'd like to be able to indulge my desires to my heart's content!

shedev

I skipped spring because I wasn't inspired. I bought one mesh sweater. Other than that I picked up some tanks and jeans.

Thanks for sharing your approaches! I'm not thinking it has to be all or none--not like a shopping or looking ban. It's more that I'm beginning to see a strategy emerge for wardrobe updating and closet reviewing, and for me it might be starting to gel into quarterly or semi-annual bursts that have some theme, rather than grazing all year.

Not sure, though--as my "need" list gets more polished, and I get more PPP, it will start to make sense to keep an eye out all year for certain items that aren't specifically a trend or seasonal. So even the strategy is something that I guess evolves and changes, too.

I'm a grazer but I shop out of season if I see something that is very me. I planned to get lighter denim for summer but also just bought a pair of chocolate brown boots that I plan to wear in the fall. They have the same color hardware as a choc leather and I may not find that come fall. This is a great topic, thanks for posting.

Anonymous

I grab the good stuff when I can get it, especially if the price is right. Who cares if I have to put it away until that season comes around again?

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