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Summer Wardrobe

Anonymous

I thought I knew exactly what I needed to update/refresh my Spring/Summer wardrobe. But as I have been cleaning/folding/putting away my Winter Stuff and pulling out the Summer stuff, I realized I have no plan whatsoever.

Sure, I can always say I need a new pair of black slacks for work, but do I really? Don't I already own black slacks in every single iteration under the sun already? And if I continue to mindlessly buy black slacks, how will I ever introduce new colors into my wardrobe. I have been wanting to add some midnight, but that hasn't happened yet.

I've decided not to make any buying decisions until I have had the opportunity to start to wear my Spring/Summer wardrobe and evaluate what works/what doesn't work and why. Especially the "why" of this equation.

Shopping

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Anonymous

Same here. Usually at this point in March, I'd be picking up the odd thing with little plan in mind . Spring buys are my biggest mistakes , year after year. I too have decided not to buy a single thing until I have everything out of storage and given the cold eye of assessment. I'm going to wear things first, then decide if they are keepers or not. I'm actually suspecting I can get through Spring without spending a cent on clothes. Footwear is a different story, and for that I actually DO have a plan and an identified need. Good luck with your plan!

El Cee

Veteran

I think this is a very smart plan, Sterling. Sometimes it is far easier to truly evaluate wardrobe needs/holes as you are putting seasonal clothing into play (rather than beforehand). And, since you are starting this process now, there should still be plenty of time to make seasonal purchases before stock becomes too low in the stores. I plan on doing the same. I did make a few new purchases at the end of last Summer, so I figure I have enough to start… and plan to fill gaps as I see the need to do so.

Peri

Veteran

I feel the same way about Spring...clueless! Our Springs usually seem really short but this year appears to be starting early. I'm just hoping that means a longer Spring and not an also early Summer.

Tops are an always for me, so if I can find some I like, I might buy. Especially if they are on the lightweight side. Otherwise I feel it's really Summer I'm needing to study and spend for.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

You don't have a pair of black cropped pants!

Vix

Veteran

Hi Sterling --

As someone who was pretty recently in the "have no plan" for SP/SU refresh camp, I'll be the semi-contrary one.

Now I'm typing this in between building my ark, so it seems a little stupid to have been in "uh oh" mode about Future Me wearing something other than dark boots, raincoats, and heavy wool.

BUT if you frequently send things back/can't find what you're looking for in stores, plus haven't

tried on your spring-appropriate stuff as you'd wear it
gotten at all excited about anything you've seen on the style horizon and thought about how it could integrate with what you own

...then I might at least do some try-ons and pre-planning.

Obviously you can do as you please!

I just find that I make excuses for myself because I hate even trying on clothes out of season, let alone buying them (and potentially returning them!). The temps are wrong, the light's wrong, blah blah. But when I wait, I tend to make more impulsive purchases that don't tend to work as well as I'd like.

Now, most of my closet falls into the "classic pieces that I wear year-round" category (and really, can one ever have too many pairs of black pants, ha?).

But I've had too many instances where I go to create weather-appropriate looks for a new season and stuff and just looks/feels off before I even leave the house. Maybe it's a fit issue, maybe a silhouette one, maybe I realize "OMG I've been wearing this for 5 years and I'm actually sick of it."

So. That's my cautionary tale. Ignore if desired.

Anonymous

Angie - is absolutely correct. I do not own a cropped pair of black slacks. I am taking her advice and looking for a pair. Because this is a new to me trend, I am searching places like Gap and Express.

Thanks for a wonderfully written and insightful post, Vix. I will certainly consider what you posted.

Staysfit

Veteran

Clearly I'm a buy and plan ahead type person. I am finding that when I do this I make good use of what I have and purchase less. It has been easier to do now that I have so much less in my closet. I am focusing on the items I know are in shortest supply, blouses and dresses. I am also updating my jeans silhouettes by purchasing some crops and flares, and a few pares of shoes to replace those that are worn out.

I find that if I wait, my size is gone, or I cannot find items in the color or style I was hoping for. It saves money, but I end up going without. This is especially true of swimsuits, shoes, dresses, and jeans. Maybe they carry fewer items in my size range or something?!

Aida

Veteran

If you need to have a more solid plan in place and also need to evaluate what you have, most likely you'll need to do the framework of that plan at the END of the season for the following year; by the time you wear your items and figure out what you really need most of the good stuff will be gone. Serious holes will likely present themselves earlier. Not to sound discouraging but to help with future planning! This will work best for essentials and less-flingy trends. I'd suggest leaving an open category for a few trendy items to be decided on the start of the new season.

Anonymous

I need to do some evaluation too Sterling. I'm not sure I could be as forward thinking as per Aida's idea, but that is a good plan for me to consider this year. However, back to the present and I think I could do with a bit of a plan and as our weather finally is Spring-like, now is definitely a good time. I look forward to hearing about your findings Sterling. Good luck.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Sterling, reread this post (Aida is dead right):

http://youlookfab.com/2015/11/.....e-renewal/

Anonymous

Angie -- I realized last night why I was struggling with a plan for Spring/Summer.

Since arriving at YLF, I have fully embraced the capsule concept. Capsules have made all the difference in my life in terms of having a wardrobe that meets my needs (yes, even for climate).

But I want to advance to the next step. Rather than buying pieces willy nilly (or on sale, at the end of the season), I want to experiment with buying complete, fleshed out capsules at the start of each season like you do with some of your clients (e.g., Karen).

In the past I hinted to myself that this was my new style goal, but I am having trouble implementing it. It all seems so easy when I read your blog. But I seem to be paralyzed with indecision. And yes, I am now actively searching for a pair of cropped pants.

Kate Stretch Cotton Cropped Pants

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Kate Stretch Cotton Cropped Pants

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texstyle

(website)

Veteran

I like the idea of the black cropped pants. Maybe you can do the same thing with at least two top styles you love - and get S/S versions. Example, if you love a F/W tunic in a particular color, can you find a S/S version of something very similar?

texstyle

(website)

Veteran

Sterling, I don't know if you wear sleeveless or not but for whatever reason I thought of you when I saw this top so I thought I'd share.

https://www.whitehouseblackmar.....43?color=1

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Sterling, you need to get out there and shop with an open mind and try on lots of looks. Experiment. Shop online or shop brick and mortar stores. You aren't committed to anything, which is great. But you do need to help the process along by starting somewhere, if you know what I mean.

Anonymous

I do, Angie. Thank you.