Wardrobe planning - the shopping list

Astrid

I've tried to include all the points mentioned in the other thread, thanks again to all people who had a look - you were very helpful!

+ Lighter colors (white, midtones, pastels)
+ More variation (print, pattern, shine, textural interest)
-> florals, paisley, lace, metallics....

+ Skirts
-> one or more skirts that also work with tights
-> one summer skirt (a full white one?)

+ Dress(es)
-> one or more dresses that also work with tights
-> one summer dress

+ Footwear
-> Comfortable fab sandals
-> Oxfords

+ Pants
-> non-denim summer shorts
-> non-denim pants (cotton twill/slouchy pants in a bright/light color)

+ Tops
-> some more options (button front, blouse, tee?)

+ Jackets
-> Something to wear over jeans (non-denim jacket/blazer)

+ Bags
-> Canvas bag in a light/bright color

Next fall:

+ Booties
+ Wool coat
+ Winter coat

What do you think? Is it complete? I'm going to print this out in the end and refer back to it.

13 years ago

Shopping

18 replies

Latest reply was from Astrid

texstyle

(website)

Veteran

Astrid, this looks good. I would consider a knit blazer for your jacket (cotton blend/washable) if you want something trans-seasonal that goes well with jeans. I use them all the time as it's often pretty warm here even in fall/winter where it only freezes a few times. They are light enough where I can layer a coat over too.

I also have two linen blend cotton "blazers" (not very constructed due to light weight) that I wear in summer with shorts over sleeveless tanks and tops. I got them at the juniors dept of Nordstroms online last year - one white, one navy. I really enjoy having some coverage even in the heat of summer - esp. when I go indoors. Light weight button downs are great for this too - and I wear them all summer with rolled up sleeves and left untucked or semi-tucked with my BF longer denim shorts and sandals.

13 years ago

harmonica

Veteran

I think this is an excellent list! and I see these supplements as very good for your style and existing wardrobe. This is about 10+ items (at minimum), not counting for fall pieces. Do you this that is manageable within your budget or do you think of this list as something you'd like to aim for within some more time, like two years or so?

13 years ago

Astrid

Veteran

Thanks Texstyle! I'm not sure about a knit blazer, I had one and I always felt strange in. But maybe it was because the fabric wasn't substantial enough. I don't really need to cover up indoors in summer, because there isn't an A/C in most buildings. We don't have A/C at work and the only place at Uni we do have it is the main library. I agree about the lightweight button downs, I've been wearing my patterned purple on with rolled sleeves all through last summer.

Thanks Harmonica! I agree, this excercise has been very helpful and I love that I have the list to work with. I might be able to get most of it this year, but it depends on how much the particular items will be. Maybe I will need to restrict myself to one skirt and one dress for now. And it would be great if that dress would work for my two dressy events. Of course I can't buy it all at once, so I need to think about the best items to start with. I'm thinking long pants, jacket, sandals and shorts first. The long pants and jacket can be worn if it's colder still and the sandals and shorts will be hard to find, so I think I might start looking for those at once. Of course I won't hesitate if I find one of the other items.

13 years ago

Isabel

Veteran

Wow, you are really putting in the work. And what a great job you are doing. I want to share this blog with you : http://www.puttingmetogether.com

She is doing a great series in starting from scratch. Though that is not what you or I have been doing, she has some great tips and observations.

13 years ago

Anonymous

Astrid, I did read your other post but had no time to reply, DS is playing Star Wars on the computer a lot at the mo!
This looks like a pretty good list, you've thought it through well.I like the inclusion of a white skirt for summer that will be a workhorse and youve thought about your basic tops too.I see you have taken on board Angies suggestion to add lighter colours and I know you will do this with your love of pattern and texture.
I really need to follow your example and do this for myself. Well done and I hope you find what you need.

13 years ago

cheryl

Veteran

This looks like a really well thought out complete list. Happy shopping!

13 years ago

Astrid

Veteran

Thanks Isabel! Brenda linked my this blog in the other thread too, I'm going to have a look at it. Seems like it could be helpful.

Thanks Diane! Yes, I think going lighter is really a good idea. My wardrobe is already a lot lighter than it was years ago, but there's still room for some more change.

Thanks Cheryl!

13 years ago

Diana

Veteran

This looks like a great list, Astrid! I really like the idea of going lighter by picking up a couple of white or light grey pieces. I could see you in a white skirt like mine (it's from Benetton, last year, so I don't know if they'd still have similar).

I think a lightweight blazer would be great for you too... a knit one as Texstyle suggests would be really versatile. I prefer them lined so they still have a little structure. You don't have Gap in germany, right? Otherwise I would suggest you check out the Academy blazer. Or a riding style jacket maybe?

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13 years ago

Astrid

Veteran

Thanks Diana! I do have a look at Benetton from time to time, maybe they will get something similar in. I think I've seen the one you have when it was available. You look great in it! No Gap, unfortunately. They do ship to Germany with very cheap shipping now (from gap.eu), but you have to order with credit card which I don't have.

13 years ago

Caro in Oz

Veteran

Great list Astrid. I always leave room (aka money) for the unexpected item too. It may not be something you need but it is something that makes you happy when you wear it:)

13 years ago

Astrid

Veteran

Caro, that's a good idea.

13 years ago

unfrumped

Veteran

Good list! Agree with "unexpected". I'm trying to combine the list with being open to unexpected while increasing my definition of what is allowable "unexpected" vs. undisciplined buying or a closet orphan. My best approach so far is that the surprise item(s) should be something that sort of opens my fashion mind and possibilities.

13 years ago

Astrid

Veteran

Unfrumped, that's a very wise approach! I wouldn't want to spend money on an unexpected item that would not work with my clothes. But keeping an open mind is important too.

13 years ago

Tina.b

Veteran

What a thoughtful and comprehensive list. I'm excited to see you in some light colours and feminine prints. They will look fabulous on you and very much compliment your aesthetic!

13 years ago

Anonymous

This working list is a wonderful exercise for all of us going forward. It looks like you plan to add more variety and pieces to add choices to your outfits. You will need to watch for proportion and fabrics that will work together.

13 years ago

Sarah A

Veteran

You have done such a great job analyzing what you have and formulating a concrete shopping plan. I think you will really enjoy your purchases because of the consideration for versitility and direction. The white skirt sounds particularly fun for spring and summer!

13 years ago

bj1111

Veteran

i think the lighter colors will go a long way to spring-ifying your wardrobe regardless of the individual pieces. if you choose wisely, the shelf life would be extended by the ability to winterize. e.g., light gray pieces with creams or light blues in summer, then darker tones like blacks or navies in the winter.

love the concision of this list.

13 years ago

Astrid

Veteran

Thanks Tina! I'm looking forward to see where this takes me.

Thanks Joy. And you're right about keeping an eye on fabrics and proprtions. I do want some change, but it should definitely work with my existing things.

Thanks Sarah! I feel good about having a plan.

Thanks bj1111. I love your idea of color combinations. Most of my items do double or triple duty and aren't restricted to just one season, so that's an important point.

13 years ago

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