Wardrobe Planning 2015

shedev

Avettestingray's post started me thinking about my shopping plan for 2015. My wardrobe building phase is nearly complete and I'm ready to maintain. I shop smarter when I shop within boundries. My list includes most of my catagories.

my 12 items

1. grey BFs

2. track pants

3 and 4. tees

5.tall lace up boots

6. sandals, silver or pewter

7 and 8. sweaters

9. short trench

10. topper

11. LS non sweater

12.tank

I've also included 6 bonus items that would cover events like attending a wedding.

11 years ago

Shopping

15 replies

Latest reply was from DonnaF

carter

Veteran

Great list. How did you decide on 18 items? How does this number compare to previous years? Is it a defined percentage of your current wardrobe (ala Mo)? Are the listed items current wardrobe holes? Replacements for items that are worn out? What happens if you don't find all these items? Is it a fluid list or set in stone? Is there a dollar amount associated with the list/items? Sorry for the inquisition...trying to figure all this out for myself. Answer only what you may be comfortable with.

11 years ago

Suz

(website)

Veteran

This looks like a terrific list -- and I am repeating Carter's questions! Curious about how you arrived at this number and these items. Are they HEWIs? Or just things you've noticed would help you make better outfits/ or need upgrading?

11 years ago

deb

Veteran

OK, I am following closely because I cannot make these types of lists for a year. Mostly because I like to watch the styles and I want to see what comes out in stores as the year progresses. I might (a big might) be able to do quarters but even that seems iffy.

11 years ago

shedev

Veteran

These are great questions Carter. My numbers come from 1 item a month for structure. This will be my first time trying to shop from a list. There are a couple hewis, mainly the boots and jacket. The grey BFs would replace the grey cut skinnies I wore out. The rest is a sampling of my 10 catagories of clothing. I didn't include dresses, but I can choose one as part of my 6 bonus items. I chose these because I also need a little flexability. I am slowly decreasing the size of my wardrobe. I think 180 is close to my number but I didn't plan it that way. I didn't set a dollar amount, but I tend to buy a little high dollar, a little low dollar, and a lot of in between. Last year I had both dollar and item amounts, I ended up buying more stuff just because it fit the money amount. If I can stick to the items the money should take care of itself. The list isn't set in stone. I can very well decide that I don't want a short trench.

This is my first attempt at shopping from a list. I don't think that anything really happens if I stray from the list, I just want to give it a try. I did fall off my shopping plan for 2014, but would return to it. I did buy less than did in 2013, spent less, and bought better for my real life and my persona. Overall, I feel like my buying plan for 2014 was a success. I hope you found something useful in my ramblings.

11 years ago

rachylou

Veteran

You look like you're in a really well-defined place, shedev.

11 years ago

thimblelina

(website)

Veteran

Yes, a very helpful list... Nice to see how others tackle these things. I like the 6 open slots for some spontaneity.

11 years ago

carter

Veteran

Thanks, Shedev! Your thought process is very helpful. I love the idea of shopping with a plan for the year. For years and years I bought very few things. Then, in the past 12-16 months, I've bought a ton. No plan to any of it, and it shows. I like your idea of listed items and bonus items. I also like not having a defined budget. I'm pretty sure that I would continue buying things until I reached the limit as well. Lots of good stuff to think about!

11 years ago

Thistle

Veteran

I wish I could put together such a list! Instead, I feel like I am chasing my tail most of the season.

I really need a more defined and streamlined style definition.

11 years ago

Alassë

Veteran

I usually have item lists but add too many wildcards. In 2015 I'd like to adhere more closely to said list. Which is....

Plum tee (gear)

Gear shorts (upgrade)

Gear pants (upgrade)

Caramel tights

Tan mittens

Midweight coat (colour, mid-thigh length)
Sailor tee
Brick cowl sweater
Brown cowl sweater (cable)
Forest cowl sweater (cable)
Knit moto (brown)
Brown, 1.5", oval buckle belt
Gold dangle earrings
Tan sandals
Lace cap sleeve tee (colour)
2 wildcards (Sp/Su)
2 wildcards (Fa/W)

11 years ago

Anonymous

Oooh, I want to play!
1. Dark Wash Skinny Jeans 98% Cotton to replace ones that are old
2. Olive Slim Cargos 98% Cotton (en route, hope they fit)
3. Casual/Distressed Denim Shorts to replace pair that are too short
4. Olive Cargo Shorts (to replace pair that bit the dust)
5. Sleeveless, Knee Length eyelet dress, that I can wear a normal bra with
6. Chambray Shirt Dress
7. Olive or Dark Brown Maxi Dress (experimental item)
8. Solid Wrap Dress in a flattering color, 3/4 sleeves
9. Teal Sleeveless Blouse, can wear tucked or untucked, dressy casual
10. Interesting Solid Short Sleeve Blouse, same criteria as above, flattering color
11. Chiffon utility shirt, flattering color
12. Green Gingham Button-front shirt
Ooops, forgot about one:
13. Brown leather hobo purse
And then five wildcards.
I am concerned about the amount of dresses, considering I can't wear them to work...maybe I will dump the maxi dress?

11 years ago

gradfashionista

(website)

Veteran

You're motivating me to come up with a list of my own. Boyfriend jeans that retain their shape after one wear, and a structured midi pencil skirt are on that list. Also a white opaque silk blouse. I like the look of your list, but am curious about the what these new items will be joining. Why did you choose a 1 item a month structure?

11 years ago

jerica kane

Active Member

For 2015 I am I'm in search of:

1) Boyfriend Jeans
2) Puffer Coat
3) V Neck Sweater
4) V Neck Sweater Dress
5) Riding Boots to fit my calves
6) Boot Cut Jeans
7) Casual footwear
8) White /Cream Button Down
9) White (non clingy) Tee
10) Winter Leggings
11) Washable Dress Pants

11 years ago

Sal

Veteran

Mmm not there yet. I think my goal is to keep my purchasing at the current rate (about 15-20 items clothing/shoes/bags) plus the odd underwear or gear replacement.
I have the following big ticket item gaps
- Smart dressy winter coat (midweight, black or goes with black)
- new handbag
- new evening/party/cocktail dress
I want to focus on these gaps before I purchase too many new pieces. There are a few essentials I would like to replace (jeans and sweaters) and I always like the odd wildcard or two as well.

11 years ago

shedev

Veteran

Thistle- I hear ya. I think I'm only able to narrow it down now because of the insights of many fabbers that have helped me define my style.

Gradfashionista- It doesn't have to be 1 item a month, But if I don't try to pace myself, I'll buy all this stuff and then start shopping for more. I don't do really well with shopping bans.

11 years ago

DonnaF

Veteran

This and the budgeting thread make me think I should make a list and STICK TO IT. I spent a ridiculous amount last year, but now my wardrobe is in pretty good shape and I have a better sense of what I wear. A few items may go on sale this month and if so will be purchased this year.

1) Fluid fit gray pullover that can be worn alone or over a button shirt
2 - 4) Three button front shirts to layer under pullovers and wear on own, incl. 1 dark, 1 light, and 1 med. tone. THIS IS MY BIGGEST PRIORITY since it should enable me to get more wear out of my pullovers.
5 - 6) Silk utility shirts; 1 dark & 1 light (but unsure how they will play w/wardrobe so possibly none)
7) Casual dress for S/S; maybe a shirtdress (HEWI)
8) Linen shirt replacement
9) Charcoal (ponte?) pencil skirt
10) White/cream sleeveless moto vest
11) Light colored casual skirt replacement for S/S
12 - 18/24) Wild cards

I really want to wear the heck out of my wardrobe and wear things out. Famous last words, but if I buy the above, I want to move to one in, one out. I am still reassessing my footwear. I have less than my full allotment of 18 pairs due to storage space.

11 years ago

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