Wrapping up my summer work wardrobe challenge

I wrote up a loooooong post about my personal wardrobe challenge here

In a nutshell, it was a way to make sure I didn't wear things just because I felt I should, (ie wearing the orphans) but to make sure everything I wore really deserved a place in my wardrobe. I have far too many summer clothes, this was a way to help me see what I really loved, and what was just taking up space. Everything that made the cut either needed to be able to be worn in three different ways/outfits, or was liked enough to be worn the same way, three times. Or a combination of the above. Oh, and this was work clothes only.

Summer ended for us pretty much about as quickly as it started. Someone turned down the thermostat about 10 degrees on the evening of Sept 19, and that was it. Bye bye toes, hello sleeves. We had "hot summer" from June 21 to Sept 19.

So, in looking at what I wore in that timeframe, the thing that I found the most interesting was this: If you'd told me I had to do a 333, or pick 30 items to last three months, or whatever, I'd have tried, and failed. Or rebelled. But by doing it this way, slowly building capsules of things I enjoyed wearing, I only wore 32 different items! (this did NOT include scarves or accessories). Many things got worn only once (this was okay, as they COULD have been worn three times, with different items, they just weren't), so I didn't feel constrained in the slightest. But I felt great about wearing my true favs multiple times.

As soon as I get some time to put away my summer clothes, I think this will really help me pick some things to move on. I've already passed on a half dozen summer tops that were not going to make the cut, for whatever reason. By analyzing this way, "I still like it and it fits" just wasn't enough any more.

Because we didn't really get a shoulder season, I have some clothes that didn't get worn, that would have had the temps been different - my early/late summer items, like short sleeved sweaters for example. Next year!

I'm keeping on going with this system of tracking... it was fun I look forward to seeing how it turns out for fall.

7 years ago

Cardiff girl

Veteran

That’s really interesting isn’t it.It proves that wardrobe analysis can be useful.I will be interested to see how your autumn /winter one goes.

Sisi

I find your method really brilliant! And also inspirational ... thank you for sharing.

Helena

Awesome Elizabeth ... isn't that funny; I too find when I "do" project 333, I always get fed up and stop, but I'm sure I don't use much more than 33 items either! I guess it's the constraint that causes the problem ... it becomes too much of a focal point. Going to re-read your personal wardrobe post and process now; might have to try this!

Anonymous

What torontogirl said. It is the pieces I need to wear a piece more ways that get me in trouble, or things I buy to extend the summer season wear I to earlier spring or fall that add extra hangers to the closet.

Elizabeth P

Cardiff girl and Sisi, thanks. This worked for me, anyway. There are all kinds of wardrobe analysis tools out there, but I find they are too much about the pieces than how things actually work together.

TG... yup, those pesky rules set by others

Joy, yes, those "oh that's nice I'll get that" purchases, without thinking of how they will fit into the big scheme. I'm very guilty of that...

carter

What a great Summer challenge. It makes so much more sense to limit by joy rather than to apply some arbitrary number. I'm going to have to think about how I might manage something similar for Fall/Winter.

What did you notice about the 32 pieces? Is there a common theme? Maybe color? They fit a "uniform" of sorts? Similar styles/cuts?

LaPed

Huh, that's fascinating that you ended up relying on just 32 items. I love the idea of building a "joy capsule" where you add things based on what you reach for first, just seeing where instinct and emotional response lead you. It must feel great to have that group of 32 items that works without needing to augment with placeholders or other not-quite-right pieces.

Sorry, got sidetracked!

Carter, what a good question. I think there are two themes that jump out at me... dresses, and natural fabrics. This is a function of the fact our summer was hotter than usual. Or hotter for longer. Or more humid. I've always been a dress fan, but this year there were days that it was the only thing that interested me to put on. And finding some new ones (mainly through here) helped! I also had little interest in reaching for my poly tops, for the same reason. This makes it tough to purge them, as I have no idea if this summer is the new norm or not. I'm totally fine with poly in my office, as our AC is perfect. But outside in the humidity... ick. Silk, linen and cotton as much as possible please!

LaP, I should qualify... 32 was what I work, however when I did my little capsule of three wears, some items that went with stuff never got worn (I just liked it enough to pair with other things within the 32. So this gives me a wardrobe larger than 32, however it's really interesting to know 32 was all I really NEEDED. Or would be, if I took the time to make sure the groups were tighter, and there weren't the extra stuff in the capsule but not worn. Make sense? But anyway... yes, it felt good to have a low number like that confirmed without any stress of decision making. And that I truly did enjoy wearing them all.

rachylou

Very interesting. Hmm. Could ~33 be some sort of golden number?

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