As a new season approaches, I like to take a little time to evaluate what has worked with my wardrobe in the season past + look forward to the season ahead. This autumn (it's officially autumn!), I decided to see if I could simplify my wardrobe a bit further. A few things came to mind as I thought this process through. I wrote about my motivation toward less + my thinking behind letting some pieces go in the previous post. Here are a few of the other things I tackled:
Enough :: As my list was coming together, I wanted to be sure that the numbers of pieces I was putting in each category would be enough. One way this was put to the test was by consulting my notes from the past few seasons and making lists of what I would have to wear (from the proposed list) for each of my three seasons: warm weather, cold weather, + transition. I listed items for both warm + cold and assessed the outfit combinations against my previous seasons' notes. When it came to the transition category, I knew that I could wear all of the items in different combinations...so I didn't go into great detail there.
Warm weather:
-tanks x3
-tees x3
-pants x2
-shorts
-jumpsuit
-dress
-long-sleeved layer
-sandals
-trainers
Cold weather:
-long-sleeved tops x3
-tees x3
-sweatshirt
-pullover
-cardigan
-pants x3
-leggings
-jumpsuit
-dress
-clogs
-flats
-boots
-trainers
Transition:
-all pieces combined appropriately for the weather
My perceived ideals :: For my "small" (always relative) wardrobe, I want to hone in on what I like + don't like in each category. I want to learn from my mistakes going forward + avoid the ones I've already made. I listed my perceived ideals:
-tanks :: Bantam-perfect strap width + placement, breezy shape, no darts, can make longer or cropped...Pact-perfect straps + shape for layering
-tees :: fitted but not tight...Everlane navy or Lacausa Frank
-long-sleeved top :: layer over + under, no stiff, high collars
-sweatshirt :: raglan, bracelet length sleeves, not too long or tight at waist
-pullover :: oversized + longer, not too long sleeves, lightweight
-cardigan :: blanket coat-like...like Lauren Manoogian Capote
-dress :: a tank that layers? or may just want another jumpsuit
-pants :: ankle baring, straight, comfortable, fitted at top, high-waisted, lightweight, not stiff...olive vintage army...sarouelles...soft, pale, worn denim
-leggings :: ankle length, cotton (not poly) + lycra, Pansy, Pact for yoga
-trainers :: can be worn for exercise + casual
-light jacket/cardigan :: layers over + under
After filling the blanks set forth by my list, I'm so happy to see that I now have a variety of pieces that appeal to my perceived ideals in most ways. I have some thoughts on a very few pieces that I can be on the lookout for...and purchase over time, if found. When I look at my closet now, there is also an unplanned color scheme. At the moment, it is predominantly white, pale denim, black, and olive, with a little burnt red/brown thrown in. There are mostly solid pieces + a few patterned ones. This helps most of the pieces to mix + match easily. I have no real shopping list apart from the small list of items mentioned above. Even though I currently don't have a dress, I am just not feeling the need for one at the moment. That blank will hold my tencel jumpsuit for now.
Purpose/Appeal/Benefits of a 25 piece wardrobe :: I want to revisit this often enough to know + feel it.
-less to care for, organize, think about, purchase
-ease of replacement
-knowing "enough"
-putting clothing into its proper place in my life
-build more versatility + opportunities for creativity
-less impact on the earth
I'm not here to prescribe any method of wardrobe planning. I'm firmly in the camp of doing what feels best. (This does not include overspending or using people though, right?) I just thought I'd share what went into my current iteration of a simple wardrobe with the thought that it could spark an idea or two elsewhere, if anyone is looking. :)
Happy autumn, friends! Hope you are having fun getting dressed!
Love,
Jane
Enough :: As my list was coming together, I wanted to be sure that the numbers of pieces I was putting in each category would be enough. One way this was put to the test was by consulting my notes from the past few seasons and making lists of what I would have to wear (from the proposed list) for each of my three seasons: warm weather, cold weather, + transition. I listed items for both warm + cold and assessed the outfit combinations against my previous seasons' notes. When it came to the transition category, I knew that I could wear all of the items in different combinations...so I didn't go into great detail there.
Warm weather:
-tanks x3
-tees x3
-pants x2
-shorts
-jumpsuit
-dress
-long-sleeved layer
-sandals
-trainers
Cold weather:
-long-sleeved tops x3
-tees x3
-sweatshirt
-pullover
-cardigan
-pants x3
-leggings
-jumpsuit
-dress
-clogs
-flats
-boots
-trainers
Transition:
-all pieces combined appropriately for the weather
My perceived ideals :: For my "small" (always relative) wardrobe, I want to hone in on what I like + don't like in each category. I want to learn from my mistakes going forward + avoid the ones I've already made. I listed my perceived ideals:
-tanks :: Bantam-perfect strap width + placement, breezy shape, no darts, can make longer or cropped...Pact-perfect straps + shape for layering
-tees :: fitted but not tight...Everlane navy or Lacausa Frank
-long-sleeved top :: layer over + under, no stiff, high collars
-sweatshirt :: raglan, bracelet length sleeves, not too long or tight at waist
-pullover :: oversized + longer, not too long sleeves, lightweight
-cardigan :: blanket coat-like...like Lauren Manoogian Capote
-dress :: a tank that layers? or may just want another jumpsuit
-pants :: ankle baring, straight, comfortable, fitted at top, high-waisted, lightweight, not stiff...olive vintage army...sarouelles...soft, pale, worn denim
-leggings :: ankle length, cotton (not poly) + lycra, Pansy, Pact for yoga
-trainers :: can be worn for exercise + casual
-light jacket/cardigan :: layers over + under
After filling the blanks set forth by my list, I'm so happy to see that I now have a variety of pieces that appeal to my perceived ideals in most ways. I have some thoughts on a very few pieces that I can be on the lookout for...and purchase over time, if found. When I look at my closet now, there is also an unplanned color scheme. At the moment, it is predominantly white, pale denim, black, and olive, with a little burnt red/brown thrown in. There are mostly solid pieces + a few patterned ones. This helps most of the pieces to mix + match easily. I have no real shopping list apart from the small list of items mentioned above. Even though I currently don't have a dress, I am just not feeling the need for one at the moment. That blank will hold my tencel jumpsuit for now.
Purpose/Appeal/Benefits of a 25 piece wardrobe :: I want to revisit this often enough to know + feel it.
-less to care for, organize, think about, purchase
-ease of replacement
-knowing "enough"
-putting clothing into its proper place in my life
-build more versatility + opportunities for creativity
-less impact on the earth
I'm not here to prescribe any method of wardrobe planning. I'm firmly in the camp of doing what feels best. (This does not include overspending or using people though, right?) I just thought I'd share what went into my current iteration of a simple wardrobe with the thought that it could spark an idea or two elsewhere, if anyone is looking. :)
Happy autumn, friends! Hope you are having fun getting dressed!
Love,
Jane
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