topic Re: Evaluating My Fall Wardrobe in Fashion

Evaluating My Fall Wardrobe

RhondaRena — Mon, 26 Aug 2019 21:01:37 GMT

Its turned a good bit cooler and since Labor Day is next week I spent a few hours today going through my clothes. I steamed organized and folded things for the cooler months. This process shows me I need very little and helps me know what I have. I left some transitional pieces in my closet for warmer days. I may pick up a plaid blazer if I see one and a new pair of Chelsea boots but I am pretty set for the upcoming months.

I did take time to put some summer things away and store for next spring in a guest room. I know some people keep everything in one closet but I like getting ready with less to choose from. I began a couple of years ago to hang dry alot of my clothes so they hold up better and last longer.I have learned some expensive lessons in buying nice things only to hang in my closet and not wear. I try much harder to discern my purchases better. Even deep sales , I try and be more cautious about.

I would love to hear how others plan to organize their clothes for the Fall.

Re: Evaluating My Fall Wardrobe

GenXmuse — Mon, 26 Aug 2019 21:12:20 GMT

Other than getting out a few coats everything I need is in my closet already so I’m set for whatever. I probably have fewer clothes than most shoppers here I would imagine though.

Re: Evaluating My Fall Wardrobe

Susan Louise — Wed, 28 Aug 2019 15:45:44 GMT

@RhondaRena The last time I cleaned/purged my closet in Jan/Feb, I put every single piece of clothing on and looked at myself in the mirror. It took about a week - 10 days, but worth the extra time/process. I was able to purge a LOT more than I would have otherwise.

That process may seem overwhelming for most folks, but I'll tell you, it works! I even did it with shoes/boots. One would be surprised how many either don't fit right anymore and become uncomfortable to wear over time no matter how well you take care of them. Depending on the shoe/type/brand, the material used can become stiff...and one's taste does change.

Although many of the items I purged were new-never worn, like new or gently worn, most of them didn't fit on me anymore (I have lost over 50 lbs) and or my taste has changed.

If I just went by the size of the clothing and just got rid of the largest couple of sizes, I STILL would not have purged all the clothes I needed to because I still loved all the clothes I bought over the years. By actually putting each piece on AND looking at myself in the mirror, it was either a yay or nay. I didn't keep anything that was just 'ok'. Why have clothes in the closet taking up space that would more than likely not be worn?

And this might interest some folks to know...

When I finally got into a size large again, all the size large clothes I saved for the past 10 -15+ years praying I'd fit back into eventually, 90% of those went to Goodwill too because being 1-2 decades older, those clothes don't look good on me anymore! So for those that are saving several sizes of clothing for 'someday'...the longer you postpone losing the weight to get back into them, the higher the chance you won't wear them anyway.

To help put things into perspective/reality, I started to gain weight in my mid-40's after my lung cancer surgery and then several other health issues back to back in the years to follow.

I will be 60 at the end of this year.

My goal is to be in a M/12 by the end of the year. I'm currently a size L/14. I'll never get into a size S/8 again, but I will be happy at M/12.

Now when I go to my closet, it's a pleasure to stand in front and choose...no matter what I pick out to wear, it will look great on

Re: Evaluating My Fall Wardrobe

RhondaRena — Mon, 26 Aug 2019 21:28:05 GMT

@Susan Louise wrote:
@RhondaRena The last time I cleaned/purged my closet in Jan/Feb, I put every single piece of clothing on. It took about a week - 10 days, but worth the extra time/process. I was able to purge a LOT more than I would have otherwise.

Although many of the items I purges were like new or gently worn, most of them didn't fit on me anymore (I have lost over 50 lbs) and or my taste has changed.

If I just went by the size of the clothing and just got rid of the largest couple of sizes, I STILL would not have purged all the clothes I needed to because I still loved all the clothes I bought over the years. By actually putting each piece on, it was either a yay or nay. I didn't keep anything that was just 'ok'. Why have clothes in the closet taking up space that would more than likely not be worn?

Now when I go to my closet, it's a pleasure to stand in front and choose...no matter what I pick out to wear, it will look great on

I agree. I do keep a few things that fit a little loose when my hormones are not cooperating

Re: Evaluating My Fall Wardrobe

Lake4 — Mon, 26 Aug 2019 21:42:09 GMT

Thanks so much for describing your process! I would love to be as organized as you are. I have not gotten my fall clothing together yet since I am one of those who is sorry to see summer leave... I love my sandals Since it is getting cooler here too, I think I am going to try your method!

Re: Evaluating My Fall Wardrobe

ECBG — Mon, 26 Aug 2019 22:23:10 GMT

I meant to put spring sweaters out of my way today, but my afternoon had it's own agenda.

My fall is very easy to work with and I pick up items in my "colors" whenever I see them.

"My" fall consists of black, deep chocolate, navy, deeper grays, burgandy through pinks, true red, true green, forest green, purple, white and eggshell, not tan or beige.

Re: Evaluating My Fall Wardrobe

Still Raining — Mon, 26 Aug 2019 22:43:52 GMT

We never get much summer here, so my fall activity mainly consists of me swearing about who forgot to put all the jackets in the wash last spring. Since I am now alone, not too many to accuse!

Re: Evaluating My Fall Wardrobe

ALRATIBA — Mon, 26 Aug 2019 22:57:02 GMT

I don't think I need much for Fall/Winter.

I bought a lot of stuff on sale after last Winter, and worked on some sweaters over the summer.

Only things I'm thinking about are hats and scarves.

Re: Evaluating My Fall Wardrobe

Grouchomarx — Mon, 26 Aug 2019 23:15:43 GMT

I am trying to hold back from ordering any fall or winter clothes. I lost 20lbs since last winter and have no idea what to expect of my cold weather wardrobe. So until I find out, I don’t wanna add new pieces. I have a bad feeling most of my sweaters are too big but I’m not looking into it until about mid October.

Re: Evaluating My Fall Wardrobe

Squirrel Lover — Tue, 27 Aug 2019 00:46:26 GMT

I keep all of my off-season clothes in those cubes that the Q sold as a TSV the other day. (I used to keep them in the guest room dresser, but the guests protest!)

I purge before I put away my stuff from that last season for the next so I have less stuff to store.

I also try on every piece of clothing I own to see how it fits and whether I want it. This is a very important step to reduce clutter and really shows you what you have. I love what I have in my fall/winter collection and only need a very few items to update this year. I will put my spring/summer clothes away the last week of September because it will still be in the 80s here.

One of the items I wanted to add to my fall/winter collection is a pair of cool olive skinny pants. I found the exact pair I need today at Talbots for 25% off. This is the first piece of olive clothing that I have ever bought. I am a soft summer so warm khaki olive would not suit me so I found a cool basil shade that I can pull off. This will update my wardrobe a lot and give new life to some of my cool weather clothes.

I have not decided what else I need at this time. As I get older I realize that I don't need as much as I used to think and never want to waste as much money as I used to so I will watch and see what might extend my wardrobe. I don't want anything to just sit there. This thoughtful process really works for me. At 53 I finally realize that I was wasting money and I want to stop doing that--forever.

Re: Evaluating My Fall Wardrobe

KathyM23 — Tue, 27 Aug 2019 01:03:27 GMT

@Susan Louise I agree that the most effective way to purge clothing is to try everything on. I do exclude clothes I am currently wearing often to save time and effort as I have way too many clothes. I cannot just browse through my clothes as I have found I keep items that look like something I like and will wear. I mini purge frequently as a charity I donate to collects every couple months. As I find items I no longer want I keep in a pile until pickup day. They are coming this week so I just made another quick glance through my jacket closet and found three more jackets that I thought I really liked and had passed over in my purge. I actually got them out the other day and tried them on. They are items I defiitely would have not purged had not tried them on.

Twice annually I do a major purge as I store out of season clothes. In mid-September I will store spring/summer clothes and get out fall/winter and I really purge then when I can see clothes from all seasons. I do have a wardrobe of clothes that are pretty much all season that stay in closets/drawers/armoires all year.

I am committed to truly downsizing this year. Retired - do not need all these clothes. As I have heard having too much "stuff" can be stressful. Not that I could ever be a minimalist, but my closets can definitely use an overhaul.

Re: Evaluating My Fall Wardrobe

chrystaltree — Tue, 27 Aug 2019 13:40:49 GMT

I don't take it that seriously anymore. I don't go into Fall mode until early to mid October. I really do dress for the weather, not the calender and there will be plenty of 70's and 80's in September. Much of my wardrobe is three season wear anway. I have those storage cubes or hassocks that work well for me. When I do the big switcheroo, I'll take out my sweaters and sweatshirts and Fall/winter tops and pack my maxi dresses, ankle pants, lights/brights/whites. My shoes are already organized, it's just a matter of cleaning my sandals and putting them in their boxes and putting those boxes up on the top shelves. The boxes are labeled. I bring the boxes with my cold weather footwear down to the lower shelves. I have a large handbag collection but I only have 3 bags that are strictly summer bags. Those three bags, I will put in clear plastic bags and put them on a top shelf. Coats and jackets live year round in the coat closet and I dry clean or wash them before I retire them for the season, so they are good to go when old weather hits. It's all quick, easy, hassle free. I do sort through and disgard or donate things at the end of the season. Which is so helpful when I do the switch. Most of my wardrobe is washable and like you, I hang much of it to dry. I wash things on gentle or I hand wash them and hang them to dry and I find that my clothing lasts longer and retains it shape. I did a big closet cleanout about a year ago and now I only have clothing that fits and that I actually can and want to wear. And I have space! It's funny but throwing out all that old stuff resulted in my buying LESS clothes. Everything is organized beautifully now and I easily see what I have. I love the way my closet looks so much that leave the closet door open most of the time. I don't need any footwear of any type this year. I need a pair of dark black jeans; I want a slim straight and I want black hardware/buttons/rivets. I want a black cashmere or cashmere blend sweater with a jewel neckline. That's all I need. Of course, that's not to say that I won't buy things this winter but I'll put thought into what I do buy.

Re: Evaluating My Fall Wardrobe

kate2357 — Tue, 27 Aug 2019 16:26:03 GMT

Seattle is a moderate climate and this year we didn't have a hot summer at all. (not complaining). But I just returned from our beach vacation and came home and put away all the linen items (store them in drawers) in a spare room. I also put all but two pair of crop pants aways and will donate a couple of pairs to family members. The weather will stay moderate until October, but unless it's sunny out, I just feel kind of silly walking around in crop pants and sandals in late September. I know anything goes these days, it's more about what I find comfortable.

I do big purges of closet twice a year and am trying really hard not to buy things for the life I used to have (lots of client entertaining/social events) as I don't really need much in the way of "formal business attire" anymore. So my two black suits, my gray suit and my winter white suit will get me thru all of any fall/winter functions I have to go to.

Last year was all about boots for me and I'm still looking for the perfect boot in a dark cordovan tan color ... something not just for sitting ... but I want cute. Always a hard combo.

Re: Evaluating My Fall Wardrobe

wilma — Tue, 27 Aug 2019 17:04:41 GMT

All my clothes are in my bedroom. I have downsized my wardrobe over the last several years so everything fits in one small closet and 2 dressers. I no longer switch out for seasons. All I need to do is move my summer shoe boxes to the back of the closet floor & bring my winter ones forward. I will also hang summery dresses & tops on the back of the rod furthest from the closet door opening.

I am a neat freak so my clothes are already organized so it’s easy to see what I have. For example, my long sleeve tees are in one drawer in 2 stacks - one white stack & the other stack color tees. My cardigans are in one drawer, my pullover sweaters in another, my turtlenecks in another, etc.

My closet is arranged by color and type of item so I can find what I want quickly.

I already bought what I needed for colder weather: more black tights & long sleeve white tees for layering under v-neck sweaters. I really don’t need anything else, but I am sure I will buy a few new things.

Re: Evaluating My Fall Wardrobe

chrystaltree — Tue, 27 Aug 2019 17:07:03 GMT

@kate2357

Last year was all about boots for me too. I finally accepted that heels were no longer a part of my life and I looked at the condition of all my boots and ankle boots and cleaned house. So, last year I bought three pair of ankle boots a pair of mid calf leather boots and a pair of tall leather boots. Now I am all set for footwear for a few years because I wear thick socks when I'm working in my home office. Although, I would like the perfect pair of red ankle boots; suede or smooth leather. I'm not really looking for them but if I happen to see them, I'll indulge myself.

Re: Evaluating My Fall Wardrobe

texassunflower — Tue, 27 Aug 2019 17:15:43 GMT

@Susan Louise I have also lost 50 pounds in 11 months. I gained 40 pounds caring for a sick parent over the course of 4 1/2 years. I have kept my cardigans that have a matching tank. I find the tank to be too short. I will donate the tanks but keep the cardigans. I have replaced clothes three times. The clothes I kept when I worked full time teaching are very few. Schools are very casual now and I always dressed up. Some of the pants I can now wear, but the waist is too high and pant legs seem voluminous.

Re: Evaluating My Fall Wardrobe

texassunflower — Tue, 27 Aug 2019 17:20:02 GMT

@Grouchomarx I agree that you will probably have to replace sweaters. I have lost 50 pounds in total. I bought sweaters in November after some weight loss and they will need to be replaced this year. Wore them only one season. I needed to lose the extra weight, but it gets expensive replacing clothes each season.

Re: Evaluating My Fall Wardrobe

kate2357 — Tue, 27 Aug 2019 22:35:45 GMT

@chrystaltree

Oh, you mentioned red boots....now I want red boots! I actually can't believe I don't have any red footware....they would go great with my black or gray jeans/slacks.

Re: Evaluating My Fall Wardrobe

seedpie — Wed, 28 Aug 2019 00:53:20 GMT

You are all so organized. If I see something I like I buy it. For every piece I buy something has to go away. One thing is, I only know what to give away at the end of the season, and the donation places prefer not to get items at the end of their season. They especially don’t want coats in spring- no place to store until fall. I guess I could clean out after summer and put items in containers to donate next spring. One thing that helps is to ask myself if I would really miss something if I donated it. It is surprising how often I say I wouldn’t miss it. After I donate something I totally can’t remember what it was a short time later.

Re: Evaluating My Fall Wardrobe

ECBG — Wed, 28 Aug 2019 17:24:34 GMT

@texassunflower wrote:
@Grouchomarx I agree that you will probably have to replace sweaters. I have lost 50 pounds in total. I bought sweaters in November after some weight loss and they will need to be replaced this year. Wore them only one season. I needed to lose the extra weight, but it gets expensive replacing clothes each season.

@texassunflower Take them to an alterations shop. If you need to go down a size or two, they can serge right down the sides and bring them in.

Congratulations on your weight loss! That's quite commendable!