Wardrobe review - season questions

[snmom]

Hello ladies,

I like to review from wardrobe from time to time, organise it, minimise it and if necessary accessorise it (instead of buying new things). From experience I have put a max cap on the things that I could have - which is no more than 3 of similar things.
I am a SAHM and need clothes mainly for school run, few official meetings and few evenings. For meetings and evenings I have my occasion clothes so I am covered there. I am now planning for day to day clothes. I have come up with 2/3 plans but bit confused about the seasons. My plans below -

1) Plan A (four seasons) - Luxury
Autumn,Winter,Spring,Summer (approx 3 months each)

Outer layer
4 x Coats/Jackets as season appropriate (1 per season)
4 x footwear, boots/shoes/open toe - respective season (1 per season)
SubTotal : 8 pieces

Mid layer
4 x woolies - 1 Dress +1 Tunic + 1 Jumper + 1Cardi (1 per season)
SubTotal : 4 pieces

Outfits
3 x (tops +bottoms) per season.
i.e 12 per year
Note : I count leggings,tights,trousers and skirts as bottoms and a dress as a top. So dress+tights = 1 outfit similarly skirt+top+tights = 1 outfit. (but i generally don't wear skirts and don't have one from last 2-3 years).
SubTotal : 12 outfits or 24 pieces

Accessories
1 x (Hat + Gloves + Scarf) - late autumn,winter,early spring
1 X (Hat + Sunglasses + Scarf) - summer
SubTotal : 4 sets or 12 pieces

Others
Underwears,socks,pyjamas,vests etc --- min 3 - max 6 depends on how many my drawers can take ( I use the small seagrass bathroom drawers from argos. I have very less space, less storage and I am a minimalist .... may be aspiring still).
Never wear belts.


2) Plan B - Three seasons

Very Cold(snow and arctic weather type), mild(autumn and spring) and Very warm (tropical summer type) - approx 4 months each

Same categories as above just reduce the outer layers, mid layers and accessories(sets) to 3.



3) Plan C - Two Seasons

Autumn/Winter and Spring/Summer. Approx 6 months each.
Same categories of layers just numbers reduced i.e 2 outer layers, 2 mid layers, 2 foot wears and 2 sets of accessories and outfits.

4) Plan D - One season
1 of each category (sets for outfits and accessories)
I have seen someone doing this (10 piece minimalist wardrobe) ... but I may feel colour starvation in this mode. At least for now ... later don't know...

Questions :

1. How many seasons do we really have ? (sorry, Did grew up in the UK)
   
2. How many months each ?
   
3. I need to know this especially for coats. If I am wearing coats for 3 seasons then the inside layers would always be covered when I am outdoors. And 3 mid layers and outfits would be sufficient.**
   
   ** I grew up in an environment where 3 outfits was a norm (one on the clothes line, one on the body and one for occasion) no matter how rich/poor one was. But, we had roughly same weather throughout the year and strong sunlight so clothes would normally by dry by lunchtime if washed after breakfast. I have the habit of doing laundry very frequently and hand wash my under wears, bras and socks when i shower everyday. So don't really need many pairs.
   
   
4. Ladies, how many coats,woolies do you use ? What is the realistic amount ? At the moment I have,
   1 x coat(TNF suzanne - separable down insulation and trench layers)
   1 x one sports Jacket(separable down gilet and Goretex layers).
   1 x pair of boots
   1 x flat shoes(retirement time coming)
   1 x one open toe shoes.
   3 x mid layers
   6 x Outfits
   2 x hats,scarf(no gloves - worn out this winter)
   
   
   Sorry for the long post.

[higgle]

2 seasons - "Winter" September to May "Summer" The other 3 and a bit months. CAn't help you on the rest, I just buy what I feel like and then flog it off on ebay if I don't wear it for a while.

[mirpuppet]

Wow -- good on you for parsing it out so well.

I get bored of my clothes and like having lots (and have the storage) -- but I see the appeal of minimalism.

I think there are the regular 4 season -- summer is just really short (and can happen in March like this year). Weather like today seems to prevail most of the year with it getting a slight bit colder for 2 months.

I have at least ten coats -- jacket; but honestly I could have gotten away with one trench if I needed to (this winter was very mild and I like layering).

I also have over ten midlayers.

[snmom]

higgle and mirpuppet

Thank you for your inputs.

So what we have is few days when it is extremely cold, few days when it is very warm (I am based in London. The temp goes is 30s sometimes) and most of the months it is mild weather i.e 5 to 15 degrees.
Extreme cold = as many layers as one needs to be warm ? > 3 for me.
Mild weather = base layer + woolie + trench ?
Summer = Single layer + ( cardi/trench in reserve )

How do we adjust the colour palette then ? For all, outer,mid and base layers. As the temp could vary so it would be nice to have an ability to strip to the base layer ?
I am trying to avoid redundancy i.e use same things around the year (at least the base layer and mid layer.
Are pastel shades no-no for autumn and warm bright colours no-no for spring ? Or is it just for the fashion mags ? RL, everything sensible sober is ok ?
I really like mustard, fennel, raspberry pink and summer blue shade (in silks though). They are so summery so no use ..most of the year...
Pastel shades don't suit me at all.

Do you vary colours according to season or just build a neutral boringcolours wardrobe ?

I also get bored with same things hence the seasons question. That way I can pull out one new thing each season than wear a whole bunch at one time. I like the idea of wearing 3 outfits then put them away in a box. The 3 for next season, put away ... cycle. And hence trying to find the season/colour balance.


Appeal for minimalism because -

Gradual transition - Things spiralled out of control earlier (not debt) but just the home maintenance. Used to get very tired with housework and dcs. Plus the prob of what to wear was still there. So tried to get bit sensible.

Step 1 - There are seven days a week so let me restrict to 7 coats + 7 woolies + 7 outfits + 7 accessories.

Step 2 - Post one year review - weekends are often lazy + sporty So single set of all layers would do. Tried it worked very well.

Step 3 - Underwears, base layers are washed every day (and mostly covered by midlayers) So the rule of 3. One on body one in wash and one in storage.

Step 4 - Post 2 years review 3 sets of outfits enough.

Step 5 - still in progress.

1. Been there done that (love and trash cycle) -
   
   For me, mindless purchase = more quantity = less quality = inexpensive purchase = risk of unethical purchase = style/price/fitting compromise. Plus going to shopping centres = eating out + fuel charges + parking charges + time consumption etc. Delivery and returns charges for internet shopping.
   
   
2. Generally good quality, useful items don't go in sale so I can take time to think, digest and then decide. Digestion process cuts out at lest 70% of the crap that i used to buy.
   
   
3. Moved inter continent many many times so had to trash things often as they were not worth the shipping cost and useless in other countries.
   
   
4. For me, less things = more mental clarity. Less maintenance - easy life. Prefer to cook 3 fresh meals than iron 3 loads as it directly affects my health (zero tolerance to frozen readymade meals)

[ooer]

I really have 2 seasons, and layer up as appropriate.

Tops go under dresses, and cardis are very hard workers in my wardrobe! tbh I regularly renew bits of my spring/autumn/winter wardrobe - summer clothes just seem to last forever ...!

Coats: I have 1 woollen posh one for winter, 2 waterproofs that do all seasons really, a cloth spring coat and a summer jacket. I think this is too many coats. I could prob get away with a posh winter coat, one waterproof and a jacket.

Woolies: 2 cashmere polonecks, 1 twinset, about 7 cardis - some of which are only good enough for round the house and garden ...! and 3 sweater dresses. Also 2 V-neck sweaters that are past it and need replacing. Regularly wear 3 layers in winter: base layer, v-neck and cardi. Also a ton of scarves as they cosy into my neck and make a huge difference to how warm I feel.

I have stopped bothering with open-toed shoes.

[ooer]

Re colours - use what suits you. I find mid shades do winter and summer - raspberry reds, teal blues.

[Howmanytimes]

Have you seen project 333?
//www.theproject333.com
It might help you decide how to structure your wardrobe along minimalist lines.

[NewMatic]

Christ you're over thinking this.

Just a bit.

[mirpuppet]

You may be thinking about it a bit much but since many of us, including me, mindlessly shop it is refreshing.

With regards to colour wear what suits you if that limits your minimalism efforts considering adding a scarf or 2 in brighter colours (one could be summer texture another could be winter) colour that suit you by your face tends to be flattering.

Good luck.

[whitelillies]

wow
I really do admire your organisation, but you lost me with defining everything and all the layers but good luck!

[PuffPants]

Are we still talking about clothes?

[pluckingupcourage]

I did project 333 but realised that I didn't have 33 items of clothing (as you don't count wedding ring, sleepwear, underwear and workout wear!)

[kickassangel]

Ok, do you enjoy wearing layers and how much time do you spend indoors? I find with heating/air con that I can wear pretty much the same basics all year round, but which outer layer I wear changes a lot.

So I would invest in good quality and comfortable shoes and coats that are in neutrals and likely to be worn for years. Then a range of jeans/trousers/dresses/tops in some fairly neutral colors to mix and match.
Then accessorize in brighter colors that can be switched around for the seasons.

Unless you are really unused to the cold then a vest top with a shirt or jersey top and a decent coat are pretty much good enough.

If I want a 'big ticket' item like a winter coat, then I go for a neutral. If I buy something that is very much a this season thing, I buy a cheap top or scarf or nail varnish. That way I get a splash of colors but don't ties myself to it for years, and don't spend too much money

[snmom]

ooer Good planning and thank you for the colour tip. If you use the smart wool coat the keep it. If you don't then is it worth the maintenance ? And no you don't have too many clothes.
I have seen how much some people have. A friend of mine was very excited to extend her Living room and kitchen and build an extra bedroom so her 2 boys don't have to share a room (in a three bedroom house - 2 adults + 3 dcs). Last time when i met her I asked her about her extensions and she must be feeling very spacious...the answer was the extra bedroom(double size) was used as a storage. Her teenage dcs (17 and 19yrs) are still sleeping on the bunk bed in a small box room. Don't know why she hoards so much.

Very true about the summer clothes. Are your v-necks very fine knit and the cardis lofty ? I am trying to understand if the layering is comfy. I like layering but for me the successive layers need to grow in size (read baggy) otherwise feel uncomfortable.

[snmom]

Howmanytimes

I haven't seen it yet but have seen the miss minimalist 10 piece wardrobe. (But i may feel colour deprived in her 10 piece wardrobe)
Will definitely have a look.

[snmom]

Newmatic, mirpuppet

Yes, it could be possible that I am over thinking and may be trying to achieve some kind of perfection.
Or
Trying to come out of the love(buy) and trash(ebay,charity) cycle.

(Also, am i buying just to keep up with the Joneses ?)

Probably, setting an upper limit without feeling deprived/struggled ?
Methinks, everything comes at a cost. Currently I am in a position to buy what I want but don't want to abuse that position. I may not feel the cost pinch directly but somewhere down the line it costs .... third world countries, environment ?

mirpupple adding a scarf (small accessory) seems to be a good idea that changing a big piece. This way it will satisfy my colour needs, keep the cost down and utilise less space. Thank you for the tip.

[snmom]

whitelillies this time I am planning more rather than actually going out and purchasing :). Hoping it will reduce impulse buying.Heres hoping ....

[snmom]

puffpants not sure I understood what you want to say ?

[snmom]

pluckingupcourage I would be interested to know how many pieces you have (less than 33... ) and what are they ?

[snmom]

kickassangel yes I enjoy wearing layers (as long as they are comfy). I don't like central heating much (get headaches). I prefer to use cosy layers and turn down the heating.

I am a freezer, often cold, hardly sweat.

I cannot use synthetics so no acrylic, no viscose, no spandex, no polyster - unless they are less than 15% of the total fabric(sensitive skin). Enjoy cotton and woolies (even the itchy ones) also down coat/vest is good for me.

Makes it simple to shop ???

I like the idea of neutral clothing and bright accessories. Will try to implement it.

Jeans is bit of a problem for me. I would love to wear them but thunder thighs and jelly belly (slightly) makes it very difficult to find a good(comfortable) fit. Also I find the fabric too rough. Grew up in soft cottons and silks.

[ooer]

snmom

Most of my cardis are BIIIIG and even chunky - but a couple are neat and fine.

[MissBeehivingUnderTheMistletoe]

This is soooo not the thread for me

[whitelillies]

snmom...I
m keeping an eye for inspiration (and guidance on how to sort out my wardrobe crisis!)

[madammecholet]

I am amazed someone thinks this hard about what their wardrobe. British weather dictates that we have no set pattern and you can have an equally monsoon like day (yesterday) followed by a scorcher. How on earth can you plan a wardrobe around that.

My advice. Erase all of the above from your mind, choose things you like and make a decision each morning based on the day outside you're window and how you feel.

It'll make life far simpler for you OP.

[snmom]

whitelillies
You termed it so well ... Wardrobe crisis' ... probably every women faces this some time or the other ?
I am determine to sort it out this time even if I need few rounds of planning. Once I have some structure/framework then it will make shopping much easier. Once the system is in place then I just have to buy replacements when the current ones wear out / size out. Currently, shopping seems to be an exhausting experience.

ooer
Your BIIIG and chunky cardis must be really cosy. Is there some age rule for chunky/fine knit chunky cardis ???

madammecholet
Indeed, uncertain weather is my main reason for planning. I have made mstakes like trusting the April sun and getting soaked or wearing winter things in summer and vice versa.
Opening my wardrobe and finding more occasion or summery clothes than season appropriate neutrals.
I believe careful planning will avoid such situations. And I am getting there. All your inputs are helping me. I am now sorted with my Outer and Mid layers.
I am thinking about colours and once that is ready it will be the end of it.

[snmom]

Lovely ladies on this forum, this is what I learnt so far -

1. Outerwear (6)
   Need maximum 3 outer layers
   Coats/Jackets (3) : 1 x heavy winter, 1 x Autumn and Spring, 1 x summer
   Footwear (3) : 1 x Boots, 1 x Dolly shoes/Ballet pumps style, 1 x Open toe(optimistic thinking :))
   
   
2. Midlayers (3)
   3 cardigans/jumpers/tunics or a combination of these for variety
   
   
3. Outfits (3)
   1 x trouser & top, 1 x skirt & top + 1 dress - for variety
   or all 3 of trousers/skirt/dress (depends on the individual)
   
   This is approx from September to May. Didn't plan for summer yet.