Can we all agree that fall is the funnest season to dress for? First of all, you are required to wear more things due to the dropping temps which gives you more opportunities to style your look. Secondly, it’s right before it gets ridiculously cold and you end up not even caring about what you’re wearing because anything less than fleece leggings and a parka will simply not do.
As someone who has far too many clothes, to begin with I have been trying to purchase items that I actually need and that I think will serve me for many more fall seasons to come. I have this issue when shopping where I’m only attracted to statement pieces and I end up buying a furry pink coat and a sequin blazer but then somehow only own one t-shirt and find myself very stumped every morning when trying to put something together.
For some reason, I always think “eh you could get a white button-down anywhere anytime” and I’ll remove it from my cart and then guess what? I never get one. But not anymore! As I’ve gotten clearer on my financial goals over the past couple of years I find myself shopping less and less (thank god) and so when I do decide to buy new clothes I want to do it with intention.
Now, this doesn’t mean I think owning a lot of unique pieces is a bad thing. I think it makes for a great, well-rounded wardrobe and allows you to truly express your personal style. However, we all need basics. I am mostly saying this last sentence for myself.
Does anyone else suffer from the statement piece syndrome? Is it just me? I hope not! Regardless I’ve already sat down to write this blog post so we’re going to keep it moving.
Here are my best tips for being a more responsible wardrobe updater, along with some of the pieces I’m adding to my cart this fall (which will probably be removed and re-added and then scaled down 6 times before I actually click “purchase”).
Here’s to hoping I can take my own advice!
TAKE INVENTORY OF WHAT YOU’VE GOT
Are you also the girl with 16 jackets and 2 da- time appropriate blouses? Because same. I love love love outerwear the way that a lot of women love shoes. Maybe it’s the San Franciscan in me but I love a good finishing layer. That being said, my jacket game is strong and my everyday basic tops game is…lacking.
I figured this out by taking inventory of my wardrobe. I literally counted all of the items I have in my closet and made a note next to each if they were items that could easily be mixed and matched. This was extremely eye-opening because not only was I in serious need of more casual tops but I also had far too many pieces that didn’t go with a lot of the other items I have in my closet.
This was super helpful because I also found that I had a ton of doubles when in reality, how many black and white striped long sleeves does a girl really need? I am absolutely the kind of shopper that sees something she likes and doesn’t realize the reason she likes it so much is because she owns something identical already. It is silly and wasteful. But now I know exactly what I have and am able to shop with a lot more intention.
PURGE
While I was taking inventory I decided it was time to let go of some of those aforementioned doubles.
I am typically terrible at purging my closet because I’m a sentimental bitch and want to hold onto every damn thing that has ever brought me an ounce of joy. Even if there’s a stain. It’s a problem and we are squashing it once and for all.
I think the idea of getting rid of one item for every new item you purchase is really nice, albeit difficult to do when it comes down to it. Obviously items that you haven’t worn in forever, are damaged, no longer fit and simply aren’t your style anymore have got to go. Do your best to purge as much as you can at least once every season.
I wrote a whole blog post on how to clean out your closet so if you need some tips and inspiration, click here!
By getting rid of all of the clothes you don’t (and shouldn’t) wear anymore you’re able to take stock of what you own easier (see the above tip) and understand the ratio of statement pieces to versatile basics in your wardrobe. From there you can actually see what you really need.
SHOP SEASONALLY
Just like I purge my closet every season, I also have tried to keep my shopping seasonal as well.
This is huge for me because I use to be the girl who was purchasing new pieces every week. Especially when I worked for Victoria’s Secret. Not only was I taking full advantage of that sweet 40% discount but I also would go to the other stores in the mall I worked in on my lunch break and spend spend spend. My bank account was NOT pleased with this expensive little habit.
Of course, there are times throughout the year where I see something I absolutely love or even occasionally when I actually need something specific. But for the most part, I use the new season to pick up some staple pieces that I love and that will help me refresh my wardrobe. If you keep this rule in mind then your constant statement piece impulse buying will have to stop because you won’t be putting yourself in the position to purchase as often. And when you do purchase you’ll be thinking about which pieces are going to give you the most bang for your buck over the next three months.
Swipe through below to see some of my top fall staple picks along with a few stunning statement pieces because ya know, life is about balance!
What are your go-to fall fashion must-haves? Tell me in the comments below!
Xo,
She
