The Fall Wardrobe Transition/Edit
Transitioning your wardrobe from Summer to Fall can be nerve wracking especially when you live in the South like I do. Once you build your wardrobe basics, transitioning your wardrobe from season to season should be simple.
The outfits you are wearing during the summer can be transitioned to the Fall. A wardrobe with a solid foundation (basics) should last from season to season. Your wardrobe should provide you with several options that you can mix and match, no matter what the season is. The purpose of building your wardrobe basics is to create a functional wardrobe.
With a solid wardrobe foundation you should be able to repurpose the same pieces over and over again. The goal is to cut down on shopping to add new pieces and to start utilizing the things you already have.
The Wardrobe Edit
One of the first things you should do when conducting a major wardrobe overhaul is to take stock of what you already have. You can’t effectively build or rebuild your wardrobe when you are holding on to things that no longer fit you or your lifestyle.
To get this done, you will need a few trash bags or boxes. Before you really get into it you may want to clean your room. It’s easier to work in an uncluttered space. Start by cleaning everything out of your closet.
Once you have everything out, start separating your items into three piles. You will need a keep pile, a donate/consignment pile and finally a trash pile. You will want to go through each item and try everything on to see if it still fits.
Ask yourself the following questions while cleaning out your closet:
Does it fit?
Have I worn it in the past year?
Does it represent my current style?
If the item is damaged, am I ever going to have it repaired?
If given the chance, would I buy the item again.
If the answer to any of those questions is no, then put the piece in either your trash pile or donate pile (depending on the condition of the item). Put everything you haven’t worn in the last year in the donate pile. Separate your keep pile into your closet pile and what will be stored (out of season items).
Consignment shops are a good way to make a little cash off items that are in good condition. You can take those items to a local consignment shop or use apps like Poshmark or Tradesy to sell your items.
If there are any damaged items, repair those that can be and throw away those that are beyond repair. Don’t donate raggedy items, that’s just not right. Repeat those steps for your shoes and accessories.
Assessing Your Wardrobe Needs
Before you start building your wardrobe basics you need to take stock of your current lifestyle. Ask yourself the following question:
Describe your current style. What do you like or dislike about it?
What’s your daily routine?
What are your after hours activities?
What do you wear to work each day?
What’s your normal weekend wear?
What colors work best for you?
What are some of your favorite pieces in your closet (clothing, shoes)? Why are they your favorites?
Is your current style a true representation of you?
How long does it take you to pick out something to wear?
What’s missing from your current style?
The answers to these questions should help you figure out what pieces you need to add to your wardrobe.
Building Your Wardrobe Basics
You do not have to break the bank when building your wardrobe basics. I believe you should invest in staple pieces like, blazers and pumps. Believe me you can find quality pieces at bargain prices. Use the following tips when searching for pieces at bargain prices.
Tip 1: Be sure to check how the piece was constructed. Getting an item on the low means absolutely nothing if it only makes it through one wash cycle.
Tip 2: Shop thrift stores and consignment shops in high income areas. You will not believe the pieces some folks will wear once and get rid of it immediately after. I have found a lot of my high-end pieces in consignment shops.
Tip 3: Watch out for end of season sales at nice boutiques. You can get really nice pieces at great prices during these sales. I try to stay away from trendy pieces during these sales, since I most likely won't wear those items until the next year.
Tip 4: Outlet stores are my absolute favorite. There's a J. Crew Factory Store around the corner from my house. They run 40 to 50% off sales just about every week and the clearance section is my first stop.
Tip 5: Just because something is on sale does not mean you need to buy it. Ask yourself how many pieces already in your closet can you wear this item with. If you can't see several outfits with this item, leave it.
Need a little help getting started with your wardrobe transition? Grab a free copy of The Style Guide.
