James Perse sweatshirt dress
Everlane street shoes | gift to review from Everlane
Personal style is fickle. For me, anyway. I may have a pretty predictable color palette, and designers I like, shapes I prefer, but lately, I find myself wanting to cycle more things in and out of my closet.
I still have about 100 items, probably less now, in my wardrobe. Which I feel is a good closet “set point” for me. Some things I thought I’d just hold on to, and wear periodically, I’m wanting to purge. Like this sweatshirt dress. And a few other James Perse pieces I’ve already let go of.
I have been trying to wear things I’m unsure about, and then in wearing it, really being aware of how I feel and whether or not the item is right for me now. Which has led to some very interesting conclusions if I’m honest. This sweatshirt dress on me is neither bad nor good. It’s just meh. But I never really liked it very much; it might have been one of those things I thought I needed to have, so I did. It’s a bit shorter than I’d like, and not all that comfortable to wear because of it. It’s gone from my closet. Poof.
Another thing that’s helped me in cycling my closet, or deciding what to keep or get rid of, is wearing something out shopping. If I come out of the dressing room loving what I wore in more than what I tried on, then I’m good. That happens a lot, actually.
Specifically, I’ll wear something shopping that I’m trying to replace, because it’s not quite right, or has never really worked on me as well as I’d like. If I find something better, then I’ll decide then to get rid of what I’m wearing and find a way to get the new thing. That is what happened last week when I tried on the James Perse tank dress; I decided that I’d found a replacement for an older James Perse t-shirt dress I never really loved in the first place, but resigned myself to keep and wear.
But oftentimes I go in looking for something specific, like a drapey top or jeans, wearing a drapey top and jeans, and come out of the dressing room loving what I went in with more. I love it when that happens!
I’m also acutely aware of what’s in my closet now, that I pay such close attention to it, and it’s smaller. Everything is out for me to see, and as I get dressed, I look at everything, touch things, and try to decide what will work for me that day. Sometimes I’ll put outfits together for other days too.
This journey I’ve been on, to minimize my closet, make it more cohesive, and full of things I love and wear, has taught me many things, quite a few unexpected (isn’t that always the case!). Like, capsule wardrobes don’t work for me. And that I will always want to cycle things in and out of my closet – I LOVE to try new things, and will want to try them on me. I’ll have several things that will always be there, but sometimes it takes me time, and having something hang in my closet for a while before I’m ready to admit I made a mistake, or that it doesn’t work anymore. And that’s okay. For me anyway.
Everyone is different. And you may not want to cycle things in and out seasonally, or quarterly, or twice a year, or whatever. Capsule wardrobes may work for you. But that’s why life is so beautiful, because we are all SO different. There’s not one formula for wardrobe success, or getting your closet where you want it. It is a journey that never ends…
Hi Grechen! Just wondering if you’re planning to sell the dress? I bought a few items last summer from you that became staples in my closet…
Amy
i sold it already, actually. very stealthily 😉
i do still have the james perse pencil skirt available, it’s a size 3, seen here
Enjoyable post; thanks. I think we are similar in cycling habits. I enjoy hearing/reading about your journey, weight loss success and being exposed to your shopping techniques..
What a great idea, Gretchen, to wear the item you are wanting to replace to go shopping. I am going to give that a go.
I totally hear you on not keeping things that just aren’t right.
I’m still working on the “I like it so I need 3 more versions of it”–like the Kit & Ace tee I bought. It looks great and I kept the grey one, but I have three other black short-sleeved / sleeveless tops that fill the same role. Really don’t need another.
On the other hand, I almost jettisoned a pair of dark brown tall boots that I’ve had for 6 years, and haven’t worn much in the last year or so. I’ve actually been wearing them again and realized that I love them, and they are the perfect blend of classic with an edge. And though I had thought I wanted black boots, the dark brown is great with all my black. So if i have things that I have loved completely, I will hold on to some of them until they cycle back into my wardrobe again.
let me know how it works for you!
i just sort of stumbled upon that idea, by happenstance, but i try to use it now whenever i’m looking for something new…
more often than not, i leave with nothing, confident that i have really amazing stuff already in my closet . that’s the best 🙂
i REALLY want to try that kit & ace tee, but i’m afraid it will sit on my hips. does it do that? or drape?
and YES to keeping things you’ve loved completely – i actually got rid of all my repetto flats but the black pair, and i’m so glad i kept them, because i do still love them, and sometimes want to wear them. same with a few other pairs of shoes that i am absolutely in love with, but don’t wear often. clothing too…that’s why i can’t get rid of that crazy royal blue acne dress 😉
Thanks for the new shopping strategy! It’s such a great idea. Gotta say, I do love the sweatshirt dress on you, but it points out that WE have to be happy in what we wear….Not what OTHERS think we should wear or look good in. (Note to my mom: I haven’t tried imitating Lady Di’s style since 1988….Give it up!) 😉
Grechen, you probably explained this on one of the “Minimal Closet” posts, but would you mind linking to the concept of a “capsule wardrobe” for us? Thanks!
i don’t get into capsule wardrobes really, but i think into mind might discuss them better than anyone – also try courtney carver’s project 333: http://theproject333.com/about/
was just working on a post on why i’m anti-capsule wardrobe 😉
Re: your comment above, I would love to know your thoughts on capsule wardrobes. The whole idea appeals to me but I feel I can never really make it work, not that I’ve tried that hard. So please do share and looking forward to that. I also wanted to report (not sure where is best) that I got the Everlane anorak and really like it. I got an XS even though I normally wear a Small in their stuff and it fits well with room to layer. I am 5’5″, 130lbs, and I don’t have a problem with the length. It does not go below my knees even though the description on their site says it does. I got the stone color and feel that it is very versatile. I also got the linen tee in cream and am liking that too. Finally wanted to report that I bought the chambray dress – the one with the sleeves – in XS and very much like it too, have not worn yet but from what I can tell it’s a keeper.
I’d love to hear what you have to say. It seems like so many other bloggers/Pinterestersbhave jumped on the [time] capsule.
I’d love to hear more about this, too. Capsules don’t seem to work for me, either, and I’m trying to figure out why.
I am also learning that I like to cycle things in & out of my wardrobe, but there are also certain types of things I’ve always liked, which probably best reflect the core of my personal style. I’m learning to keep those things in mind whenever I consider a new purchase.
i’m working on a capsule wardrobe post…hopefully up tomorrow 🙂
yes! working on a post on capsule wardrobes right now…hopefully up tomorrow!
This brought back such lovely memories of my dad giving me style advice when I was in my early teens. He told me to never buy anything of lesser quality than what you already own, as you will always reach for your original item. He also used to advise less is more & a lady should have a signature perfume. He was very well travelled & was stationed in Paris whilst in the UK army. I remember modelling my latest outfits for his approval as he was the official barometer of taste in my house haha