Goodbye summer, hello autumn
September heralds the start of autumn, that season when the earth tilts away from the Sun so, here in the Northern Hemisphere, our day lengths shorten. I wonder what this year’s autumn weather will be: mild and dry or rainy and windy? With the way the world’s weather is changing, it’s anyone’s guess!
Change
Normally, a change of season means changing my wardrobe to suit the new season’s weather. I bring clothes out of storage and rediscover items I’d forgotten about (it’s like buying new without the cost!). However, I don’t know about you but, for me, this year has not been normal when it comes to what I’ve been wearing. I would usually have brought out my summer wardrobe sometime in May but the weather seemed so cold I was still wearing thick tights into June. So, this year, instead of packing away my summer things and getting out autumn/winter, I’m going to try more of a half-and-half wardrobe, that way I think I’ll have every base covered.
Autumn’s not just about colour
Usually my summer wardrobe looks really colourful, with lighter, brighter colours. To help me decide what should go and what should stay in my ‘half and half’ wardrobe, I’m going to reflect on the weight of fabrics as well as colours. I also find layering is a great tip for changing seasons, in case there are warmer or cooler than expected days, so I’ll also be reflecting on which items will layer well with others. Finer fabrics, for example, are not just cooler for summer but are great for layers under warmer items.
Sustainability should be key
I’m pleased to see that a lot more people are thinking about sustainable fashion and are more aware of where clothes are coming from, what they’re made of and how they are made. Recirculating clothes when they no longer serve our needs is much more of a lifestyle choice now. I think that’s an excellent idea and so will be considering which garments might be Vinted, eBay, or other re-seller suitable as I review my wardrobe.
Sentimental value
As a personal stylist, many ladies react with horror when I suggest that we will do a colour review on their wardrobe as part of the colour analysis process. Yet, afterwards, they all say it was one of the most useful parts!
I suspect some may be anxious because they know they have clothes in their wardrobe they don’t wear. I can sympathise: I also have clothes in my wardrobe I don’t wear (yet!). My husband bought me a beautiful silk suit several years ago. I remember trying it on in the changing room but then I put on a little weight so have never worn it! I also have a couple of dresses that I love so much I bought two sizes so that, if I do lose weight, I will still be able to enjoy wearing them. There you have it, my confession; I think it’s OK to hold on to items that you love even if you don’t (often) wear them.
But the goal is …
How to organise your wardrobe is a personal decision and will depend on how many items you have and the space available. But, the goal is not to have such an organised wardrobe that you only see this piece going with that piece and nothing else. The goal is to use as many of your items as possible to get the best wear from them. Mixing and matching your wardrobe more, so that you need less, is key. I am always chuffed when I try items that have never been paired before and they go! That is, when the colours, patterns and materials work together. That’s the secret of knowing what suits you (colour and style-wise) so you can choose pieces that you know will go with many other things you already own.
Acquiring new to you
I say “acquiring new to you” rather than “buying” as people do get their wardrobe pieces in many different ways nowadays – and it’s perfectly acceptable to shop pre-loved, “swish” [swap] or be gifted clothes. The economic situation has seen many of us being a little more careful with our spending, plus I hope the drive to be more sustainable means the latest fashion trend just for the sake of it is less desirable than it was. Most of my clients will therefore look to acquire a few pieces each season that nod to the fashion, so they keep their look fairly current but haven’t totally overhauled their wardrobe.
So, what do you do?
I’d love to know whether you change your wardrobe over, and if so how are you planning to cope with the changing weather?