Like clockwork, just prior to that first crisp day in early October, I tend to mentally reevaluate the contents of my closet, usually horrified with last year’s favorites. I then look judgingly at my ol’ reliables and ponder, what was I thinking? Did I really believe puffy sleeves looked so well on me? How many times did I rock that same white button down? Did I even break open the plastic on that reeeally overpriced royal blue scarf that I just had to have? Ummm yeah, no. So what happens next is that the contents of the bureau find their way to the bed and I make, ahem, adjustments.
It’s a tough call sometimes. Not everyone makes the cut. There is a lot of trying on and a lot of ripping off in shame. (Shame! Shame!) And usually a whole pile of maybe/yeses and more than a few grunts of disgust. It’s actually quite a show. (I sometimes think of selling tickets because my commentary is potentially legendary.) There is posing and the ceremonial matching of shoes to separates that I deem acceptable to make outfits. I’m a very harsh critic. If the item stays it has earned its rightful place back in the bureau or it might graduate to a coveted spot in the closet. If not, it’s staring down into the deep recesses of a lawn and leaf bag bound for donation. It may never be folded right again and forget about finding a soft hanger and a safe space. Sigh.
Each year I guess I see myself a certain way come fall. One year I was all about slacks and three button blazers. I felt formal and wanted to appear serious. I fell into the skirt with a boxy sweater getup for a few years. I liked that phase because I could just grab and go with so many basics that made infinite combinations. I had my leather craze where a different faux leather jacket complemented a good portion of my available bottoms. (Yep, even indoor leather– It’s totally a thing.) And I’ve always been a scarf lover to dress up any monochromatic outfit.
After the last few years of dressing way more casually (think “smart activewear”), this season I’m making a bit of an adjustment and going for quiet sophistication with luxe fabrics, and a hopefully slimmed down silhouette. Creating this new look has not been easy. First I beelined for the structured clothes in my closet to assess my foundational pieces. Now I’m in the phase where I have begun adding staples from select retailers that offer standouts that can meet my rigorous standards and gentle price point. (Oh so few!) New items must be versatile, comfortable, easy to pack, hard to remember (so I can wear them on repeat!) and look great. I don’t want to be fussy or too done up this year. I want to wear the clothes and not have the clothes wear me.
So if you see me this fall and beyond, take a peek at my outfit of the day and let me know what you think of my newly adjusted look. Better yet, we can compare and share style tips!
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