Here in New York, we have four seasons, which is common sense to most. But sometimes it feels like we could have Winter, Fall, Summer or Spring at any given time of the year…
Here’s a perfect example: even though it’s currently “Fall” at the moment I’m writing this post, it might as well be Winter. We’ve been all over the board with the weather here and to a person that tries to keep a very functional closet, it’s pretty damn frustrating.
So it got me thinking, is there a way that we can avoid falling into that trap of buying things specifically for just one season when we don’t even have a sense of when we’ll have the consistency to wear those one-time items? Can we prepare our closets and wallets better? I know that most of you like to save money while also investing in good quality pieces for your wardrobe, like me, or else you wouldn’t be here in the first place.
Here’s my attempt at trying to deter you from buying that “perfect Fall” whatever and get you to start asking the right questions before you hit check out. I found myself going through these steps a lot this year, especially these past few weeks since we’ve had the most bi-polar weather I’ve ever experienced. Hoping that these next four steps can help you the way it has helped me.
Step 1: Shop for layering pieces.
This might seem like an easy thing to do, and you might be doing it already, but really ask yourself this as you’re searching for a new sweater or really anything piece of clothing time of year. I like a good chunky sweater more than anyone else, but they don’t make great layering pieces unless you want to look like the kid from Christmas Story going into work. Merino wool or cashmere sweaters keep you warm, comfortable and they’re thin enough that you can layer on another sweater or cardigan for colder days or just rock it solo if we’re lucky enough to get some fall days again. What’s good about layering pieces is that you can use them as transitional items in your closet and as you build on this category, you’ll feel less likely that you need an entire new wardrobe when we go into the next seasons.
Step 2: INVEST IN YOUR COATS!
This will really help with step one. Here in New York, we need several staple coats in our wardrobe and no, I’m not exaggerating. Going back to this post I wrote where I talked about capsule wardrobes, there are a good amount of necessary coats you’ll need when you have four seasons. That doesn’t mean you have to go broke to complete this step, but you should keep it as a long goal to check them off. Again, good things take time. I would start by securing a solid peacoat and a puffer or parka. From there, you can build onto it by getting a leather/biker jacket, a denim jacket, a trench coat, a duster, and a rain jacket. NOT ALL AT ONCE, but over time…
Hot tip: please do some research into what temperature degree your coat will protect you in—here’s an example from Mackage, I love that they list the degree temps for your coats. Especially if you’re like me and you’re ALWAYS cold, I want the warmest they got.
Step 3: Have two pairs of boots. One dressy, one functional.
Notice how I said TWO. Two solid pairs should be able to get you through Fall and Winter and maybe depending on the situation can stick around for part of spring, at least for the dressier one. I will say it time and time again that one of the best things I’ve purchased is a pair of Chelsea boots. They give your outfit that dressy vibe or can be casual with the right clothes. I’m able to last a long day in them, especially walking around the city from work to the gym, etc. I personally need to work on the “functional boot” part of this step. I learned the hard way of walking to work in the snow and nearly sliding to my death more times than I can count. This year I’m also going to Colorado so I really am forced to stick to my guns LOL.
Step 4: Have the appropriate accessories.
Hear me out… if you have the right accessories for this weird AF weather situation, you can make the most out of anything in your closet. I got super frustrated the other day because I kept picking things out that I wanted to wear and realized I had no tights that didn’t have holes in them (cue major eye roll). They really put a hold on what you can wear and can’t, especially if you follow the above steps. Take, for instance, even a pair of Summer shorts, I love it when I see people wearing a pair of tights with shorts and a cute sweater top. It’s very New-York-Chic but it’s also just plain smart in maximizing your wardrobe. Also, if you’re wearing a low cut shirt or just want an extra touch of warmth while your outside, a well-made pair of gloves and scarf are everything.
There you have it, some of my tips that I have been following so that I don’t cave at every marketing email I get to buy more things I don’t need AND helps me invest in better long term pieces like those snow boots. Do you have any tips you can share? Areas that you’re struggling with? Share them in the comments!
xox Soho Mini