Step #3:
Make a list of all items needed to fill out your closet or replace previous pieces
that no longer fit or are too worn.
I know listmaking is not for everyone, but honestly, it really does help you take an objective look at what you have. Hopefully, as you tried on your fall/winter clothing in the previous step you made Notes in the column on your list for that purpose. Now you need to curl up on the couch with a cup of coffee/tea and your list and do some serious thinking. Maybe after compiling your list and trying on your clothing, you realized that you have 20 pairs of jeans. You could therefore reasonably assume that you do not need any jeans for the upcoming season! You might notice that you have 15 sweaters and 7 of them are black. You could therefore reasonably assume that you do not need to buy a black sweater! If you noticed items that you wear regularly that were worn or no longer functional, make a note to look for a replacement. I would advise you to make a list of "Needs" and "Wants". A need would be a pair of jeans in a dark wash to replace the ones you currently have with a ragged hem. A want would be a pair of highlighter yellow skinny jeans to embrace the colored denim trend. One is a staple in your wardrobe and the other is just a trendy piece that you'll probably no longer wear in a year.
It's hard sometimes to look objectively at your wardrobe needs when the retailers are offering huge discounts, the consignment store has a 50% off sale, or you spot a new "have to have" pair of shoes. However, the plain fact is that after a while you amass such a great amount of clothing that you have trouble deciding what to wear because there are too many choices....and oftentimes you feel guilty about wearing one thing to death while other pieces that you "loved at purchase" languish in your closet never seeing the light of day. Honestly (and I've been there), it's a bit embarrassing to come to the end of a clothing season and realize you have things hanging in your closet unworn...and often with the tags still attached. Ladies, who thrift..keep this thought in mind. Another of any item is just another! You may only pay $2 for that sweater at Goodwill, but too many $2 sweaters down the road and you've amassed quite a collection of cheap sweaters you will never have enough time to wear. No one needs multiples nor do you need 50 of anything; whether it be shirts, pants, or sweaters. This is where your mind comes in! Try to separate what you honestly need from things that would be fun to have. As you contemplate, make a list and then put it in your purse, IPad or Smartphone. You need to have this when the siren-call of the great sale beckons!
Here's a glance at my Needs vs. Wants list that I jotted down after perusing my spreadsheet. If you'll notice, a good portion of the "Needs" items are replacements for things that I had to get rid of due to fit or wear.
Just a few notes on my list:
LBD means "little black dress". Everyone woman should have one. They can be worn to weddings, funerals, parties, special events, etc. I had one that was looking pretty bad and never fit particularly well...so I donated it and am on the lookout for another one. A few sweaters are needed to actually complete an outfit. I have some closet "orphans". These are items purchased for great deals or because I loved them....but I have absolutely nothing to wear with them. Most closet orphans I've gotten rid of, but a few special pieces deserve to be kept/worn, so I'm hunting for sweaters/blouses to make the outfit complete. Beware the great deal that leaves you with a closet orphan. It's not a great deal when you have to buy 3 other pieces to even be able to wear the orphan! Notice all the replacements? These were pulled directly from my inventory list. The holey sweaters have been thrown away and I need replacements for those ASAP. I'm still on the lookout for other items. Most of these replacements are workhorse items in my winter wardrobe and they should be first on my shopping list.
The Wants on my list are things I've noticed in catalogs that I'd like to have if they should go on deep sale. Most are duplicates or trendy items that I'd like to try. I already own a tweed blazer, but it's funcational brown. I'd love to add one with a pop of color. I already own a printed button up, but it'd be nice to have one in fall colors. These are items that are not needed, but would just be fun to have if I ran across a good deal. I will not actively shop for these items because they're not needed.
So, realistically, after analyzing my list above, I can see that I'm not really in need of a ton of things for fall/winter. The things I do need I can actively browse for in stores, magazines, online and on Ebay. Tomorrow we'll look at budgeting and how to about filling out these wardrobe holes.
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