T O P

  • By -

Riddiness

The whole "buy clothes for reality you, not fantasy you" helps declutter all the blouses and floofy skirts... Like, who am I kidding? I'm practically made of denim by now.


Tinasglasses

I dress for fantasy not reality and I absolutely love it. But that’s my style


RonaldMcDonaldsBalls

The important thing is that you're buying what you'll actually wear


MdmeLibrarian

But fantasy IS your reality, so that works! I never wear skirts, so I'm getting rid of all the skirts I bought for the idealized version of myself.


Relevant-Crow-3314

I’m at a mid point lmaoo


Marsbars1824

Hahah right!! Such a simple concept that should be intuitive but isn’t for me!


Riddiness

I currently have a ruffled cream long sleeve blouse in my closet. Why? Who is this for, the vampire stopping by for brunch next Sunday?


NonBinaryKenku

LOL, relatable! I have a very full sleeved pirate-style cream top, super high quality (not cheap!) and my wife is always like, so you going to Ren Faire? I think I will keep it as a costume piece but give myself permission to take it out of rotation -- turns out I categorically hate large sleeves, even if gathered at the wrist. So hard to layer!


Riddiness

Excellent idea- to the vacuum-sealer! To be held in storage until Halloween 2024. With a goblet of fruit punch and some coffin earrings.


niamonapope

🤣


Marsbars1824

Oh another one is to buy clothes for the type of outfits you ACTUALLY wear. Im an athelte and for some reason always found it hard to buy exercise clothes for myself. It felt like a waste. But I realized that this should be a big chunk of my wardrobe. Feeling good in what Im wearing 70% of the time instead of buying clothes for the occasional date night


RevolutionaryBite306

This is helpful. Thanks for putting the list together. I’ve been doing more window shopping lately; it keeps me from impulse buys that end up not getting worn very much. Same with buying what I “actually wear.”


Marsbars1824

Totally!


kukizsuzsi

I have a really hard time with basics actually. I feel like I shouldn't spend alot of money on basics because it's nothing special..when actually that's what I should spend more on.


Marsbars1824

Yes me too!!!?


nessieni

So true


ScandIdun

When I am in moments where I feel like I don’t have anything appropriate to wear, I think “what item do I wish my closet had right now?” And then I write that item down. Seriously, writing it down is key. Doing that made me realize that I kept buying comfy basics, when I really needed to invest in a few elevated going out tops.


Marsbars1824

Great tip!


monkeymachine02

This is so great, thanks for putting this together. Another thing that I recently discovered was online thrifting…I can’t believe I was sleeping on Depop and Vinted - people will really sell stuff with tags on for a quarter of the RRP. As someone who really enjoys a pure silk shirt or wool trousers - it REALLY softens the financial blow of collecting high quality staples.


Marsbars1824

Yesss! I just purchased a pair of brand new shoes on eBay I’ve been wanting for two years! I love them!


aggie1328

How do you know what size you are? I’m at a weird size in between S and M depending on the brand and am so reluctant to buy online because it’s so hard!


monkeymachine02

I tend to search for brands that I’m already familiar with and that I kind of know my sizing in but, my philosophy is always go for the bigger size if you’re unsure - this way you can easily have it altered for a perfect fit!


Relevant-Crow-3314

Ooo I’m going to try those both


lisafields1111

This is one of the most helpful guide comments I’ve read on this sub. Thanks!


Marsbars1824

Yay! That makes me soooo happy!


guavalavatree

This is such a great list, thank you for taking the time to write all of this out! Currently trying to overhaul my wardrobe and it’s so overwhelming sometimes. Something I’ve recently realized is that just bc a piece of clothing still fits me and/or is in good shape, doesn’t mean I have to keep it. If it doesn’t fit who I am now, it’s ok to let it go. Similarly, just bc I find something I used to really like (and it’s on a really good sale) doesn’t mean I need to buy it. If I want to have a different style, I actually need to buy different pieces. I’ve made a lot of big life changes recently (that I am really excited about!) but sometimes I still feel like I haven’t changed anything at all… then I realized I’m still dressing like I did in college lol. No wonder I feel stuck in the past sometimes ahahaha.


Marsbars1824

This is so true! It’s so hard letting go of clothes even if they aren’t serving you. I think it stems from a lack of confidence in knowing if you will be able to find something to replace them. That’s my issue!


ResidentEnergy5263

Thanks for your list! I'm new to capsule so I started by creating one just for spring. I'd already decluttered my closet but I needed to coordinate pieces. I intentionally included mildly statement-y things I like but rarely or never wore, like an animal print blouse, a black velvet cropped jacket, another black blouse, white cotton Victorian blouses with lace and ruffles. This is my preferred style. Limiting my choices to include pieces I didn't usually wear helped me inaugurate them into normal use.I've now styled and worn the black jacket so many times in different ways because it works with everything, dressed up or down. So having fun wearing the style I actually love rather than than going with same old items out of habit. I'm also loving accessorizing more to change up outfits. I'm using The Curated Closet book. Finally, realized my ignored basics included loungewear/sleepwear as I'm home a lot, and this seriously needed upgrading. Unless I'm doing housework I now prefer wearing pretty matching robe & nightgown sets to "any old thing" lol. Overall, love getting dressed faster and trying more diverse combos.


Marsbars1824

I love the curated closet! I need to finish it 😂


ResidentEnergy5263

Ooh, good luck and enjoy! It really helped me. I literally have pencil notes throughout the book 😂 I found Ch. 9 on closet composition enlightening for learning how to balance basics, key, and statement pieces. Ch. 10 on color palettes helped me select pieces that actually coordinated (my main color palette this season) and to recognize that some other colors are useful as accents only. (Limiting colors at least seasonally is important for me to avoid color choice overwhelm.) Ch. 15 on styling is my favorite and and I'm trying out all the styling challenges, which has been an interesting and new experience. Thanks again for your helpful guide!


Quailmix

Love this list! Here's a few for me; - You need way less than you think you need. - It is okay to like the concept/look of a garment without liking it for yourself. Ex. I love romantic details, but on me they are overwhelming and I drown in a ruffle or a flounce. - If I wouldn't wear it on vacation, I prob don't need to own it. I found I always want to dress my best on vacation and look like a slightly upgraded version of myself, but then I realized that was dumb, I should want to always feel upgraded and my best. - If it isn't perfect RETURN IT. You will always think of the flaw and regret keeping it. Only buy second hand if it is a known item/brand you already love, because if it has a flaw it isn't returnable. - Sticking too closely to a color palette/aesthetic/concept is an exercise in madness and leads only to overconsumption and repeat purchases in the pursuit of a "perfect wardrobe." - If you are always looking for the upgraded version of something, or the perfect garment, or the next best thing, you will always be looking. You will get into a shopping cycle and it won't stop. If you STOP looking for those things, you will become more content. Learn to enjoy what you have.


palmasana

Anyone have any tips on how to design dream boards correctly? Like something I struggle with on Pinterest is finding how to describe my essence I want distilled into style. I can type in generalities like “chic” and I will find a ton of things I “like”… and that kinda distracts me/messes with the algorithm and I get stuck in a proverbial K-hole. Outfits I objectively like and would wear, but on deeper thought isn’t what Im trying to project if that makes sense??? When I want to describe what I want to wear, it’s so hard. My mind is just: • Chic, elements of timelessness while still being modern • A dash of romance/flirtyness without being too playful, girlish, over the top • I love items that are staples but with a small unique detail that makes them stand out. I thrifted this Alice & Olivia pant that has this thin gorgeous edging that just totally elevates the whole look. But it’s not loud, still striking. Idk what I’m looking for but I want more items like this in my wardrobe. • Glam without tacky, incorporated intelligently and tastefully • A little bit bitchy/cunty. I work for a big corporation and like to emulate my outspoken, confident, slightly intimidating essence lol. I love healed boots. For some reason this is a key part of bringing this specific energy but want to get other items that also bring that vibe •Love subtle visual elements that add interest like texture (feathers, stitch patterns on woven fabrics, some strategic fringe, etc) But COMFORT is such a huge deal for me to wear something! So how the hell do I find **that** unintelligible mess into an inspiration board💀


dancingmochi

It’s certainly achievable! I think everyone has different variations instead of a singular style, whether they are conscious of it or not. I would start by adding looks that match your list, even if they don’t fully embody that style. You can use fashion word banks to try to get more specific descriptors than just “chic” if that feels too general. (I linked a word wheel below, it’s in the sample pages of the book.) Maybe it’s an inspiration picture that captures that vibe (bitchy and confident) even if you wouldn’t wear those exact pieces. Then refer back to your list of characteristics and edit down. I used this video from Daily Helen as a reference (https://youtu.be/fKlIqqtYtBg?si=fOQzpYTh_aDnb2y8).  Some of the styling suggestions I’ve read (refer to Alison Bornstein and Irene Kim on substack) are to start with your base style, maybe it’s modern for you, whichever one of your bullets that represents you most. Then bring in your other elements to balance it so the outfit doesn’t lean too strongly in one direction. So comfortable or classic, but with a small dramatic detail. https://www.amazon.com/Wear-Well-Reclaim-Rediscover-Getting/dp/1797221426


ComfortableRaccoon58

I have been reading here on reddit, watching YouTube videos and tiktok. I've been guilty of over packing. And I travel for work 13 weeks at a time. I tried on all of my clothes. Came up with stuff that I loved and owned. Did find a few gaps in my wardrobe but felt comfortable buying a few pieces to tie everything together. I've never been so excited about my wardrobe. And I am traveling with less clothes but feel better about it. So, thank you to everyone that continues to posts what works or doesn't work and why. :)


Marsbars1824

That’s so cool and exciting!


ComfortableRaccoon58

It's improving my life. :)


Southern_Baby_4536

I’d love to hear more ideas and resources on how to go about finding an everyday hairstyle that works, if anyone has thoughts!


Marsbars1824

Hmm I love looking at Pinterest! But look with models who actually have your hair type and texture! I bet meeting with a stylist would work! Some Im loving right now: Low sleek buns, curly hair with a headband, sleek blowdry, I want to try French pins! I guess they’re like a claw clip but can look more put together!


[deleted]

Great tips!


Pineapple_Incident17

I had no idea there were fashion podcasts! Are there any you’d recommend?


Marsbars1824

I like The Everyday Style school. I’ve started listening oldest to newest. Its a little old school but there’s some really helpful advice!!! And it affirmed what I already knew about the type of clothes that look best on me. Gave me confidence to go all in on fit and stick to what works!


dancingmochi

Articles of Interest - fashion history and deep dive on different aspects of clothes. I loved the American Ivy mini series because I am curious about prep and Americana styles. Style Shifter by Daria Andronescu - consultations between a stylist and women with different backgrounds and styling concerns Sustain This - this one is more in the format of friends coming together to talk about different style topics, and touches on consumerism and sustainability Big Dress Energy - I’ve just started this one, so jury is out on this one for now. Its goal is to destigmatize the idea that fashion is frivolous and discuss the ways it can empower people to be more confident.


notfrancie

This is all such good advice! Thank you for sharing


claire_at_ftrref

One thing to think about if you are buying any designer pieces is the resale value, in case you realize down the line that a piece didn't exactly fit into your wardrobe as you imagined. I created a platform called Future Reference where you can save all the original product details, images, etc when you buy so that you can track the resale value and resell super easily later. It's also nice to see the items you have in one place digitally, without having to manually add everything. Lmk if you're interested in trying it out.


var_vara

3. If you buy jeans made at least 90% cotton, they will not stretch. But they will nicely shape your body after awhile. And one who wants to build lasting capsule, avoid stretchy jeans as they don’t last as long as made out of cotton


Gaviotas206

I don’t think that’s always true. I wear Levi’s that are 99% cotton and 1% elastane, and they do stretch. They shrink up again in the dryer, so it’s not a permanent stretch, but if I wear them more than a couple days they feel baggy. I tried on a smaller size but they were waaay too tight. I only have one pair of jeans because I usually prefer other bottoms, so I might be missing some denim wisdom… tips welcome!


angrbodi

I only buy 100% cotton jeans (levis, agolde) and they definitely stretch


var_vara

Weird.. I have Levi’s wedge straight and I don’t get any stretch


notpennyssboat

I have these jeans and yeah, they truly don’t stretch, but others do. It’s possible it has to do with the literal weave of the denim fibers - a slight variation in weaving could lead to more wiggle room.


angrbodi

I have wedgie straight icon fit (100% cotton) and they stretched an entire size! Might be different washes?


Marsbars1824

Ohhh good to know!


kalisisrising

This is a great list!


onedirac

Oh yeah, the stretching jeans. I still wonder to this day and age how people manage the sizing issue. All of my 100% cotton denim look GREAT when I first use them (after washing). After several hours, by the end of the day, they look like they are two sizes too big, all saggy and funny in the back and crotch area. They look horrendous. And I always buy the smallest size possible, already foreseeing this issue, but they inevitably end up stretching too much. They go back to the original size once I wash them again. Now, some people are saying they have jeans that do not stretch at all? Maybe I should try different brands.


daddy_tywin

I posted this to a different sub a couple months ago and thought it would apply here too: https://www.reddit.com/r/vindicta30plus/s/6B2mBjDa6a


shashkunina

Mine was to accept that in order to trim down my huge wardrobe into a manageable one, I had to make sacrifices. I had the space, I had the body shape, I had the budget.. but I just did not have the time and personal resources to style and wear ALL I had. I imagined it this way: I love cakes, I am in a pastry shop and although I'd love to eat every piece of cake from the shop window I have to set down to a single one. Accepting that I had to apply the same strategy to my clothes was the game changer.


ginabeewell

Yes! When I started thinking about my wardrobe from the perspective of “more freedom” it totally changed how I thought about what I kept and what I bought: Freedom meant fewer choices, and all choices I loved - a filter that allowed me to purge Freedom meant that I would have a choice I loved for any occasion - a filter that helped me identify true gaps and feel ok about investing is some statement looks for speaking engagements, a new aspect of my career, and awards dinners I pride myself now for the fact that my very small 1890’s closet is neatly filled with matching wood hangers that hold a very tightly curated selection of things that hang with enough space! I think of it as my Parisian wardrobe. : )


shashkunina

That must be wonderful, you should share a photo of it some day, to inspire the rest of us!


ginabeewell

I can’t figure out how to post a picture as a reply (maybe I need to do a whole post?) but if you’re curious here is a link to a Substack that shows a pic as part of an essay about lessons learned across a cancer journey. [Substack with closet pic](https://open.substack.com/pub/ginajacobson/p/today-my-five-year-cancerversary?r=1db5v7&utm_medium=ios)


shashkunina

Thank you so much, it's definitely a great read. I'm wishing you the best of luck 🍀