As I shared a few week ago, I am trying to do things differently this fall. I am deeply craving simplicity in most areas of my life, including my wardrobe and any wardrobe additions I might have. As I’ve been mulling all of this over, I’ve realized there are a handful of things that I used to do that I am NOT doing this fall.
1 // I’m not buying a big haul of clothes for fall.
This year my list is very short, as I’m trying to honor my desire for simplicity in my wardrobe. It’s SO EASY to get swept up in the excitement of the changing season and go overboard for fall. I do think buying a lot last year, and then largely staying home, makes most of the items I bought still feel new, so there is a bit less of the drive for more. And with less of a drive, I am browsing online less, which also reduces the desire to buy.
2 // I’m not using shopping to fantasize about the life that might be.
I think we buy so much for fall because we are daydreaming about sipping pumpkin spice lattes and walking through crunchy leaves while wearing stylish boots and chunky sweaters. Fall is the season of new beginnings and it’s very easy to get swept up into the romanticism and emotions of it all. And one tangible way to feel like we are participating is by buying fall clothing. But a reality check reminds up that we cannot buy happiness. Instead, perhaps we can focus on being mindful and living in the moment. We can be present instead of constantly daydreaming about the future. And the money we save not shopping for our emotions can be used to buy extra lattes, take road trips to look at our favorite fall foliage spots, or travel to spend more time with loved ones.
Additionally, I’m trying to be realistic about our pandemic situation right now, and not use shopping as a form of escapism. Instead, I’ll be shopping with practicality and high target style in mind, and I won’t shop – or browse – often.
3 // I’m not buying items that don’t match my climate.
For so long I thought I could make items like lightweight pants, wide, cropped pants, or boxy tops work in my cold, wet climate. But without fail those are always the items that collect dust because they just don’t work in real life. I’m trying really hard to weigh whether an item adds practical style to my wardrobe, or is just something that’s going to cause me to fuss over it.
4 // I’m not buying any heels.
I’m probably not even going to wear them. Not even heeled boots. Life feels increasingly casual right now, and I am okay with that. I have a new found love for sneakers and the world of comfortable, platform boots is a very fun place to hang out.
5 // I’m not shopping early.
No more ordering items while it’s still hot out and trying to guess if they’re what I’ll actually want to wear when it’s cold. For too long, I’ve tried to forecast into the future and figure out what I’m going to want to wear when it’s cold, cloudy and rainy. It’s much easier to make the correct decision when you’re in the season. Now that we’re getting into late August, the lines are starting to get blurred on this one, but I’m trying really hard to wait a few more weeks before I select my few fall additions.
I’d love to hear if you have any clothing habit shifts going into this fall, feel free to share below.
Side note: I originally thought I’d make a YouTube video about this, but decided it made more sense for writing, since it’s not a super visual topic. If there are any topics or how-to’s you want see on YouTube in the future, be sure to let me know!
Hi Andrea, I really enjoyed this post, thank you! Coupled with Style Bee’s recent closet audit prompt, it gives some great things to think about. Right now, I feel like I know exactly what I would like in my summer wardrobe, and I recall that by January or February last year, I also knew what I felt was missing. I am going to channel that feeling when I start getting the fall collection emails. I do have a list on my phone from last year where for fall/winter I wished I had a rain coat and winter coat that fit big sweaters and a pair of lug sole boots. For early fall I am going to try and stick with that list only and see what else comes along. Thanks again!
It’s so hard not to jump the gun! Even in researching this post I realized a lot of labels haven’t released their fall collections, so I am continuing to work on cooling my shopping jets right now until I get a FULL picture of what’s to come. I think you’ll enjoy my post tomorrow where I go in-depth on lug boots, hahaha. Thanks for stopping by Lindsey! And thanks for the nudge to go read Lee’s post, that one was SO GOOD.
I definitely just clicked on every lug sole boot link over my morning coffee – ha! I can’t quite figure out the vibe I want and wonder if I should just make a safe choice like Doc Martens – classic, not too pricey. Thanks, Andrea!
Same, I am going to have to really mull this one over! Good luck friend!
This was an excellent blogpost.
Thank you!! Means so much to me that you’d stop by Ailsa! xx
Hello Andrea, thank you for this. I needed to hear number 2 as Im always guilty of that one! Good work, will share these ideas in my community.
Thank you for the feedback Erika, I’m so glad that resonated for you!
Hi Andrea, Thanks so much for your insight on fall shopping. I’m feeling internal pressure around fall shopping this year, especially since I need several pieces, including bigger ticket items like a coat and shoes. However, I don’t enjoy shopping for cooler weather clothes when it’s still hot and humid where I am. I’m worried also about making shopping mistakes while adding too many pieces to my wardrobe all at once. This morning I’m taking a step back from shopping and taking care of my summer to fall transition wardrobe.
Hi Zoe, I find that sometimes if I’m not ready to buy, I make a list on my phone, and then sit with it for a few weeks (or longer!) and things sort of fall off it, or come into focus more clearly. Good luck with your choices!