2020 Wardrobe Planning — Cotton Cashmere Cat Hair

For the past two years, I have put together wardrobe plans to guide my clothing-related purchases for the year (here’s 2019 and 2018). So far, I think they’ve been working pretty well. My plan was always in the back of my mind whenever I thought about adding new things to my closet, and I really think they helped me keep the impulse purchases to a minimum. Here’s what my plan consisted of last year:

Don’t feel the need to shop every sale / I feel like I did a decent job at avoiding sales last year, but it’s hard to tell. I will say that I successfully avoided most Black Friday/Cyber Monday sales; I only placed three orders as opposed to one from each of my favorite retailers, haha. And I didn’t go overboard with my spending with those purchases, either. I actually spent more on my full-price Everlane purchases around that same time.
Shop more secondhand / Hmm, I didn’t do this as much as I was hoping I would. I browsed Poshmark every once in a while but never found much that I wanted. I did order a pair of sunglasses in December, and then I kicked off the new year with two more Poshmark purchases.
Consider tailoring / I didn’t get anything tailored last year, but I do have a couple of things on my to-likely-tailor list: I’d like my Madewell black paperbag pants to be a little bit shorter, and I have an old boxy, oversized top that I don’t want to part with because I love the print but I haven’t worn it in a while that I’m thinking about having it made into a pillowcase. I also have a top that I love the fit of but might try dyeing this year since its current color has gotten washed out with wear…now to decide on a color!
Seek out more small makers/ethical retailers / I made my first purchases from ABLE (two pairs of earrings) and Nisolo (two pairs of shoes) last year.
Focus on machine-washable materials / I really focused on this point last year. Most things that I bought can be machine washed (just not sure about my fuzzy Uniqlo fleece jacket, haha). I feel like this point is ingrained in me now.
Refine my summer work style / Like in 2018, I specifically wanted to focus on adding more layering tops, third pieces (such as cardigans and blazers), midi skirts, and lightweight pants for work. I think this might be an ongoing goal of mine since I still don’t feel like my summer wardrobe is where I want it to be yet. Summer is hard! It’s so hot outside yet the office feels like a freezer. I did purchase a couple of pairs of lightweight linen/linen-blend pants, layering tops, another midi skirt, and a new cardigan that I’m sure will get more wear this summer. Hopefully I’ll find more of what I’m looking for this year!

I tried to mix up my goals a little bit this year. Let’s take a look!

FOCUS ON FIT AND COMFORT

Fit is the single most important aspect of an outfit. The fit of your clothes can make or break the whole look, and it also dictates how well you feel in that outfit. I’ve mentioned this in years past, but I’m going back to getting rid of the items I have that don’t fit like I wish they did (or altering them if I still love them and it’s possible to alter). Life is too short to force myself to wear clothes (and shoes) that would look and feel better if they were in a different size. I don’t like yanking on and fixing my clothes all day! I also need to make sure my new pieces fit exactly as I’d hoped—or that I’m willing to alter them so that they do fit exactly as I hoped.

TRY NEW STYLES

There are new trends popping up every year and I’m so behind on what’s in and what’s out. I’m still over here in Idaho wearing my skinny jeans (I have a death grip on them) and refusing to give into the overalls and flare denim trends that take me back to questionable outfits of my younger years. I’d like to still try some new styles, though. I successfully dipped my toes back into the bootcut trend with a relatively tame pair from Madewell. Next, maybe I’ll try straight leg denim? Whoa, don’t let me get too crazy. 😉I also just bought a scrunchie; I loved those things when I was younger. Starting small over here! Haha.

DON’T OVERTHINK SUMMER

I definitely have enough clothes to get me through the summer and I love (most of) them, but for some reason, I still think my spring/summer wardrobe is incomplete compared to my fall/winter wardrobe. Maybe I’m just unsure what my summer style is? Looking back, my outfits from last summer were pretty successful and felt very “me” overall. I feel like I get in outfits ruts easier in the summer and I’m not sure why. I suppose “try new styles” ties in here, too—perhaps trying some new things will invigorate my love for the warmer months. I already love the weather, now I just need to love my style!

TRUST MY GUT

I don’t know if you know this about me, but…I second-guess myself all the time about nearly everything and every decision I’ve ever made. Normally when it comes to clothing purchases, I know if something is going to work for me or not after looking at it or trying it on even if I am second-guessing myself (note to self: “I don’t know” means no). I tend to go back and forth if I ask for an opinion and get a lukewarm response. I need to trust my gut and pass on things that my gut is telling me won’t get worn enough or keep things that I love even if they’re a little outside of my comfort zone.

SHOP SMALL AND SECONDHAND

I combined two of my goals from 2019 into one. I’d like to keep them going in 2020 and I’m sure for all years in the future! Now that I have an American Express card, I’m constantly on the lookout for offers—and right now they’re offering a $15 credit if you spend $50 on Poshmark (including shipping). The offer can be used twice for a total credit of $30! I browse the app a lot more knowing that I have these offers, but in general it’s so much better for the environment to buy pre-loved clothes. As for small makers, I’m happy I found two new ones I love last year, and I’d love to check out more this year. I still need to check out the boutiques here in town. Sadly, a bunch of them have been closing recently.

TAKE CARE OF THE CLOTHES I HAVE

I haven’t been good about making sure my sweaters are carefully washed and stored (especially my cashmere sweaters) at the end of every winter. My leather shoes and bags could also use a good cleaning, and my old yellow pair of Hunter boots are cracked and need to be repaired so I can wear them again. I’m admittedly very lazy when it comes to the upkeep of my clothes, especially the ones that are dry clean only according to the tag but that actually do better when they are hand washed (such as cashmere and wool). My goal this year is to remove stains, wash things that need to be washed, care for my leather items, fix or have tailored anything that needs it, and overall take care of my clothes because they take care of me! The upkeep will cost time in the short term but save me money in the long term.

ITEMS FEATURED

Madewell sleeveless chambray shirt (no longer available) / Grana cashmere sweater (no longer available) / Madewell flannel Sunday shirt / Everlane texture cotton sweater / Uniqlo fluffy yarn zip-up fleece jacket / Madewell Cali demi-boot jeans / Everlane authentic stretch skinny button fly jeans / Everlane Day crossover sandals / Sperry Saltwater rain boots / Minnie + George circle crossbody bag (no longer available) / AUrate gold hoop earrings c/o