I've delved into why some items haven't worked (with some surprising results), and how this is going to shape my future shopping. Plus, a styling challenge for you all to join in with!
I’m probably guilty of buying items in the sale (thinking rather smugly of the money I’ve saved) but in hindsight not all purchases are warranted or needed. I’m retired now so my day to day outfits are really quite casual, so I’m focusing on good quality jumpers which I can also dress up for a night out, sweatshirts and jeans for the food shop or my volunteering, and a few staples for girlie lunches or a trip into London if I want to look smart. I’ve found it difficult to let go of my former self in the workplace, however my focus now is to be comfortable in the items I choose, whilst maybe adding in a colour here and there or a nice piece of jewellery - that way I can still feel confident and about how I look.
Good morning, I already know my item. Thank you for this newsletter. It’s so useful and it’s got me thinking not just about clothes I love but don’t wear enough but the reasons why. And there are plenty. It’s a great newsletter!
I cleared out my spare room wardrobe last weekend. It’s the one where I keep holiday clothes and off season items (I have too many clothes). I was prompted by your last newsletter to buy vacuum packs and so sentimental outfits I can no longer wear were vacuum packed and put away. Many items were placed on Vinted. And other items were organised with more care.
I’m just back from a trip to South India so I needed to think about my work wardrobe and cold weather clothes for the next few months. Of course I’ve been tempted by new items too. When I get back from longer trips I am eager to wear my normal clothes again - lovely shoes, jewellery, a handbag and your newsletter made me look more carefully at my wardrobe.
I’m going to try to make the time to accept your challenge. I’m going to play with my item and wear it. I also intend to post. But I’m afraid my combination muscles may be in a rut. Here goes!
Have a good week everyone and thanks Melissa. Xx
One question though… I don’t just have a uniform of favourite clothes at a given time, I have a preferred style or combination and this changes. I can only see one or two ways of styling up outfits because that’s my current ‘vibe’. Is anyone else like this?
Thanks for sharing Rebecca, I'm always so interested to see how other people organise their wardrobes and wear their clothes. I'm already wondering what your items is?!! Don't be put off if you struggle, its all about having a play with your outfits and finding looks that work for you, so it might just be some really subtle changes like adding different jewellery or a different shoe.
In regards to your question, I tend to test styling an item in different situation combinations so casual and dressy etc so that I feel I could wear it in a few ways but I often wear just a few combinations on repeat as they end up being a favourite look (my vibe...I guess).
Maybe try wearing it open like a denim jacket? I have a similar shirt and was struggling to wear it too but it’s now become one of my favorites after I just started throwing it on over various things.
Hi Nicola, no that rail is actually my most worn items which I wrote about on last week's newsletter. I love it!! Why don't you join in the challenge and style the coat in a few ways to check to see if your happy with it and then you can decide if its a keeper?
I'd get a few items out of your wardrobe and try some different combinations. I'm not going to help too much as I want you to work your style muscles yourself ha ha! Let's see how you get on and then I hoping every one will chip in with ideas. So excited for next week!
So many nuggets of shopping and editing wisdom! That’s so interesting about your hair colour change making the Cos jumper work, it looks 😍! And so true about buying multiple colours of something not necessarily working - I’ve done with that a few Zara “everyday” knits/tees that never feel right and don’t get worn.🙄 Love this.
Ooo thanks for the shout out! So exciting! I’ll share that I took my own advice and I styled a bright purple cardigan crew neck last week, and I’m currently wearing a gorgeous Sezane blouse that I haven’t reached for just because it’s so nice. Silly, right? As I’m determined to wear what I have, I put it on and I must say I love it. With a pair of high waisted jeans it’s so nice. Thanks for another great post. It’s so great to look forward to these posts on a Friday.
Hi Melissa. This is a great challenge. I do cull my wardrobe but love looking at the sales. I am drawn to lovely knitwear. I've decided not to vacuum pack everything but to put them in the zip box type storage which has worked much better for me because they are more accessible. I've got some trousers that I love but barely wear so will get them out this week and give them a chance before culling. I need to get my sewing machine out too and do my alterations....😊
Thank you so much for this article. I cannot tell you how refreshing it is to see even you confessing to buying expensive items that you don't wear. The analysis of why you don't wear them in very interesting.
I'm on a lowly salary as a Teaching Assistant and tend to keep some of my nicer things "for best" just in case I do need something smarter. The consequence is that things don't get worn.
Avery interesting newsletter. I have a few items I wish I was wearing more often…. A Sézane silk shirt (I find it difficult to wear with something on top 🤷🏻♀️). An Aligne corduroy dress, which I find heavy and bulky but I love the shape and colour. And a denim dress I, too find, heavy yet I love the shape. Strange how some materials are not quite right 🤔🤷🏻♀️
Hi Melissa - I don't know if you've ever come across The Seam but they repair and renew almost anything (I follow them on Instagram - what they can do is AMAZING!). If you love your YSL loafers I'm sure that they would be able to dye them. I haven't used them yet but am planning to send them my husband's beautiful wool overcoat that has sadly been mothed!
So glad you have rediscovered the purple jumper - the colour is gorgeous! xx
Love the tips in this newsletter! I’ve recently reduced my hours at work and it’s been great to wear more of my wardrobe on my days off! I’m still finding myself looking at “work clothes” when I go shopping though so need to work on that! Xx
This has been a great read Melissa, sorry I’m late to the party I had my kitchen ripped out last week so I’m trying to wear same clothes as much as possible until I get my washer back!!
I have slowly started the January clothes amnesty as I call it. I too have a very similar pair of wide leg trousers bought a few years ago and never worn! Now I’m working at JL my intention will be to wear them with varying tops and footwear whether boots or trainers and get my wear from them. This new job has at least enabled me to wear clothes I’d bought “just in case “ etc and so I’ll be looking at all the extra things I’ve got that I’ve never worn and getting them listed or donated! It’s a great way to look at it and see how little of our wardrobe we actually wear! Enjoy your trip to the lakes xx
Really interested in the try something in the wardrobe you don’t wear often or at all. So I’ve had a go. I cycle around for my job and to and from work which is part of the issue. I need to look smart as I work in schools. I’ve tried a pair of trousers that I don’t wear often. Also a jumper. Yes they work now! I just need socks to tuck my trousers into. Not a great look. But can be fixed when I arrive at work.
Next try on will be a skirt. I find them tricky but like them.
I’m probably guilty of buying items in the sale (thinking rather smugly of the money I’ve saved) but in hindsight not all purchases are warranted or needed. I’m retired now so my day to day outfits are really quite casual, so I’m focusing on good quality jumpers which I can also dress up for a night out, sweatshirts and jeans for the food shop or my volunteering, and a few staples for girlie lunches or a trip into London if I want to look smart. I’ve found it difficult to let go of my former self in the workplace, however my focus now is to be comfortable in the items I choose, whilst maybe adding in a colour here and there or a nice piece of jewellery - that way I can still feel confident and about how I look.
A similar situation for me, would be lovely if you join in the challenge x
Sounds just right x
Good morning, I already know my item. Thank you for this newsletter. It’s so useful and it’s got me thinking not just about clothes I love but don’t wear enough but the reasons why. And there are plenty. It’s a great newsletter!
I cleared out my spare room wardrobe last weekend. It’s the one where I keep holiday clothes and off season items (I have too many clothes). I was prompted by your last newsletter to buy vacuum packs and so sentimental outfits I can no longer wear were vacuum packed and put away. Many items were placed on Vinted. And other items were organised with more care.
I’m just back from a trip to South India so I needed to think about my work wardrobe and cold weather clothes for the next few months. Of course I’ve been tempted by new items too. When I get back from longer trips I am eager to wear my normal clothes again - lovely shoes, jewellery, a handbag and your newsletter made me look more carefully at my wardrobe.
I’m going to try to make the time to accept your challenge. I’m going to play with my item and wear it. I also intend to post. But I’m afraid my combination muscles may be in a rut. Here goes!
Have a good week everyone and thanks Melissa. Xx
One question though… I don’t just have a uniform of favourite clothes at a given time, I have a preferred style or combination and this changes. I can only see one or two ways of styling up outfits because that’s my current ‘vibe’. Is anyone else like this?
Thanks for sharing Rebecca, I'm always so interested to see how other people organise their wardrobes and wear their clothes. I'm already wondering what your items is?!! Don't be put off if you struggle, its all about having a play with your outfits and finding looks that work for you, so it might just be some really subtle changes like adding different jewellery or a different shoe.
In regards to your question, I tend to test styling an item in different situation combinations so casual and dressy etc so that I feel I could wear it in a few ways but I often wear just a few combinations on repeat as they end up being a favourite look (my vibe...I guess).
It’s a beautiful dark blue shirt - it’s a heavy material and a rather masculine cut. I love it but struggle to style it.
Maybe try wearing it open like a denim jacket? I have a similar shirt and was struggling to wear it too but it’s now become one of my favorites after I just started throwing it on over various things.
Morning Melissa, I noticed in your newsletter, the M&S leopard coat in the background, is this on your list of regrets too?
I managed to get one in the sale but can’t decide if it looks like a dressing gown or not 🫣
Just wondered what your thoughts are xx
Hi Nicola, no that rail is actually my most worn items which I wrote about on last week's newsletter. I love it!! Why don't you join in the challenge and style the coat in a few ways to check to see if your happy with it and then you can decide if its a keeper?
Challenge accepted!! Do you have any tips? 😆
I have tried a few things, even brought a scarf as I think it’s the collar that I feel looks a little odd on me.
I did wear it with some faux leather wide trousers and felt it really worked with them, just want to be able to wear it with more items xx
I'd get a few items out of your wardrobe and try some different combinations. I'm not going to help too much as I want you to work your style muscles yourself ha ha! Let's see how you get on and then I hoping every one will chip in with ideas. So excited for next week!
Ha, fair enough, though you are my style muscle 🤣 I’ve come to rely on you heavily since I discovered you!!
I will certainly have a go this weekend, thank you ☺️
Enjoy your trip xx
So many nuggets of shopping and editing wisdom! That’s so interesting about your hair colour change making the Cos jumper work, it looks 😍! And so true about buying multiple colours of something not necessarily working - I’ve done with that a few Zara “everyday” knits/tees that never feel right and don’t get worn.🙄 Love this.
I think I have a habit with crew neck jumpers! Glad you loved this week's newsletter.
haha!!! Maybe we can have too much of a good thing!! 😂 XO
Ooo thanks for the shout out! So exciting! I’ll share that I took my own advice and I styled a bright purple cardigan crew neck last week, and I’m currently wearing a gorgeous Sezane blouse that I haven’t reached for just because it’s so nice. Silly, right? As I’m determined to wear what I have, I put it on and I must say I love it. With a pair of high waisted jeans it’s so nice. Thanks for another great post. It’s so great to look forward to these posts on a Friday.
Fabulous Sue, I hope you’ll join the challenge this Friday with some pics x
Hi Melissa. This is a great challenge. I do cull my wardrobe but love looking at the sales. I am drawn to lovely knitwear. I've decided not to vacuum pack everything but to put them in the zip box type storage which has worked much better for me because they are more accessible. I've got some trousers that I love but barely wear so will get them out this week and give them a chance before culling. I need to get my sewing machine out too and do my alterations....😊
Fabulous! Don’t forget to take some pictures of how you style up the trousers ready for Fridays challenge x
Thank you so much for this article. I cannot tell you how refreshing it is to see even you confessing to buying expensive items that you don't wear. The analysis of why you don't wear them in very interesting.
I'm on a lowly salary as a Teaching Assistant and tend to keep some of my nicer things "for best" just in case I do need something smarter. The consequence is that things don't get worn.
I'll try to do the challenge xx
Hi Karen, I really hope you join in with Friday’s challenge it would be great to see everyone’s ideas x
Avery interesting newsletter. I have a few items I wish I was wearing more often…. A Sézane silk shirt (I find it difficult to wear with something on top 🤷🏻♀️). An Aligne corduroy dress, which I find heavy and bulky but I love the shape and colour. And a denim dress I, too find, heavy yet I love the shape. Strange how some materials are not quite right 🤔🤷🏻♀️
I know! Please do join in the challenge on Friday x
Hi Melissa - I don't know if you've ever come across The Seam but they repair and renew almost anything (I follow them on Instagram - what they can do is AMAZING!). If you love your YSL loafers I'm sure that they would be able to dye them. I haven't used them yet but am planning to send them my husband's beautiful wool overcoat that has sadly been mothed!
So glad you have rediscovered the purple jumper - the colour is gorgeous! xx
Thank you! I shall be checking them out. I did think about having a go myself but didn’t want to mess it up!
Love the tips in this newsletter! I’ve recently reduced my hours at work and it’s been great to wear more of my wardrobe on my days off! I’m still finding myself looking at “work clothes” when I go shopping though so need to work on that! Xx
Brilliant Heather!
This has been a great read Melissa, sorry I’m late to the party I had my kitchen ripped out last week so I’m trying to wear same clothes as much as possible until I get my washer back!!
I have slowly started the January clothes amnesty as I call it. I too have a very similar pair of wide leg trousers bought a few years ago and never worn! Now I’m working at JL my intention will be to wear them with varying tops and footwear whether boots or trainers and get my wear from them. This new job has at least enabled me to wear clothes I’d bought “just in case “ etc and so I’ll be looking at all the extra things I’ve got that I’ve never worn and getting them listed or donated! It’s a great way to look at it and see how little of our wardrobe we actually wear! Enjoy your trip to the lakes xx
Really interested in the try something in the wardrobe you don’t wear often or at all. So I’ve had a go. I cycle around for my job and to and from work which is part of the issue. I need to look smart as I work in schools. I’ve tried a pair of trousers that I don’t wear often. Also a jumper. Yes they work now! I just need socks to tuck my trousers into. Not a great look. But can be fixed when I arrive at work.
Next try on will be a skirt. I find them tricky but like them.
Sounds great! Take some pics of your skirt style to share on Friday please x
My piece is a dress I love but hardly ever wear, I think it wears me 😂. It was expensive too, so it’s got to either be worn or sold on x