Bet you wondered if I was going to sew curtains forever! I finished my last 2 sets this past weekend, and while there will be more later on, I want to stop and work on my wardrobe for a few weeks. Pictures of the completed living room are coming this weekend – I am not exaggerating when I say that it’s like I live in a different house now – I love it!
Having said that, I’m not super excited with the fall patterns, though there were a few that I loved. And my life has changed so much – I’m working outside the house again, which means I need more professional type pieces than before. It’s easy for me to fall into the trap of wearing whatever I see first, but I’m really trying not to – I know that I feel better in general if I put in a little effort. With that in mind, I’m trying to identify holes in my wardrobe and fill them.
I like to ask myself these questions when working on wardrobe planning:
1. What image do I want to project?
I firmly believe that the way you dress makes a difference in how you are perceived by the world. I don’t want to get into whether that’s fair or not (hint: it’s not, especially as pertains to women). Having said that, I find that as an introvert (thanks for the comments on my last post – I am feeling better!) that it helps me to imagine myself filling a role. As a musician and actor, this sort of thinking comes naturally. Right now my concerns are two-fold: I want to appear confident and competent, but I also want to be approachable.
2. How do I want to feel?
It’s not just about the outside – clothes affect your mood. I always want to be comfortable, but I don’t wish to feel messy or sloppy. I’m not interested in being uncomfortable for fashion, because I think you can be fashionable without torturing yourself.
3. What are the practical considerations?
I have to walk a fair bit, sometimes in cold weather. I don’t like to wear anything that is tight around the ribcage (for breathing). I prefer sleeves, and can’t understand why women’s clothing doesn’t seem to come with them anymore. If I make something with short sleeves I have to wear a sweater all the time (or not wear the item at all.) I don’t like to wear black because I have a long haired cat.
I find that these three questions help me to narrow my focus. After that I go through my closet and donate anything that doesn’t make me feel that way (I always recommend doing this with a friend – I know I’m not objective about things that I’ve made!) I have that planned for this weekend, and after that I’ll have a better idea of the state of my wardrobe.
Off to think about patterns…
Green apples - Stitchywitch Creates 
Amen, to the no sleeves thing! I am plus sized, and most sleevless things don’t work because my bust is big, but my arms are smaller, so everything either gapes on the side or the sleeve hole hits down below where my bra starts. Plus I just like sleeves, call me crazy.
I agree about the sleeves thing too! I don’t want to wear a jacket or sweater all the time.
I don’t think it is a professional look either. As I age I am not as comfortable wearing sleeveless.
These are good questions! I’m trying to build a wardrobe post-baby, so obviously it has to be comfortable. But, I’m trying to make it feel current (I’m not a trendy person, but I don’t want to look totally clueless!), only a lot of the current trends violate question #2, they make me feel sloppy!
I like how you plan. I’m the same when it comes to sleeves. In an office, I need sleeves and at least a light layer that looks professional and is comfortable. That usually means using structured patterns with soft fabric. Anyway, I agree that you need to feel comfortable in your role and in your skin:)
Sound advice in your wardrobe planning. It’s about time for me to do a purge, also. I hate getting rid of clothing, but I love the space it frees up!
nice post
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I agree with you about the sleeves! Even short sleeves are preferable to sleeveless.
I like the questions you ask yourself! and totally agree with you on the point of comfort vs fashion!
Great questions! I’m still hunting for the perfect wool to make a coat … the perfect wool at the perfect price, that is. 🙂 And I want a deep wine color too. (I don’t sound picky, do I?!)