Get Your Wardrobe Ready for Fall!

The cool weather is almost here, so it’s time to get your wardrobe ready for fall!

Fall is fast approaching where I live, even though outside temps are reaching the high 80’s this week. It’s important to have your fall wardrobe prepared in advance, though. Last year we had 80 degree weather halfway through October, and then a cold front moved in and temps were suddenly in the 50’s. Luckily I had started shopping for my fall wardrobe back in the summer, and I was prepared.

I already have a comprehensive list of things you can do to get your wardrobe ready for the upcoming season. It’s my Get Your Wardrobe Ready for Spring! post, and the information there is not just specific to spring. If you’d like more in depth detail on how to go through all your clothing, pick out the items you want for the upcoming season, and identify your wardrobe holes, be sure to read that one.

Get Your Wardrobe Ready For Fall

First, see what you have

Pull out your own fall clothing now. Take it all out of the closet and drawers and put it on your bed or some other surface where you can see everything. Hopefully it’s not a pile worthy of Marie Kondo’s Tidying TV show. If so, KonMari that stuff first. This is the easiest way to figure out what you need to keep you warm and stylish when the cold weather comes.

Pick out all the pieces from your current wardrobe that you want to keep going into the colder months. For those pieces that didn’t make the cut: either donate or store them. Now you’ll be able to asses each item and discover what you need to purchase.

If you’re doing a capsule wardrobe, have in mind a general idea of how many pieces of each kind of thing you want to have. For example, you may want around three pairs of pants, four blouses, three sweaters, two skirts, and three dresses. Or more. Or less. The important thing is having enough clothing you keep you warm and chic without being overwhelmed with too many choices every day.

Make sure your clothing and outerwear are in good condition

Now that you’ve picked out what you’ll be keeping, check over each piece. Making sure your clothing is in good condition is especially important before fall and winter. You want to be sure any winter boots are still in working order, and if not, get them to the cobbler or replace them. Likewise, be sure your jackets and coats are still in good condition. You don’t want the cold weather to hit and then discover your ten-year-old coat is now falling apart.

Really check over each piece of clothing. This is important because a piece of clothing may have developed a hole or other flaw you didn’t realize. You don’t want to be out in public only to discover your favorite leggings have gotten a hole in the rear.

If you’re not sure at a cursory glance, put something on and see how it looks on you in the mirror – check the view from all angles. That sweater may have looked fine folded up, but when you put it on, maybe it’s actually lost its shape. Let’s avoid any faux pas and wardrobe malfunctions!

If any of your fall/winter clothing need mending or tailoring, now is the time to do it. You’ll be glad everything is in working order and ready to wear when the cold weather hits.

Write down lists of what you need and want

One easy way to begin preparing your wardrobe is to make two lists. One is for your wardrobe holes a.k.a. things you need. The other is a wish list of things you’d like to add to your wardrobe if you can afford them after you get the things from the first list.

Have five pairs of jeans, but none of them fit you right? Put on your list a pair of perfectly fitting jeans. Shoes worn out? Write on your list that you need some new ones, and try to imagine the perfect pair. You want to look for those. Have you been wanting a wool skirt for years? Add it to your wish list so you can start mindfully looking for one.

I’ll give you a list of things I need and my wish list of what I’d get if I could afford them, to inspire you to think about what you need in your own wardrobe.

What I need in my wardrobe this coming fall:

a pair of jeans I don’t have to constantly yank up
a pair of leggings that aren’t too tight in the waist
a flattering sweater that’s actually warm
new ballet flats

My fall wardrobe wish list:

another pair of ankle boots
a winter weight midi skirt
a cropped cardigan
a nursing-friendly dress with long sleeves in fall colors
a long sleeved tee that isn’t tight but that also doesn’t look frumpy
a flannel shirt that’s actually flannel
a pair of tall black boots with a heel between 1 and 2 1/2 inches to wear with fall/winter dresses and skirts

Start checking things off your list

Now you’ll want to begin looking for these items. Let’s be intentional about our shopping this year. If you can afford it, buy one high quality thing that will last you for years rather than five cheaper versions from the fast fashion shops. Trust me: spending $100 on a pair of jeans makes my eyes bulge out too, but it’s better than buying three pairs of $30-45 jeans and having them wear out or fit unsatisfactorily. That one perfect pair of more expensive jeans will last you for years and look good for longer.

If you’re on a budget, try out online consignment. These are sites where you can find good quality second hand clothing at a good price. I’ve gotten great deals on like-new and even occasionally brand new clothing by shopping secondhand. On many of these you can enter in your preferred sizes. Online sites worth checking out:

Another way to be intentional with your shopping is to buy only what’s on your list. Sure, you can pick up those five tops that catch your eye while you’re out looking for a pair of great jeans. But if those tops don’t fit into your existing wardrobe, they will just sit in your closet, unworn. It’s unhelpful to buy a piece you like in the spur of the moment but that doesn’t actually go with anything you already own. Try not to purchase something just because “it looks nice” or “it’s on sale”. That’s how you end up with a closet full of clothes and nothing to wear.

By making a list and shopping intentionally, we can keep our wardrobes from overflowing our closets and stay chic in the process. And if we choose to purchase secondhand as well, we can save money and take a step towards sustainability at the same time.

Are you getting your wardrobe ready for fall? What pieces are on your wish list? Leave a comment below!