It’s time to join my pals Sarah, and Kim for our monthly Signature Style Edit. Let’s talk about Buying better clothes, buying less of them, and wearing them more. Think of CPW (costs per wear). Let’s talk about How to Refresh Your Closet by Buying Very Little.
When you are considering new items ask yourself these three questions. Does it fit well? If not, don’t buy it. Do you own something similar? If so, you don’t need it. Do you know where and when you will be wearing it? If you have no idea, do not buy it.
I want to refresh my wardrobe and bring you some fresh ideas on how to update your look for fall, but I don’t want to buy a bunch of “stuff” that I won’t wear. I bought three items that I am really happy with. A bell-sleeved cotton mock neck from Anthropologie (the bell sleeves are a little trendy) but you can shove the sleeves up (which is what I always do), a reformation leopard slip skirt (you saw it in my outfit of the week), and an ultra-light cashmere pashmina from J Crew. (40%off by the way). These three items can be styled multiple ways with things I already own.
Let’s start with the Reformation Skirt. I featured it in my outfit of the week here.
Most slip skirts that I have tried on are too thin and revealing for my taste. This one is thicker and more substantial so it doesn’t show every flaw. I purchased a 4 and wasn’t sure if it would fit. I almost ordered a six. I am 5’4 roughly 128 lbs. It fits like a glove and the quality is wonderful. Here I am wearing it with the Anthropologie Maeve Sweater and my Gentle Souls boots that I bought last year. These boots are super comfortable. All items will be linked at the bottom of the post
Here I am wearing the leopard skirt with my Gentle Souls booties, a banana republic stretch cotton shirt (still available but a few years old), gentle souls booties, and an old rag and bone bag. I found a couple on ebay, and an almost identical one from Marc Jacobs. All are linked at the bottom of the post. My new glasses frames are the Marlton by Lowercase, from Specs by Kyla in Atascadero. I highly recommend her if you are local.
Below, I am pairing the leopard skirt with my very old moto jacket and my Stuart Weitzman combat boots (on sale). These boots are now in the outlet. They are pricey but I like the slimmer silhouette of these boots. They are not as clunky looking as some.
I am wearing the Banana Republic vest that you spotted in this post, Great Transitional Jackets that will Take You Into Fall. I am able to pair it with many things I already own, so I decided to keep it. I am wearing the Anthro turtleneck and the Gentle Souls boots.
In the final leopard skirt look, I am pairing it with the second item I purchased, the J Crew cashmere pashmina, and the same boots. The hat is from several seasons ago but I have linked a better version at the bottom of the post. I love the weight of the J Crew pashmina for Fall. The leopard skirt could be easily paired with a jean jacket (as I did in this post Skirts you can Wear Now or Later).
Here I am pairing the pashmina with wide-leg linen pants no longer available but similar linked below, with a Ganni mesh turtleneck (still available), and leopard mules (no longer available but similar and a dupe linked at the bottom of the post)
Here I am wearing the same pashmina and pants, but switched out the leopard turtle for the Anthro black Sweater and a horn necklace from IBU but no longer available (similar linked below)
Here is the identical look with the long lily linen skirt. I have linked a couple on eBay below.
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I hope this has given you some ideas on How to Refresh your Wardrobe by buying very little. Remember to consider CPW (costs per wear). A great pair of jeans, a neutral cashmere sweater, a wrap you can wear with multiple outfits, a moto jacket. These are all workhorses in my closet. Sarah London Style has written many posts about this that you might find helpful here. This is a great article from Clever Girl Finance here on how to stop buying clothes you don’t need.This article the fast fashion fix from the Guardian is also quite good.
Now let’s pop over and visit Sarah and Kim and see what they have come up with.
SARAH LONDON STYLE
NORTHERN CALIFORNIA STYLE
I love the leopard skirt and am about ready to order……thinking the petite might be better for me….I’m 5’4″. Thanks!
Everything you put together looks great on you. But I liked your hair longer for your face.
Hi Nancy
I think my hair is a little short right now too. I think my new hairdresser forgets!
Cindy what a great post with the best message! You are a great example of beautiful basics that build a stunning wardrobe. You never look the same, but have so many pieces that work in a ton of ways ! Just loved these looks- and especially the moto jacket with the combat boots! I am going now to shop those boots! Love doing this with you and Sarah! I am always getting better at these things thanks to partnering with you two! xo Kim
Hi Kim
I love those boots. They are pricey but they are on sale. I found mine brand new on Ebay last year.
Cindy, great styles, as always. I’ve only bought three things recently, all from Sundance. In addition to embracing the CPW theory, I have stopped shopping for entertainment or to relieve boredom. We all grew weary of being home during Covid, but I used that time to purge not only my wardrobe, but hobby rooms, too. It was cathartic. Seriously, why is anyone even concerned with what is “in”. The industry just wants to create a sense of need, Not listening anymore.
~ Back in the mid 70s/80s, I worked in the New York City rag trade just after graduating from the Fashion Institute of Technology. I had dreams of becoming a designer, but after 4 years in the industry, decided it was NOT FOR ME. I also worked for several years in women’s retail. There’s this nonsense that designers do 4 collections a year (and of course, you have to buy). These industries are wasteful; the rag trade #2 after the oil industry for waste and overall environmental pollution. I’ve seen huge amounts of waste where women throw away [perfectly good clothes] into dumpsters. When curating/editing my cowgirl closet, I donate my unwanted clothing to ThredUp, Goodwill, Poshmark and a women’s shelter. It’s psychological manipulation into deceiving you that you must have new clothes EVER FREAKIN’ SEASON. It’s psychological warfare, deceptive manipulation into buying clothes (that will sit in our closets) and will never be worn while filling their coffers. I’m not listening anymore, either. ~
This ^
Cindy, you are the queen of styling one thing multiples ways. I have a lot to learn. I’ve gotten better about buying things I don’t need … it’s process. Sometimes there are things I love, that fit but I have no place to wear them. No longer working in an office really curtails excuses I have for buying stuff. Ugh. Anyway, I finally bought that Reformation skirt. I’ve been eye it longing on your blog for so long. As a first time customer I got a 10% discount. So, yay! And thank you. I did a little closet clean out during yesterday excessive heat and will go back in today and see how I can style things more cleverly like you do. xo
Hi Juliet
I don’t think you need any styling tips from me! You will love the skirt. It is a good one!
Hey twin – well we are the same exact height and weight and size! I bought a leopard slip skirt from BR last year and love it. Thanks for giving me all the options! I am really trying to only buy what I am missing or need for an event. I usually buy one or two things that are new and fresh for the season. This fall, I’m into kelly green/emerald, so will get a sweater from Crew and a wrap from Athleta. Then I will just replace things that I need or get basics. Love your post. You and your tripod are killing it. 😉 Go girl.
I love all the outfits on you! Unfortunately some of them I feel I am to short 5’2”😂 what would be an alternative to a turtleneck I love them but I can’t wear them I feel like I am choking! Any suggestions? Thanks Cindy!
~ Hi Teresa, I am 5’2″ tall and 125 lbs. I LOVE turtleneck sweaters and wear them often during fall and winter. I could suggest a mock turtleneck if a traditional one makes you uncomfortable. Or a top with a low standing collar. Can you wear scarves? There are lots of inexpensive scarves to choose from. Hope this helps. ~
Thank you so much for the info I forgot about the mock turtleneck that will be the answer! Thanks again
Hi Teresa
Mock turtlenecks are more comfortable. I have to admit!
You look excellent in blacks and tans , Cindy, and your style is such an inspiration.
I have to smile about the leopard slip skirt that you wear so well…the lined one I purchased a couple of years ago , and found didn’t fit well , went to my local consignment shop… money in my pocket👍. I am now sticking with tops in leopard print since those colours work well near my face ( I’m a soft Autumn) . I can wear black tops as long as I add some colour to soften the look.
Seeing the hunting vest has got me inspired…I’ve had a couple for years and not used them well…one is khaki and the other olive green. Glad I kept them! I will be rummaging about looking for ways to wear them both this fall. Aha! 💡 A leopard sweater underneath , as per Cindy!
I have recently made $450 CAD selling quality spring clothing, and at my appointment this morning I handed over other treasures for fall consignment … reds weren’t quite right , and the black and white items were just too stark for me. Some ‘ winter’ lady will see how wonderful those will look on her, and they’ll hang in her closet. Meanwhile my closet is having a well deserved purge so that ‘just the best’ …. quality , fit and colours… remain.
Hi Cath
That is so great that you found a great consignment store. We have a great one in San Luis Obispo called Finders Keepers. I am going to give her a visit!! I find that because I am constantly trying to create looks that I think you all will enjoy, I am more aware of what works and what doesn’t. I am not a fashion blogger and I can’t just throw stuff out there to sell if I wouldn’t wear it. People sometimes complain that many of my things are hard to find. I try to add some new with the old, and in doing so find things I can actually use!
~ Cindy H., I can’t thank you enough for this timely post. As a former New Yorker, I worked in the NYC rag trade, then several years in women’s retail industry. In the mid 70s, I graduated from the Fashion Institute of Technology (NYC) with a degree in Fashion Design. Over the years, I’ve seen how wasteful both the textile & fashion industries are. Now, they’ve resorted to throwing fabric & clothing into the rivers. Americans are a wasteful lot, throwing perfectly good clothes into dumpsters without thinking of the consequences of their actions. PPW is so smart. Companies like Poshmark & Ebay are top notch in recycling/repurposing unwanted clothing. My recently curated closet has a lot of Double D Ranch, Ralph Lauren and Chico’s which get worn over and over but styled differently each time. I do the same with my vintage clothing; resisting the urge to buy every season. ~
Hi Mrs. A.J
I love Ebay, Poshmark, Etsy and all of the other great consigners. I love Double D Ranch too. I always search on Ebay for some of their older treasures.
~ If I ever feel the need to have a gently used Double D Ranch tee, I will switch it for something else on Poshmark or eBay. Most women would be surprised to find brand new items (of their favourite brands) for sale, negotiating offers with sellers. I did this frequently and have a closet that I’m proud of where EVERYTHING GETS WORN. ~
~ https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/faces-of-entrepreneurship%3A-james-reinhart-co-founder-and-ceo-of-thredup-2020-01-22; Faces of Entrepreneurship: James Reinhart, Co-Founder and CEO of thredUP. ~ This article is an interview between nasdaq.com and James Reinhart and how thredUp differs from other consignment shops. Men have this problem, too. What we must be diligent of is breaking the cycle of psychological warfare…of being fed this false narrative that we have to buy clothes 4 times a year. It fills the designers’/retailers’ coffers but leaves us with buyer’s remorse. It’s a serious problem that HM and Burberry’s committed to incinerating perfectly good clothing they could have given away for FREE. We Americans are a wasteful lot, polluting the planet. There are much better ways: RE-USE/RECYCLE/REPURPOSE! ~
~ And I forgot buy VINTAGE! ~
Yes!!
I “gave” six boxes of of designer clothing to Thred Up. I should have donated them. I would not recommend using them if you intend to make any money. Their system is very convenient, but for under $200 I would have been better off donating them. If I had been willing to spend the time I would have made ten times that on eBay.
Price per wear is so smart! I bought that Max Mara dress in Rome (expensive but 1/2 price there) and I’ve worn it to about 10 events already. I love the neutrals on you!!
Hi Mary Ann
We always need to remind ourselves of CPW. I have never found any expensive jeans that I love, but I certainly think if you can, you will definitely get the mileage out of a pair of jeans!
Every single look is bang on! So stylish, Cindy.
Hi Barb
Thank you so much.
You have a new haircut and I really like it. I think all hair cut a little shorter gives us a lift.
I can’t wear black around my face but it always looks good on those that can.
Hi Cindy
I think black “kind of” works on me because of the white hair. My hair was very dark brown before gray and black wasn’t all that flattering.
I love the way you have twisted (tied?) the pashmina to create a wrap look. Ingenious and very flattering.
Hi Bette
I just love wraps. I think they are so versatile especially this time of year.
~ As we move into cooler weather, my husband and I are so ready for fall. This is my season for wraps, ponchos and cowgirl boots which I wear year round. ~
Cindy, you have given me so many ideas! I want all of it and I still love my leopard. But I have a JCrew pashmina in camel and a Ganni mesh turtleneck in leopard so I was thinking maybe I should look for a midi black skirt! Thank you for the ideas! I love your taste!
Hi Marcia
A black midi skirt would be fabulous! You can often find the CP Shades black lily on Ebay or Poshmark.
I totally agree. CPW is the smartest way to spend fashion dollars. You look amazing in all these looks. I’ve been on the hunt for a skirt like that for a while. It’s such a classic.
Hi Jennifer
Thank you so much. I think you would like it. It is more substantial than many others I have encountered that show every bump…
On some fashion websites they have posted that leopard is out. I have several items that I love so I hate to put them aside and not wear them. I am also seeing leopard in so many stores. It can be so confusing sometimes. I love all the items you posted.
Hi Betty
I don’t think at our age we need to worry about “trends”. Sometimes the industry tries to “put something to bed” before the public agrees!
I love your style & can so relate to many past purchases which didn’t make the cut for the following season! I am trying to stay away from prints that I’m so drawn to but don’t use as much in my everyday wardrobe! Bravo for reusing our basics❤️
Hi Donna
I find that if I keep my basics as neutrals I am better off. I find the same in my home. I tire of a patterned wallpaper, curtains, or upholstery. I prefer my pattern in my accessories that can be easily changed.
That’s a great skirt. I have been tempted to buy a slip skirt but I’m really more of a pants person. Looks great on you with all of the looks. I’m glad you went for the combat boots last year since I think you can pull them off! I’ve been guilty of buying something with no idea of where or when I will wear (I told you about the gorgeous blue silk pants) but not often. Many years ago, I learned the idea of cost per wearing or amortizing the cost. It does help one rationalize if something is spendy. Thanks for putting together all of the clever outfits and modeling in the heat!
Hi Wren
I am more of a pants person overall as well, but I do like a skirt every now and then. I don’t do well with dresses as a rule. They either overwhelm me, or they don’t fit right due to my long waist. I really love the combat boots. They are comfy and edgy. It’s fun to add a little edge every once in awhile.
I’m going to go weigh myself as I would say im 5’9” now after shrinking and at my lowest weight a year ago when I was so skinny was 130!🙈i ve gained most back now!
Thank Goodness!
I best dive into that see’s box of candy!
Right Now!
Shopping better has always paid off for me!
My mother taught me that and she also told me everything comes back around in fashion if you keep it long enough. You also tend to toss less if you pay good money for it and it’s better material and better made. My problem was I just kept adding to that habit. Which I’m happy to say I have now broken I’m not shopping anymore!
Hi Elizabeth
You know your own style and wear it so well. I am so glad you have gained your weight back. I feel and look better at 125, if I could just get there. At one point I looked best at 118-too old for that now!
~ Your mother taught you well; I learnt the hard way. A year after my husband and I married (2011), I did a closet redo. Coming from the corporate world, I had all these suits/high heels that were out of place in the mountains. 2012 I curated my small closet; sold/donated everything to thredUp, Poshmark, eBay and a women’s shelter. My cowgirl closet has a few items from Double D Ranch, Chico’s, and Ralph Lauren (vintage Denim & Supply). Buying quality vintage has also saved me lots of money. My closet is spacious and there’s still lots of room for my clothes that get worn over and over again but refreshed in different ways (I own 2 pairs of jeans: Ralph Lauren, Carhatt and 2 pairs of leather pants for cold weather). Designers/retailers try convincing us that we need new clothes every year; that’s psychological manipulation to simply fill their coffers. I don’t shop anymore, either. ~
Hi Mrs. M
I love vintage items. I have several vintage Ralph Lauren pieces. Unfortunately, unlike most his items hold their value. Hence one has to really hunt to get a bargain!
you look totally adorable and so cool (in 114 degrees no simple task!)… Love the skirt on you in all the outfits!
You and I are almost the same size – I love to see how you rock all the adorable outfits that can take you from Autumn to Winter! Cheers and again, thanks for the inspiration
Hi Diane
Yes it was a little toasty “modeling”. So glad you found me. Hopefully we will meet up one day for a glass of wine !