Fall Wardrobe Planning Part 1

I think it's safe to say that the UK heat wave is over and it's beginning to feel like fall. The cooler temperatures have got me ready to plan my Fall/Winter wardrobe and I thought I'd give you a glimpse into my process.

Lifestyle

According to Unfancy, one of the first things to consider when planning your wardrobe is what is your lifestyle going to be like. From October- December my life is about 70% working with children and running errands, 20% casual-social (like going out to dinner or going on weekend adventures with my husband), and 10% social-formal (there may be some holiday gatherings, our anniversary is in November/December, and I think my husband wants to go to a dance). So most of my wardrobe needs to be work appropriate and washable. 

Weather

Another thing that is important to consider is the weather. In England, Autumn is known for being relatively unsettled and wet with temperatures ranging from the mid-50s (degrees F) to mid-30s. In Winter it is cool, wet and windy and temperatures rarely get into the 60's and get as low as the teens. I've read some early predictions that England may have a colder than usual Winter this year. So it's important for me to stock up on sweaters and clothes I can layer. 

Word Association

In February when I was working on the Wardrobe Architect series, I came up with the following words to represent my style:

• easy
• timeless
• artistic
• modern
• quirky

But like everyone else, my style has a tenancy to change and evolve over time. Here are some new words that I'd like to add that describe my style right now:

• playful
• masculine/ feminine 
• edgy
• vintage inspired
• slightly sporty

What my style isn't:

• NOT preppy
• NOT glamorous
• NOT retro
• NOT girly 

Wardrobe Brand List

Next, I've developed a list of brands that I go to brands that I typically shop at. This helps to keep me on track when I do my shopping.

• ASOS- casual dresses + skirts
• Clarks- Shoes
• Ebay- Jeans + vintage finds
• Etsy- accessories + vintage finds
• Express- Tops + Accessories
• GAP- Jeans + pants + jackets
• H&M- accessories
• J Crew- tops + pants + shorts + jackets
• Old Navy- tops + jeans + pants + accessories
• Schuh- sneakers
• Target- tops + shoes + cardigans + accessories
• Topshop- accessories

The French Wardrobe Challenge

Finally, I was recently introduced to the idea of the French Wardrobe Challenge via Chic on the Cheap and wondered if I could incorporate some of these ideas into my Fall Wardrobe. I like the idea of not counting basics into your tally because these are the items that get the most wear so I want to stock up on them when I can.

THE RULES:

• Just 5 stand out pieces per season.

• Quality over quantity. 

• Basics don’t count. 

• Accessories don’t count, unless you’re spending a lot more than usual. 

• Socks and underwear don’t count. 

• Shoes do count. 

* I'd also like to leave my me-made items out of the tally. 

THE BASICS

• T-shirts in black, grey and white
• Tank tops in black, grey and white
• White button down shirt
• Black dress
• Black blazer
• Black cardigan or sweater
• Black pants
• Jeans
• Black skirt
• Faux leather jacket
• Trench coat
• Winter coat 
• Ankle boots
• Rain boots
• Knee boots
• Ballet flats
• Sneakers
• Watch
• Faux leather bag

How are you preparing your Fall/Winter wardrobe? Let me know in the comments below.