I always understood that Europeans did what my mom suggested: fewer clothes of higher quality. Tim Gunn, I believe, noted how chic the French looked on Monday – and how chic they looked in those same clothes and how bad their clothing smelt by later in the week, lol!

I’ve realized that Tim is right about a few things: it costs less per use to invest in quality wardrobe workhorses that can last for years and look good for all occasions. It is expensive to have to keep shopping because shoddily produced items won’t work year after year. Also, it is possible to get quality on a budget if you learn how to shop in your area. I’ve also realized that if you don’t get the fit right, you won’t want to wear what you buy. The tailor is your friend. And if the proportion isn’t becoming, it is very easy to waste clothing purchases. Don’t bother getting something that doesn’t make you feel good. You might as well feel bad in what you have instead of buying something new that is also not-quite-becoming.

I remember being a young college student, working my way through school. The last job I had during that time required a nicer appearance than previous jobs, so I was in need of a wardrobe update.

I remember the look and words of approval at my second interview when I changed my casual striped blouse with the big white collar for my one formal work outfit: a sleek white blouse and black skirt. I ended up being hired for a nicer position than the one I had applied for, after being inspected by a VP, of all people, for a third interview.

I knew that the polyester black skirt and polyester white blouse wouldn’t hold up long without a few other pieces to rotate: pilly fabric is not professional! I used layaway to expand that one outfit into 4 with a new suit in a quality fabric, and multiplied it with a few more blouses, and multiplied it even more a bit later with one more suit. It was a tight, small, versatile wardrobe that easily covered all four seasons with ease, and I changed asap after work/school to my few casual pieces in order to minimize cleaning expenses. To save money on a coat, I used layers, because, hey, it only gets below freezing for a few days a year where I live, and I could just suck it up to endure the trip from home to car and between parking and office. Those suits lasted me for years, until I gained weight, because the timeless designs worked great through years of fashion changes.

I remember being treated so respectfully when in those outfits, at work, at college, getting such positive reviews and references and opportunities…and I caught the eye of my future husband, too. LOL. He thought he was getting someone really classy, at first! Looking back, I think my wardrobe choice had a bigger impact than I realized.

Weight fluctuations have been an obstacle to creating a tight wardrobe like that, along with fashion ignorance as I transitioned from a nursing job requiring only scrubs (easy peasy and in my most becoming color, stroke of luck) to homemaker, home school mom, and a new century…oh, that was ten years ago! I’m sorta behind, lol. But I have come to rely on just a few neutral trousers and capri pants, a few white and colored blouses, tanks and cami’s to mix and match, and a few cardigan sweaters and blazers, a formal top with one of my trousers for cold weather and a LBD that can dress up or down for warm weather, and using an old-reliable classic coat for winter. I have large, extra-extra wide feet and have to spend a bit more to be free of foot pain, so I’m careful to get the prettiest, most foot-friendly and the most flexibly-styled shoes in my huge size, and wear them for as close to forever as I can get away with before they fall apart and/or look disreputable. This covers my needs fairly well, except when my weight slides up, and I can usually travel easily with a tiny carry-on suitcase of mix and match outfits that ALL go with the cute, Gabor brown suede flats I like to travel in.

I’ve pulled out my sewing machine, and have started sewing again, and have been tailoring my clothing as my weight changes instead of just buying new. People freecycle their old fabrics and clothing from time to time. I’d like to try duplicating my favorite blouses and trousers when the current ones wear out.

Thank you!

<3

My experience taught me how “gluttonous” I am & how much I really don’t need! Since that time, I have almost stopped shopping for clothes. That’s not to say I don’t stock up on basics (white & black tee shirts or chinos, etc) when a good sale hits. But I NEVER pay full price for anything.

And like your red coat…I too, have some items that serve the purpose but are not consistent with current fashion or society. But who cares? I’ve got $$$ in the bank & I’m happy! :)

Good luck!! I sense another clothes fast coming on….yippeee!!

I will say this: now that our clothes are wearing beyond repair and I know that fabric is a costly splurge here in Germany, I’ve already started dreaming up projects I can do when X wears out. The other day I caught myself thinking, ‘darn – he can still wear this!’ ha ha! I wanted to use one of his old flannel shirts for a sewing project, lol!