So this blog post is about a month delayed but it’s better late than never, right? Winter has gone, spring has apparently sprung, although it’s only felt like it in the past couple of days around here. Shall we just jump right into my winter 2023 capsule recap?
GOALS RECAP
Figure out my winter style
Whilst I didn’t do this every day (my WFH look is still comfies), I did try to wear the rest of my wardrobe, such as jeans and sweatshirts. In fact, it was nice to try some new outfit combinations and wear most of my boots. The trick to it all: layering!
Wear black more
I’m not entirely sure that I did this because I only added two black T-shirts. All of my black clothing is very casual so maybe, I’ll give it a go next winter. I’m still on the hunt for the perfect pair of black skinny jeans though!
Get some new trainers
This was another failure. Footwear, for me, is expensive and therefore is a planned commitment. Do you know when you’re not 100% sure what you’re actually looking for? That’s me with these trainers right now! All I know is that I want a black pair that are waterproof, which seems basically impossible right now.
Identify any gaps properly
All in all, I think I have most of my basis’ covered. I’ve fallen out of love with clothing lately, opting for comfort over style. I’ve decided to go for pieces that are quality nowadays and save up for an occasional shopping spree.
Limit my purchases to larger spends
As I said above, I’ve quit shopping frequently because I just end up returning everything anyway. Instead, I’ll save up and shop whenever I travel somewhere (Hull is awful for clothes shopping). I’ve also stopped buying clothes online because they rarely fit!
Upgrade my underwear
This I have done! I’ve replaced some everyday knickers as well as found a new lounge bra. I’ve even invested in some lingerie again and it makes me feel incredible! Don’t just wear sexy lingerie for someone else, wear it for yourself!
However, my favourite knickers from M&S have been packaged a little differently. Previously, you could buy a pack of three, all black or all nude. Now, it’s all black or a pack of one white, one nude, and one navy. I’ve not worn white underwear since I was in primary school! As you can tell, I’m pretty annoyed!
LESSONS LEARNED
Layering is key
When I’m travelling especially, I’m constantly too warm. Once I get walking around, I start sweating so much when I’ve got at least three layers on. However, it does make it easier just to pop one layer into my rucksack and just stick to wearing a top and a coat.
It’s always colder than you think
This counteracts what I said above but my house/office/bedroom is very cold. I barely wore any short-sleeved tops because even with a fleece on top, it was still too cold. Sticking with long-sleeved tops and sweatshirts kept me much warmer! I went without any thermals this winter and will definitely be investing in some for next year.
Less is more when it comes to choice
I didn’t wear any short-sleeved tops more than twice or any long-sleeved tops more than three times. That means in the future, I’ll only include my favourites and pick core colours for the season.
STAT PACK
Most worn pieces – top 4
Light pink half-zip sweatshirt (M&S – 4 wears) | Teddy bear fleeces (Uniqlo – 3 fleeces – 30 wears) | Basic joggers (Uniqlo – 3 pairs – 46 wears) | Black leather lace-up boots (M&S – 10 wears)
Pieces not worn – 17 items
7 slogan short-sleeved T-shirts | 6 basic short-sleeved T-shirts (Uniqlo) | Khaki star sign sweatshirt (Kelham Print) | Dark grey V-neck sweatshirt (Gap) | Light pink puffer bomber jacket (M&S – gilet version) | Tan leather trainers (Hotter)
Pieces added – 12 items
Black & white oversized striped tee (M&S) | Bright blue & white striped tee (M&S) | Dark wash jogger jeans (M&S) | Burgundy crew neck tee (Uniqlo) | Deep blue crew neck tee (Uniqlo) | Light grey joggers (Uniqlo) | Cream & red striped LS top (Stradivarius) | Cream & blue striped LS top (Stradivaius) | Faded pink waffle LS top (Gap) | Mint green waffle LS top (Gap) | Black Rest Relax Repeat slogan tee (Kelham Print) | White Arsenal Women’s Conti Cup slogan tee (Art of Football)
LOOKING FORWARD TO SPRING
I’m happy to start wearing shorter sleeves and jackets, instead of layering up every time I leave the house. It’s strange because I love dressing for cold weather until it actually gets here! Then, I’m all in favour of peeling off the layers and not shivering every day. Trust me, if I’m warm, it must be roasting outside!
I’ve said before that I’m not really made for spring/summer dressing so I need to look for any gaps in my current wardrobe. However, I’m really hoping to not spend too much money during spring and invest in some new pieces ready for summer.
And that’s a wrap on my winter 2023 capsule recap. My wardrobe philosophy is all about purchasing quality over quantity and it saves me a tonne of money too!
