How can I create a seasonless wardrobe?

by Trish
(Coastal So Calif.)

I love your website! I live in warm, southern California, coastal region. I am recently retired and determined to pare down the closet clutter and create a seasonless wardrobe. What types of clothing, fabrics, styles and colors should I use to create this very simple but functional wardrobe? While shopping my eye still wanders in the classic business wear section which is what I don't need any longer. Also, I recently lost 15 pounds, now down to 126 so I almost need to start over again (which may be fun but where to start?).

My coloring is a warm/soft Autumn. Please, please help me get started with a new, functional, fun and beautifully colored small wardrobe.

I remain a faithful fan,
Trish
Jane's answer... Hi Trish. Thank you for your kind words about my website!

Funnily enough I've just answered a similar question from your part of the world here.

Congratulations on losing all that weight and on your retirement!

Living in coastal south California I'm assuming you have a fairly even year round climate? In which case it will be easier for you to create a seasonless wardrobe than someone living in a climate with more extremes.

Make sure you really understand your colors, your body shape and proportions and the styles that suit your shape, and your style personality. For instance, even though the warm autumn and soft autumn categories do have some colors in common there is a significant difference between the 2 categories. And your body shape may have changed if you didn't lose weight evenly.

See my wardrobe articles and the information of capsule wardrobes in particular. And my article about shopping to realize your plans.

For further reading on capsule wardrobes I recommend the following ebooks. The links below are to my reviews of the ebooks...

• Wardrobe Magic


• Travelling Light

I also recommend Style Wise & Shop Smart to gain a deep understanding of using design elements to flatter your shape and for identifying and developing your style personality.

I wish you fun with your style journey.