Issue 14. Everything in my closet
Because closet tours are the best kind of content
I love nothing more than a nosy poke around other people’s closets. And, as summer comes to a close, I wanted to do a quick audit of my own wardrobe to see if I feel settled for the seasons ahead.
I’m feeling great about what I have these days. I feel incredibly lucky to have been able to purchase these things with my own money; seeing the version of myself I want to see in the mirror (most days) is a tremendous privilege and I am grateful.
The biggest differences between today’s closet and what I’ve had in the past: prioritizing layerability and versatility. By and large, I stick to a highly restricted color palette, which helps me layer in a way that works for me - I prefer to mix fewer colors in an outfit. I completely understand that wanting a limited color palette is not a universal experience! Plus, where I used to have clothing for specific occasions and those occasions only (i.e. ‘summer’ blouses and ‘work’ skirts) these days, I prioritize things that can be dressed up and down (and cross-seasonally) via accessories, layering, and styling. I’ve decided not to include my activewear, because I just don’t find it that interesting.
With that, I invite you to have a poke around in my closet! Just for fun.
Let me know in the comments if you have questions about anything. And please, be kind, these are my real clothes, nothing sponsored or gifted :)
Tops
Five fun tops
Living in a temperate climate now, I generally wear these on their own, without a jacket. This category is my biggest exception to the ‘layerability’ rule, and I am totally ok with that, since there’s only a few!
Six layering tees
My workhorses. I’m wearing these most every day, under sweaters, flannels and other light layers. I’m wearing one right now!
Two linen button-downs
For wearing layered over tanks, or on their own. One oversized, one slim-fit.
Two pullover sweaters
And again, I’m wearing one of these right now! I am not a sweatshirt-person, so these are both oversized to serve that purpose while being able to dress up and down. For example, I wear the brown one on work calls and also as a cozy layer to the beach.
Four light-layers
Pop these over a t-shirt and you’re done. Each one sets a different vibe and comfort level!
Two denim jackets
Two long jackets
Great for windy and/or chilly days.
Bottoms
Two pairs of shorts
Both comfortable enough to wear WFH and out and about.
5 pairs of pants
All of these bottoms are comfortable enough for me to wear at home while I work, and elevated enough to wear outside the house.
One-and-Done
Two jumpsuits
My favorite category, by far. I typically reserve these for events (such as parties, sporting events, work trips) or for days where I’m going on an adventure and want the ease and practicality of a one-and-done outfit. To dress them up, I’ll wear a statement flat, and for adventure days, swap in a pair of sneakers. Easy peasy!
Three day dresses
Less robust than my jumpsuits, I wear these for nicer occasions where I want to feel pretty AND comfortable, such as free concerts in the park, dinner parties, etc. All three of these look equally great with boots, flats or sneakers, depending on the itinerary.
Two occasion dresses
I could wear these for less dressy occasions, but there’s something nice about reserving a select number of items for fancy events such as weddings or celebratory dinners. Since this category is small, I’m Ok these being special.
Swimwear
4 Bathing Suits
These all look great tucked into pants or shorts as tops. Not urgent, but by next summer I’d like to add a bikini, probably in a dusty blue color.
One swim cover-up
Accessories
Three Belts
One came with a pair of pants, and two leather belts of varying thickness. These all fit somewhere between a mid and high rise.
7 Handbags
Or is this my favorite category? I love them all, they’re so different and really change up the outfit, and serve different purposes. I don’t need any more bags!
Cold weather gear
Hats
Ok, this pink wide-brim hat is really the last remaining aspect of my ‘fantasy self’ but I think its good to have a few items that challenge and excite us. I hope to wear it this fall for trips into San Francisco, farmers markets, etc.
Shoes
Two casual sneakers
Two casual sandals
The flat-form fisherman sandal are ideal for dirty city walking (such as concerts, and wandering NOLA)! The Tevas are probably my most worn shoe, primarily for neighborhood walks, running errands, and doing laundry (which is not in-unit).
Three nice flats
Flats like these were rarely practical when I lived in the PNW, but here in sunny Bay Area, I wear these often :)
Two fancy heels
My wedding shoes (left) I’ve also worn out for happy hour paired with jeans!
Three pairs of fancy boots
I liiiiived in boots in Seattle, these lighter options seem to work well in the Bay Area, too. I may look to replace the over-the-knee boots with something shorter, as I’ve gotten less comfortable with how on-display my thighs are in these.
One pair of winter boots
I wore these almost everyday in Seattle, but imagine I’ll only wear them sparingly here, and when we travel to colder locations. I may purchase a pair of Blundstone boots for hobbies (hiking, sailing and sunsets on the beach) but I’m not completely sure yet.
Pajamas
Two sets
By and large, this is what I’m lounging and sleeping in. Robe, grungy t-shirts not pictured because they are worn much less frequently!
And with that, you’ve made it to the end of the full closet audit!
xx,
Maureen
Love this!!