Simplifying my wardrobe

Today's exercise: Going through my wardrobe, and throwing out things that no longer fit, are too well worn, holey, torn, and unflattering. It also involved throwing out items that I never wear, or wear so irregularly that it could hardly be considered a staple part of my wardrobe.

I'm left with one drawer of clothing, but its more than enough to get by on until I can create a more timeless, suitable wardrobe. I want to minimise the number of pieces that I have, but I don't have anything "classic". I don't even have that "perfect little black dress" every site I've visited today recommends as being a staple.

(before)

So this is what I'm left with:
Pants

• Wide legged jeans; very unflattering. Will need to replace, but suitable for now.
• Black athletic pants; very unflattering but only because I need to lose weight. Keeping them, so that I will make the effort to exercise!
• Beach shorts; sometimes worn to the beach when its busy, more often used as my cleaning/around the house clothes.

Dresses

• Little brown dress; keeping as it is my beach dress. I hope to make going to the beach a regular habit.
• Long purple/green sundress; Its gorgeous, suits me well and was a recent gift from my husband. Its not classic, but I can't part with it.
• Flower nightdress; need something for when there are other people around!

Shirts

• Black singlet; for layering and as a cleaning/around the house shirt.
• Purple singlet; as above.
• White dress shirt; for job interviews, dining out and when I want to look "sharp".
• Green shirt; Its a little bright for me (explain more fully below) but I look well enough in it.
• Blue flowered shirt; A piece that looks good on me, that I cannot bear to be without. Even if it is a printed shirt.
• Green singlet; slightly dressier as its got lace trimming, good warm weather shirt.
• Navy blue button up shirt; its a classic cut, looks great, and isn't too warm.
• White "peasant" shirt; unsure about keeping this one. But, I like it and I needed some variety until I can buy better pieces.
• Black dressy shirt; good for going out. Bit older, but looks good on me, definite keeper.

This list doesn't include accessories, undergarments or work clothes.

(after)

And, what I need (so I've been told)

• Two pairs of trousers which vary in style. Wide-legged pants or man-style trousers and another pair that are a more timeless, classic cut.
• Two pairs of jeans in different cuts. Fitted, straight legged or flared and wide-legged or man style. This can include skinny jeans if you have the body shape to wear them.
• A really great, well-cut coat. A timeless trench will take you from season to season.
• A cashmere sweater and cardigan in a V-neck and round neck.
• A few more shirts in my colours.
• A few great day dresses which are easy to wear and versatile for any occasion. One of these should be the indispensable wrap dress – smart, sexy and timeless.
• A colorful evening dress which makes you feel great.
• The ultimate little black dress.

I'm still not including accessories in this list.

So, what are my colours? Well apparently I'm a deep autumn. I'm not too sure how much stock I put in the theory of people being seasonal colours, but I'm giving it the benefit of the doubt as it seems to know what I personally feel best in, and what I believe looks terrible on me.

This is an approximation of what the colours are that suit me best. They are (from left to right): Black brown, black, light yellow, marigold, peach, terracotta, salmon pink, tomato red, deep red, true red, dark rose, lemon yellow, camel, jade, moss, lime bronze, hot turquoise, cerulean, Chinese blue, evergreen, navy and purple. According to http://prettyyourworld.com being deep autumn means that my dominant characteristic is deep, and my secondary characteristic is warm. This is because I have both dark hair and very dark eyes. And warm skin, rather than cool.

The Deep Autumn needs to wear the deepest and most vivid colors of the autumn palette. Rich dark chocolate, tomato red, Pine green are a few of the colors that will enrich your intense coloring. For maximum effect, pair deep dark colors with some of the brighter colors for contrast. Steer clear of soft pastels and light earth tones which are not strong enough for your coloring and will wash you out.

Power Colors: Deep Brown, Black, Tomato Red, Emerald Green, Rust

Avoid: dusty blues and lavenders, any light pale colors

I like this because some of my favourite colours to wear are jade, moss and purple. I can't say I'm a big fan of blues, but navy blue does suit me well. And I wore a red dress to my wedding that was sort of a tomato red, which I thought I looked good in, at least. So now that I know what I'm looking for I can be more discerning about my purchase.