Shop your closet

Adapting my coats for Spring

It is that time of year again when I need to sort through my wardrobe and start to decide which items from previous years stay and which need to be recycled.

I normally start with coats and work from there. Last year I purchased three coats. All from Mango so they were quite reasonably priced. I tend to spend more money on my winter coats as they have to work hard for at least six months.

All three above are keepers. You will have seen the light pink one worn recently in the snow. The material is not that thick so if I wear it in winter I need to wear warm layers underneath. You are likely to see it again in the coming months teamed with classic or white jeans.

Pink coats and jeans:

I can envisage my red print cotton coat worn casually over a dress or with a cream or light pink top and more formal trousers.

Print coats:

 

The black leather jacket is one of my favourite pieces. Black is not my most flattering colour, however provided I team it with cream or one of my light pastels it works well. It is ideal for travelling as it lightweight and can, if necessary, be folded and popped into a carry on case.

Leather coats:

This year you will see a lot of recycling and the adapting of existing pieces in my wardrobe.  We have other priorities such as covering the costs of our apartment in France, which due to the sterling v euro is costing more. Also, I have a full and well-curated wardrobe which I have built up carefully over the last few years. I believe in buying better and buying once.

I also and do not feel like constantly consuming. I think that there is a feeling in the air of shopping more sustainably. Replacing our well-worn items and buying only items that we truly love and feel good wearing. This does not include accessories which I find is an ideal way to update and freshen our existing wardrobe. I will also be considering a dress or two for the summer. I normally wear trousers but I fancy a dress or two. Lets see.

Chicatanyage

I write a fashion and beauty blog for women over 50 with the aim of inspiring mature women to continue to enjoy and have fun with their fashion choices. I have spent most of my working life in some way connected to fashion. I started my career in Fashion PR and then trained as an Image Consultant when my children were young. I subsequently worked in the corporate world running seminars, doing private coaching and speaking at conferences. I started my blog in 2009 as I wanted to share my years of experience working in the world of fashion. I truly believe we can continue to have confidence in the way we present ourselves. Our style may evolve with time and changing lifestyles, yet with a little knowledge and inspiration, we can all continue to have fun with fashion. As women of a certain age we are a growing demographic let us prove that we can also be a chic one.

View Comments

  • I think we are all guilty of buying too many things. One can even get very nice clothes in supermarkets at low cost. If we don't want to suffocate on our own waste we all have to cut back on consumerism. Accessories, as you say, are such a good way to update some classical items.
    by the way; I love your pale pink coat!

  • I quite agree with you Josephine and have already started sorting and culling my Summer wardrobe. I always try to buy items that mix and match, and find that all I need to buy this year are some colourful necklaces and earrings. Roll on Summer!

  • I agree with your sustainability point Josephine. I look after my clothes, so don't wear them out quickly. Am trying to build a classic wardrobe of clothes, like you, which I can wear over and over again, before recycling, then buying when need rather than want. Good advice to use accessories to update your wardrobe.

  • Great to hear that you're interested in shopping more sustainably. This is a definite trend. I love the blog and YouTube channel 'Use Less' about building capsule wardrobes and living a sustainable lifestyle.

Share
Published by
Chicatanyage

Recent Posts

The joys of summer kaftans

The joys of summer kaftans. In my opinion a kaftan is one of the most…

3 weeks ago

What I wore in France – holiday styles

What I wore in France - holiday styles for Summer

2 months ago

Books and films I have recently enjoyed

Books and films I have recently enjoyed

2 months ago

Our journey through France and overnight stay.

Our journey through France and overnight stay.

3 months ago

Preparing for your summer holiday

Preparing for your summer holiday

3 months ago